This is Hector’s second attempt at touring Polska in 2020. Warszawa, a city Marg has never been to, where Hector was due to meet Dr. Stan back in March, and subsequently The Rickmeister to see Steven Wilson around this very date.
Previous visits to Warszawa have been brief, as with this one, two days maximum. Coverage in Curry-Heute is therefore minimal, and likely to remain so, there ain’t a lot to see in the Polish capital.
Rasoi Restauracja Indyjska (Chmielna 98/15, 00-801 Warszawa Polska) was long overdue a visit. Located across from Warszawa Centralna, Rasoi is easy to spot, but difficult to access, try negotiating the underground passageways. Rasoi is also close to Restauracja ukrainska U Siostr where I have dined twice. The excellent Eastern European Fayre is highly recommended, and also gives proof that Hector does not just eat – Curry.
Arriving at Rasoi around 13.20, only one small table for two was free. This is clearly a popular place at lunchtime, their 20Zl Menu being the attraction. On Monday’s it’s Navratan Veg Korma or Chicken Curry. Marg was going to have her usual – Starters – but on seeing what everyone else was having, took the Veggie option. She also asked for a Roti instead of the very thin Naan being served to our fellow diners.
On standing up to collect the Main Menu, I was told to sit back down, they would bring it. Mein Host was manning the counter, his lady and presumably their daughter doing the fetching and carrying.
On finding the key section of the Menu, Mutton Methi (32Zl) proved to be irresistible. How long is it since the favourite Herb has been encountered, especially in Europe? To avoid just – Meat & Sauce – I decided to go for it, a Veg Parantha (12Zl) would accompany, no Rice. Only 330ml bottles of Sparkling Water (5Zl) were available, two were ordered. As I have being doing over the last few days, I showed Mein Host a photo of Capsicum on a well known and reliable Curry Blog. He assured me that all was well.
The couple on my right departed, their places taken almost immediately. The lunchtime option was ordered, their meal served and finished before ours arrived. Not only do Rasoi have an efficient conveyor belt which suits those on their lunch break, it also shows that Hector’s Curry was being properly prepared.
Navratan Veg Korma
Vegetables with Indian Cheese – says the menu. The Korma featured Paneer, Sultanas, Almonds, Broccoli, Peas, Green Beans and Carrot in a mild, Creamy Masala. In addition to this, was a Roti served in quarters, a decent portion of Rice, and a Soupçon of Coleslaw. All this for four quid! No wonder Rasoi is popular.
Perfumy – was Marg’s first pronouncement. The lady who was only going to have a Starter ate the lot.
Very creamy, it was light and sweet, full of different vegetables and the Paneer adding different textures to the dish. The rice and Roti went well with the thin sauce.
*
Mutton Methi
Regular readers will know that Hector fears being served a mass of Herbs and no Masala. The Yellow, Creamy Masala took me aback, yet I have seen this in Europe previously. The Masala was thin at the top of the dish, the pieces of Meat were small. Towards the base, the Masala became appreciably thicker and the pieces of Meat much larger. There was a lot of eating here, the Meat count was well into double figures, ordering a la carte felt justified.
Veg Parantha
I instantly forgave the fact that the Paratha was served in four pieces. On lifting one sector I was surprised by the heat, careful, Hector! The Paratha was seriously thick, I pulled back the top layer to reveal what was in effect, a Vegetable Curry inside. The Vegetables present in Marg’s Korma were here along with fresh Coriander. I couldn’t have asked for any more, this was a meal in itself. Whilst the abundant Masala may well have been better suited to being eaten with Rice, to have missed out on this Vegetable Paratha would have been a catastrophe. Without doubt, this was one of the best Vegetable Parathas I have encountered. I would strongly recommend that anyone dining here must try it, even to share. I doubt that many individuals could eat a whole one. Hector tried, and failed. Marg too recognised the quality, but was already full due to her own feast.
The Masala was piping hot also, the Meat was so soft and unlike Taj Mahal (Gdynia), I was certain this was – Lamb. This was probably the best Lamb I have had on the trip. There was Spice, there was Seasoning. Marg took a dip of Paratha and Masala, – too spicy for me! The Spice Level was pitched perfect for the Hector. Not a huge fan of Creamy Masalas, it was a case of – get on with it. The Methi registered on the palate, a so familiar Flavour. I could see flecks of Herb strewn through the Masala, this is how I like my Methi Gosht, I had to wonder if Chef had a pot of Brown Masala somewhere.
I bit into a green Cardamom, not a good thing to do. The thickness of the Masala towards the base of the pot intrigued. Possibly pieces of diced Onion, certainly pulped Meat, the bottom of The Big Pot had been scraped. Again I remind the reader that I have ordered – Curry – not – Karahi. Soupy, yes, but that can be the nature of the beast. At home I may well have been raging had I been presented with this Creamy Masala, this is Europe, this is how it is. The Paratha and Spicy Masala worked so well together, I would certainly have this again.
Having observed the photography and no doubt appreciating that I was spending twice as much as my fellow diners, Mein Host came over to ask the customary question, we were the only diners approached:
Everything is OK?
Your Paratha is wonderful, it’s a whole Vegetable Curry inside the Bread.
Thank you very much.
The Bill
76Zl (£15.13) Great value.
The Aftermath
I went up to introduce myself and Curry-Heute. Mein Host already knew how much we had enjoyed our meals, and so knew that when written, this review would be positive. I mentioned my love of Punjabi Cuisine in particular to test his reaction. He is from Haryana adjacent to Punjab. This makes me wonder what else might be available at Rasoi by arrangement. Perhaps a local will tell me?
Hector was obliged by the family assembling for a photograph, this always adds a welcome conclusion to any review.
Lunch Menu
Menu extracts
