It’s a long way from Poznan to Gdansk, then Gdynia for Curry
Celestine Residence – Gdansk
Hector was meant to be flying home today from Poznan, Mr. O’Leary had other ideas when the flight was brought forward to – too early o’clock – no thanks. Instead I fly home tomorrow evening from Gdansk, flights on Tuesdays are always cheaper, so – win-win.
Having visited the two Gdansk Curry Houses on my first visit here in 2016 there is certainly no need to return to either. Sopot was a possibility, but Gdynia has an branch of Ale Browar, Hector has not found Rowing Jack, Artezan-Mera or Siostra Bozenka on this trip, here was the Opperchancity to have Rowing Jack on tap.
Howard and Hector were taught a lesson on what is – Spicy – when we visited Gdynia’s Taj Mahal in 2016, I’ll get back there one day. Gdynia has two other Curry Houses, one is a Shisha Bar so I shall never tolerate that. This leaves Ram Ram Ji (Starowiejska 8, 81-356 Gdynia, Polska) which promotes itself as selling – Indian Street Food.
I arrived at 17.30 to find a Curry Cafe with seven stools at a bench along the window and adjacent wall. This was certainly more of a Takeaway than a sit-in establishment. I took my coat off to make my plans clear. The Young Chap behind the counter pointed to a coat stand at the door then showed me the Menu.
The Menu was Minimal, it was Indian – Veg or Non-veg – in other words, Chicken. I asked for – Meat – he pointed to Butter Chicken (Zl 25.00). I was having none of this. The sincerity of my words from yesterday can now be verified: Palak Paneer Makhni (Zl 25.00) looked to be the best choice of the Vegetarian Dishes. This included a Naan, Garlic and Chilli was my selection. Having eaten – zilch – since yesterday’s interesting visit to Kwiat Peonni (Poznan) Hector was hungry. I asked for Samosa (Zl 12.00), not available. Mix Pakora (Zl 10.00) was suggested, OK.
Drink? – said the Young Chap pointing along the counter – Indian Drink.
I chose a carton of Mango Rubicon (Zl 8.99), the Still version made by Glasgow’s very own A.G. Barr, makers of Irn Bru. I took my seat, stool.
The Elder Chap asked about Spice. I assured him – Spicy – was fine; as long as he wasn’t moonlighting from the nearby Taj Mahal this should be tolerable.
Both Chaps set to work, a third Chap, possibly the Boss/Owner then appeared. All three were involved in the preparation of my Order. No other customer entered the premises during my entire visit, I had Ram Ram Ji to myself
The Young Chap brought the Mix Pakora and Rubicon on a tray: paper plate, plastic knife and fork, a plastic straw on the carton, I hate straws and plastic.
Look at the Quantity!
Some fifteen pieces of Paneer and Vegetables in Spicy Batter sat on the plate, a Mint Dip accompanied. All eyes were on Hector who set about demolishing this plateful. Hector uses his fork in his right hand but eats (by hand) and drinks with his left. Apologies to all Indians who may be offended by this, one is set in one’s ways.
This was not Pakora as prepared in the UK, each piece was a single entity, not the finely chopped Potato, Onion and Fresh Coriander one is used to. Need a Recipe? Here’s one. Cubes of Paneer, Potato Wedges, Potato Fritters, Broccoli and Cauliflower, all piping hot, all freshly cooked – to perfection. The Spice Level was not challenging, the Seasoning was spot on. Very Tasty, very, very Tasty. A Yoghurt Dip would have been preferred to Mint. Excellent Pakora.
I was down to my last three pieces when another tray was presented.
Look at this!
Green Cheese! For just over a Fiver, a Feast. I am looking forward to – Weird Dreams – tonight. How much Cheese was on this plate? I counted around forty pieces, some cubed, some double sized, – a two – if one recalls – Cuisenaires– from primary school. This was a Brown Creamy Masala with Spinach, and not to excess. Black Seeds, either Mustard or Onion permeated the Masala. Small pieces of chopped Onion were in there too. How far was this from Hector’s usual Karahi Gosht?
Behold, a Naan!
I have eaten some dodgy Bread in the past couple of weeks, this actually looked like a Naan. It was Thin, the correct Teardrop shape, and was dripping in Garlic. The Red Chillies looked – Fierce. It was served – Whole! Piping Hot – I tore off a Strip, the joy of being able to do this, and dipped into the Masala.
The Spice Level was within acceptable parameters, some may have struggled. More Seasoning please. The Overall Flavour was unlike anything I have ever experienced, I couldn’t rave about it, probably lacking in Garlic and Ginger. The Garlic from the Naan came into its own, and I thought I had stopped ordering Garlic Naan. This was the perfect accompaniment for this Curry. I rotated between eating the Paneer, the Paneer and Masala, and the Naan and Masala. With around a third of the Naan left I knew I could never eat all of what lay before me. I still had half the Curry.
From my Kibbutz days I know what happens if eat eat too much Cream Cheese, especially when Bier is going to follow. I have never eaten this much Cheese in my life, and still there was more. I reached my limit and took the second tray back to the counter. Chap #3 immediately offered to pack it for me.
I cannot take it with me – I said in an apologetic tone.
Chap #2 said he was surprised when I ordered the Pakora and the Palak Paneer Makhani.
I showed the Curry-Heute Website on the LG and handed over my calling Card. Chap 3, evidently Mein Host was quite enthralled. I asked why there was no Meat on the Menu. He told me this was down to them having such a small kitchen – the smell of cooking Meat or Fish – he said. (Really? I’ve never noticed.) Storing it is also a problem – perhaps Lamb in the summer – I was assured.
There had to be a photo. They were all smiles but adopted – the Indian pose – I have witnessed over the years.
The Bill
Zl 48.00 (£10.08) I noted the Inclusive Garlic Chilli Naan was charged at Zl 0.01 to round up the numbers, clever accounting.
The Aftermath
I think I made their night. I applauded as I left – Namaste!
AleBrowar is about two blocks back towards the train station. It’s as if I had these things planned. Rowing Jack please.
If my mission in my remaining years is to keep travelling and eat Curry, then a Curry such as this has to be something to remember. I’d like to think I shall return here. Marg has never been to Gdansk–Sopot–Gdynia, Butter Chicken?
