Hector should be in Poznan more often, one of my very favourite cities. Tomorrow is the Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) concert, the reason why I am here. Meanwhile there shall be Curry, Piwa and both Hazelnut and Walnut Wodka! I must point out that there Curry has been reported on from four counties in the space of a week, and this is just the warm up for Bradford next week.
There are two new Curry Houses in Poznan, plus I can confirm that the former Tavaa did open as the Thali Palace. Kwiat Peonii is located at the Flower Market, Restauracja HATTI (Wozna 13, 61-777 Poznan, Polska) is two blocks from where I am staying on Garbary. HATTI it would be.
I am used to Poznan Curry Houses being quiet, I was surprised to find HATTI so busy when I walked in at 17.30. During my stay every table would be occupied, I timed it well. The Restaurant was staffed by three young local girls who were kept busy. There are no photos of the interior of HATTI, nor would I establish the reason for the name in capitals. Who uses Capitals randomly?
The Hector Curry would be be either Rogan Josh (Zl 36.00) which featured Mixed Vegetables or Tawa Mutton (Zl 38.00). I sought advice from the Girl who served me. That she was able to differentiate between the two Dishes in English was impressive. She favoured the Tawa Mutton. There was the choice of inclusive Rice or a Roti, I chose Rice because I had spotted a new Bread – Chicken Keema Nan – (Zl 21.00). This I had to try. A half litre Bottle of Woda Mineralna (Zl 5.00) completed the Order, though I was nearly tempted by the Unfiltered Piwa that a few were drinking.
A different Girl brought a Poppadom and three Dips. The Chilli Dip was accompanied by a warning. It was as Spicy as she suggested, I concentrated on the Tamarind. With Cumin Seeds embedded in the Poppadom, this combined with the Tamarind made for a very tasty Starter. Why can we not have this in the UK, and complimentary of course!
An encouraging period of time lapsed between the Poppadom and the Main Course, not Curry in an instant as served yesterday at Sadhu in Berlin. The Curry and Rice were brought, I was informed that the Naan would come in a few minutes. Had I not slowed down I could have finished Curry and Rice before it arrived. The penalty for doing so was a Cooler Curry towards the end.
The Tawa Mutton was – Red – very Red. The Masala looked to be Tomato-rich and was topped with token Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander. The slices of Fresh Tomato were a welcome addition. I picked out two Bay Leaves, I am never sure what they are meant to add to any meal. For once in Europe, the Rice Portion was a sensible amount.
The Spice Level was adequate, Ginger did catch on the back of my throat. There was some Flavour in this Curry but it was all coming from the Masala, the Curry needed more Seasoning. The Menu states that the Mutton was fried in Garlic, Ginger and Chilli, the Meat was giving back no Flavour other than the taste of the Meat itself. I had ten pieces of Mutton which were suitably Tender, half of these had been eaten when the Naan arrived.
The Curry was fine, nothing to excite. Why was this a – Tawa?
The Chicken Keema Nan was served Quartered and was piping hot, so hot it highlighted the extent to which I had let my Curry cool. This was not really a Naan but was closer to being a Paratha. I could tell there was Meat in it, but being Chicken it added little to the meal. I managed more than half of the Naan before I admitted defeat.
The Bill
Zl 64.00 (£13.44) I could have done without the Bread which cost an incredible £4.41.
The Aftermath
I considered simply leaving the Calling Card with the Tip given how busy the place was. Also, the Girls were not who I would wish to engage in Curry conversation. Instead, I took the cash up to the counter and quickly introduced myself and the Website. This rated an – Ah.
