Poznan – Kwiat Peonii – Chef needs to go on a Curry Course

Kwiat Peonii (plac Wielkopolski 5, 61-745 Poznan, Polska) was not the intended venue this lunchtime. Two new names popped up in a search for Indian Restaurants in Poznan, and both were due to open at 11.30 which was perfect, potentially. With a 12.58 train booked to Wroclaw, 11.30 was the ideal time to dine. I arrived at MATA Indyjska Restauracja (Wroclawska 25, 61-833 Poznan, Polska) just on 11.30, there was no sign of life. The Menu on display looked simple, but interesting, this is certainly one for next March when Pendragon play in Poznan.

The fallback was Spicy Masala (Sieroca 5/6, 61-772 Poznan, Polska) which I knew to be a Takeaway but is now operating under the banner of – Victoria Food. Both venues are just off Rynek, minutes apart. Victoria Food was open, there was a lot of open space with a table at the far end where a chap was sat.

Are we an Indian Restaurant?

Delivery only – was the reply.

Who phones for Curry at 11.40? Actually, their website shows Pizza and Burgers before it gets to Curry. Hector had a Burger for lunch yesterday in case anyone was wondering what happened to Curry-Heute.

Kwiat Peonii is located at the corner of the market square and handy for the No. 8 Tram which takes one to the far side of Glowny and Sala Ziemi where Steven Wilson performs on occasion. I entered at 11.45, two diners were already in situ. The Waitress brought an array of Menus, one was for Ice Cream. I didn’t even glance at the Lunchtime Menu which was an oversight. Having processed the photos, I learned something about Kwiat Peonii which may explain my somewhat negative review on Visit #1. Mutton Rogan Josh (Zl 42.00) was the spontaneous choice after I checked what I had last time – Handi Meat (Zl 39.00). Rice was inclusive, so that negated any thoughts about Bread. A Bottle of Sparkling Water (Zl 7.00) completed the Order.

Something Yellow was placed before me.

Cucumber – is what I thought the Waitress said. It wasn’t Cucumber, it might have been Potato, whatever it was, it was Cold and not Wonderful. I decided not to finish it, why eat something this unpleasant?

*

The Curry arrived at 12.02, the 12.30 Tram was the objective. The Rice had Peas which was commendable, the portion was a ideal size to cover a plate, but look at how the Curry was served.

*

Mutton Rogan Josh

Six large pieces of Meat sat in a standard, blended Masala. The Masala had a decent viscosity, I couldn’t help but recall my visit last year when the Handi looked excellent but did not produce the required levels of Flavour.

Tipping the Rice on top of the Curry felt a bit weird, like eating upside down. The first intake of Masala revealed a decent Kick, we had Spice. Basically, that was it, I could stop now.

Smaller pieces of Meat were embedded in the Masala. Each of the larger pieces had to be halved. No complaints about the Quantity then. The Meat was delightfully Soft, very Tender. I kept waiting for something to happen on the palate. We had Spice. The Menu listed the Ingredients, the base for Curry was present, but what was missing? The lack of Seasoning was very apparent. Cinnamon, this Curry needed Cinnamon, and more Herbs. Fresh Coriander was mentioned, was that just the Topping. Cardamom, Cloves, something more was required. What I had here was no more than a Spicy Lamb Stew. If that is Curry, then so be it. What was written on the Lunchtime Menu that I hadn’t spotted? Nepal! Hector avoids Nepalese Restaurants, they disappoint, usually haven’t a clue. The Chef at Kwiat Peonii needs to go on a Curry Course.

The Bill

Zl 49.00 (£10.17) I paid by card, most Poles don’t appear to use cash. Sterling is less than five Zloty to the Pound, a first.

The Aftermath

I left a Calling Card even though I only tend to do so on a first visit.

Somebody here needs to source better ingredients.

The 12.30 Tram was a minute early.

Menu extracts

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