Parampara has gone but will not be forgotten. Monday’s impressive visit to Delhi Curry House commands a return visit. However, crossing the Vistula once more to Zayka (Limanowskiego Boleslaw 46, 30-551 Kraków Polska) on the edge of Podgorz had been planned for some time. Marg, Steve and Hector arrived at Zayka just before 15.30, a good time to eat.
Downstairs we went, another basement Curry House. We were greeted by two staff members and shown to the middle room. Our waiter was keen to take the Order, more time was asked for. We noted an appendage on the Menu stating that due to rising prices, Dishes are Zl2 more than printed. The prices I quote are therefore those we were charged.
No Lamb! – we were informed. Last year this was enough to have Marg and Hector walk out of Spice of India on the edge of Kazimierz. Not today, Hector was having Fish Curry, and – no Lamb – did not mean – no Keema. Marg was sorted. Steve opted for Chicken. It might be a good idea for lovers of – Gosht – to phone before making the trek across the river.
Steve was hungry, Soup was called for – Dal Fry (Zl12) would be followed by Murgh Jaisalmeri (Zl30) and a Lachha Paratha (Zl12). In keeping with the spirit of Curry-Heute, Steve asked that the Capsicum be withheld. For Marg, Mutton Keema (Zl34), a – Zayka Special – she informed me. For Hector, Cod, for once the Fish was identified – Sarsonwali Machi (Zl42). As worked well at Delhi Curry House earlier in the week, we would share a Veg Pulao (Zl14) and a Butter Naan (Zl8). The waiter confirmed that Paneer, Green Beans, Peas and Carrots would be present. A Lassi (Zl12) for Marg and three bottles of Sparkling Water (Zl6) completed the Order.
The Spice Level was then discussed. Marg played safe and asked for Medium. We were then offered to choose on a scale of 1 – 10. The chaps chose 8. Brave. Unlike Deutschland, in Polska, Chefs will serve a Spicy Curry. The Soup would also be – Spicy.
Spicy! – said the waiter as he presented Steve’s Soup.
Dal Fry
I suspect the photo gives a false impression, the Soup was not that rich in appearance. This was definitely a – Shorva. For a Lentil Soup, we all expected something more substantial. Its Spiciness was, however, confirmed.
Later, Steve tried adding some of his Paratha to thicken things up. The Soup was abandoned, that it disappointed was communicated, and hopefully back to the kitchen.
The Soup was lacking in both flavour and substance – began Steve – it helped when I added bread, wouldn’t recommend the Soup.
There was a suitable gap between Soup and Main courses.
The Rice was piled high in the dish, I took a testing portion, there was still way more than Marg would require. The Naan was worryingly thin. The buttery sheen impressed me, Marg wondered why I had asked for this. Steve would later describe his Lachha Paratha as being – perfect – perhaps I should have paid more attention. The photo does capture layering.
That the Breads were served in quarters always spoils the impact. Last week, I thought I was about to enter a – Naan phase – no sign of it yet. Saturday night?
Mutton Keema
The Keema was decidedly – wet. With no Garnish, Aloo or Mutter, it just looked like a plate of – Mince. At least the Peas in the Vegetable Rice would add an air of familiarity. A dry, Red Chilli, a Cardamom and a large Bay Leaf would reveal themselves in time. Unlike the Soup, the Keema had substance.
It looked as though there were no vegetables – remarked Marg – just Keema, but full of flavour. As indicated on the menu, it was one of their specials. A very enjoyable dish with a bonus of Vegetable Rice, but I would have preferred a Naan without butter.
Sarsonali Machi
The Garnish was merely a threat of Coriander. The dark brown, blended Masala looked decent. The dish sat there with two mounds smothered in Masala. The core of each mound was a boneless chunk of Cod, – Cod Steaks?
I cut one open to reveal the contrasting whiteness. Clearly the Fish had only recently been introduced to the Masala, and I couldn’t tell if there was a coating of Spice – Masala Fish?
I left some of the Masala for dipping. Having arranged the Cod and Masala on the Rice, I observed there to be enough Masala for the quantity of Rice, far from an excess.
I began with Naan and Masala alone. The Spice Level was fierce, I suggest no sensible person ever turns it up to – ten. The Flavours from the Masala hit hard also. Was I kidding myself that I could taste the Fish from just the Masala alone?
Addressing the plated food, the Cod separated into flakes easily. I don’t think I have ever encountered such sizeable slices of Cod, and not a single bone. The Seasoning was unobtrusive, enough to permit me to appreciate that this was indeed a – Fishy – Fish Curry. The diversity of components in the Rice added more pleasure to what was already shaping to be a decidedly worthy Fish Curry. When our waiter came to make the customary check, our voices were as one, we were enjoying the Fayre.
Why am I not getting Fish Curry of this quality in the UK? Bradford’s Fish Karahi excepted, I tend to be served – OK Fish Curry – too much Coconut Milk prevails. Today’s alternative to the Goan Fish Curry was streets ahead.
I ate on, savouring each and every mouthful. In the end, the quantity of Rice on the plate beat me. Pairs of Cod Steaks, I shall look out for these at home. Meanwhile, let it be noted, the Sarsonali Machi was a fine example of the genre.
Murgh Jaisalmeri
The Garnish puzzled, the menu reveals it to be fried Poppadom. The menu also clearly states that this Curry comes in a yellow gravy. By asking for the Capsicum withheld, had Chef switched Masalas? The Masala here looks closer to that served with the Fish, but perhaps not so noticeably blended.
Steve voiced his pleasure as he ate. The thickness of the Masala impressed, he had been worried that more Shorva was coming his way.
Good, spicy, more creamy than expected, chicken was fine.
This may sound subdued, the positives were declared before the final verdict was given. At one point, Steve did compare his Curry to a Butter Chicken.
The Bill
Zl182 (£32.86) To put this in perspective, we ate Polish last night, the bill was around a third of this.
The Aftermath
I showed the waiter the review of our first visit. He thanked me. More customers had arrived, he had them to see to.
We walked west through Podgorz, another part of Kraków which, like Kazimierz, was once a village in its own right. I suspect we shall be back to see the Rynek in daylight.
Update 2022
Zayka has moved north of the river to – Jozefa Dietla 50/1, 31-039 Kraków
Menu extracts
