Poznan – Mata Indian Restaurant – Indian Curry-Heute!

Curry in Poznan? Who would have guessed? Especially after a night in Berlin which did not feature Curry.

Howard and Hector are on tour, actually, it’s Riverside who are on tour. The next challenge is to see Riverside perform in their Homeland – was written in these pages back in March 2019 when they played in Glasgow. I announced back then that I would follow them on their next tour, little did we know what the end of 2019 would bring. Anyway, today is day two of six, and a free night, no more Riverside until Gdynia tomorrow.

When Marg and Hector were last in Poznan, between Lockdowns in 2020, I counted nine new Curry Houses. Something is happening here. Today’s choice of venue, Mata Indian Restaurant (Wroclawska 25, 61-833 Poznan, Polska), is long established. Wroclawska is the main street leading to Rynek, the Old Town Square. In the quiet of the afternoon the staff are oft seen standing in the doorway. Hector has been on nodding terms for years, tonight a promise fulfilled. Another source rates Mata highly, and a table in the cellar is recommended.

Arriving, alone, at 19.30, the street level tables were eschewed, Hector headed downstairs. With large tables set to the rear, some reserved, I was given a small table facing the TV. I have never seen such a brutal Bollywood movie before, blood everywhere, and still the wicked uncle sang throughout.

The English menu was on the reverse side of the A3 laminated sheet.

Curry by weight, 450gm, that’s nearly half a kilo! Alas, that should include the Masala, this was not going to be a feeding frenzy. Kadai Curry (Fish – 32Zl, Mutton – 35Zl) featured Vegetables, a bonus. However, given Polish prices, here was the opperchancity to have a Vegetable Biryani (28Zl). 650gm, well of course, huge Rice, it’s mandatory in Europe. Curry Mutton (35Zl) looked the best bet, Spicy – was agreed. Sparkling Water (300ml – 7Zl, 700ml – 14Zl) completed the Order.

It was the smaller bottle which arrived.

And so back to the movie. Bloody hell.

Veg Biryani

A mountain of Rice, two weeks ago at Chilli Grill (Brussel) I witnessed a chap shift five times the quantity I would consider to be – a portion. I took what I knew I would manage, the rest, and the accompanying Yoghurt, were abandoned.

Cauliflower, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli and Green Beans featured, a fine array of Vegetables, and all cooked to perfection. Yes, Hector had ordered two main courses. The Biryani itself may have been sufficient for some, as a complement to the Curry, ideal. The Biryani gave off excellent Flavours, a good choice.

Curry Mutton

The aroma of something from the south of India wafted. 450gm? It didn’t look a lot, these karahi can be deceptive. I convinced myself that the Mutton count reached double figures. None of the pieces of Meat were particularly large, without the solids from the Biryani, I suspect this review would have turned out differently.

Tender Mutton, and giving of Flavour, always a bonus, and not to be taken for granted. The blended Masala had the – kick – that one would hope for when ordering – Spicy.

Given the aroma, I was expecting smokiness to be revealed, that did not happen. This Curry was decidedly different from the typical Euro-fayre. A single Clove and three pieces of Cinnamon Bark were encountered, whole Spices, a sign of pedigree. What was I tasting? It took a while to suss this Curry, clearly this was not the Mainstream one encounters across the Continent. This Curry actually tasted as if it had Indian origins. A strange thing to write possibly, but when one consumes mostly Punjabi Cuisine at home, Indian Curry, like what I have eaten in India, is quite different. Why was it so good?

It took a while to appreciate why I was enjoying this Curry so much. Then the penny dropped, it was the Seasoning. However, I believe the Seasoning was coming more from the Biryani than the Masala. Occasionally, I get to write the word – synergy – and here was a classic example. The Curry was decent, the Curry with Biryani was something special. The Vegetables played their part too, a diversity of textures. Serendipity perhaps also. Serendipity and synergy in one blog. When my chap asked the customary question, I was able to say – yes, I was truly enjoying this Curry.

Mata Indian Restaurant, congratulations, you have impressed the Hector.

The Bill

70Zl (£12.82) For two main courses? I’ll be back, but I still have another eight venues to check out.

The Aftermath

Having paid and given the Calling Card to the chap who had served me, another chap, who had acknowledged me downstairs, appeared at the counter, clearly – Mein Host. Start again. I had to congratulate him on the quality of the fayre.