Taste of India (Dietla 46, 31-039 Kraków Polska) opened in November 2016 as best as Hector can establish. It is located on Dietla, the southern part of the ring road around Stare Miasto (Old Town) and on the northern periphery of Kazimierz, an advantageous site.
This Curry House is held in the highest regard on other sources. Could the final Curry of this Trip could possibly be better than what has been enjoyed this week? One conclusion has been reached before today’s Lunchtime Curry at Taste of India, the standard of Curry on offer in Kraków is far superior to that in many cities across Europe.
Two other Diners were present when Hector and Marg arrived at Taste of India just after 13.00. The Waiter brought the Menu, as ever, Marg would snack whilst Hector ordered a Main Course. The Menu was efficiently laid out, Madras, Balti, Kadhai, Masala and Palak being the styles of the Main Courses. Each was available as Mix Vegetables, Paneer, Chicken, Lamb, Fish or Prawn as appropriate. On any other day I would have negotiated a Fish Kadhai (36Zl) with my usual tweak. However, it was hours since I enjoyed this at Indus Tandoor. It was time to return to Lamb, I asked the Waiter which was his recommendation between Lamb Dania W Sosie Madras (39Zl) and Lamb Dania Z Sosem Masala (30Zl). Unsurprisingly he favoured the more expensive Dish. I wondered what was in this to justify the differential. I asked him – why.
It (Madras) has tomato, other is sweet.
Hector eschews Sweet Curry and wonders why Achari was not part of the Menu items. We agreed on the Lamb Madras – Spicy, but not Crazy Spicy, and no Bell Peppers.
At Zayka earlier this week, I was impressed by their Menu declaring the weight of the Curry Portion – 400g. At Taste of India it was the turn of the Rice, each was 300g.
The Vegetable Pulao served in the Curry Houses of Kraków has been found to be a meal in its own right. I had to assume that here at Taste of India, the Vegetable Pulao (10Zl) would match this standard.
Perhaps inspired by Steve last night at Indus Tandoor, Marg was up for Soup this Lunchtime. She negotiated Vegetable Soup (10Zl) – Mild. How often is one asked – how Spicy – for Soup? Marg asked that her Soup be served at the same time as my Main Course. On asking for a Large Bottle of Sparkling Water, the Waiter suggested a Karafka (10Zl). He had done well, even going as far as confirming that Chillies were fine, it was Green Peppers that should be excluded.
*
Complimentary Poppadoms and two Dips were presented, the first venue to do so this week. The Poppadoms had embedded Cumin Seeds, one of the Dips was Tamarind. All boxes ticked here.
Two other Diners replaced the original pair. Another Chap was in and out a few times during our visit, I assumed he was dealing with deliveries. Taste of India is a modest establishment seating around thirty. Perhaps on weekend evenings one should book.
The wait felt appropriate, this was not a rushed order. Had Taste of India been busy, I can only speculate as to the length of the wait.
The Soup arrived first, it was not blended and so the individual Vegetables could be spotted. Sliced Garlic was to the fore. Marg enjoyed her Soup and confirmed that, although visible, the taste of Garlic had not dominated.
The Lamb Madras arrived moments after the Soup.
Lamb Dania W Sosie Madras
The Curry was served in a karahi and placed upon a candlelit heater. Ground Nuts and Fresh Coriander topped the very Red and Thick Masala. This looked to be a decent, competent Curry.
As always, the Rice had to be dealt with. No way would Hector eat 300g of Rice, Marg would take some of the surplus to eke out her Soup. Green Beans, Carrots, Cauliflower, Peas and large pieces of Paneer would make this Curry – a meal.
The Meat quantity was the lowest I have been served in Kraków this week. Fortunately some pieces were large and so were halved. There was enough, but not the Feast as served at Pampara and Zayka. The first intake of Meat and Masala brought a wave of – Blandness – across the palate. The Spice Level was decidedly low as was the Seasoning. The Meat was very Tender and impressed initially, however, I had to re-evaluate this as I ate more.
Colour aside, the appearance of the Masala was favourably – Thick. There was a Sweetness which I had not expected, especially given the statement above. The first few minutes of eating this Curry were far from impressive, then the Spice Level began to become more noticeable as did the Seasoning. The Flavours from the Masala at the base of the karahi were a marked improvement from the top, but they still lacked any true depth. This Curry was approaching – unremarkable. It was at this point I realised that the Meat was not actually giving off any Flavour in terms of Spice, Herb or Meat itself. The Masala was doing all of the work. This was no more than a Competent Curry.
I do not know what others have ordered at Taste of India which made them praise their Curry so highly. I have been to ten Curry Houses in Kraków, this was nowhere near deserving the accolade – Best Curry – as experienced by the Hector. Having been to India, I know somehting about the actual – Taste of India – this was not it.
The Bill
69Zl (£13.80) We’ve had more food for a similar price at the other venues visited this week.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented and the Blog shown to the Waiter.
How was it? – he asked.
I thought it was Sweet.
Sweet? It’s Madras.
The Waiter then asked me to rate the meal on a scale of one to ten. This is something I only do when specifically asked. Mainstream Curry, which this was, is enjoyable. When I find something truly – Outstanding – as I did earlier this week, the Laal Mass at Pampara, then I make it clear how special the moment is. Who needs numbers?
Seven – I replied almost arbritarily, and listed Pampara, Indus Tandoor and Zayka as being distinctly superior. I do not think he was happy to hear this. I could have included the Ganesh and the Hot Chili outlets also. Check the order of the Kraków Curry Houses on the right panel, that should say everything.
But we are rated the best – he exclaimed.
Not by Hector.
