Zayka (Jozefa Dietla 50/1, 31-039 Kraków, Polska) has moved north of the Vistula to a more down-town location on the boundary between Stare Miasto and Kazimierz. Having been impressed by the Fayre served up at the original premises in Podgorze, it was logical that the first Curry of this trip should be at Zayka #2.
As reported yesterday in Bier-Traveller, Marg, Hector, and eventually Steve, are in Polska to see the reformation of Steven Wilson’s band – Porcupine Tree. We have a leisurely few days in Kraków before heading to Katowice for the gig.
Marg had already eaten at Camelot, her favourite Kraków venue. We entered Zayka at 15.00, the only diners this mid afternoon, though a family were waiting on Takeaway. That the majority of Kraków Curry Houses stay open all day is to Hector’s advantage. The ever increasing number of outlets makes the task of covering them all more difficult.
The original premises were in a basement, Zayka #2 is very much a standard shop unit, the décor somewhat Spartan, though our waiter did insist I take the photo featuring – India.
The menu was much the same as before, but with significantly higher prices. A taxi driver had told me that inflation in Polska is running at 20-30%. As has been empirically proven in Curry-Heute, the effective rate of inflation in the UK, in terms of Indian restaurants, is way above the official 10%.
Marg placed her order for Masala Chai (Zl9) whilst I perused the menu. Eventually I decided upon Bhuna Gosht (Zl45) which I hadn’t had previously, accompanied by Veg Pulao (Zl16).
A bottle of Sparkling Water (Zl9) completed the Order.
The advertised 500ml bottle turned out to be 300ml, charged at the same price, of course. Marg’s milky tea was consumed long before the arrival of the food.
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The Veg Pulao was piled high, twice as much as any sensible person would manage, and to prove the point, more than could actually be moistened by the Masala to have – Curry & Rice. Flakes of Cauliflower, Green Beans, Peas and Carrot were in the mix. The sizes of the Vegetables were such that they did not make any impact or add any real Diversity to the meal.
Bhuna Gosht
Six, yes – six – pieces of Lamb sat in a proportionate quantity of blended Masala. I’ve had so called – Tapas – portions comparable to this at home.
Methinks they’re at it, or is one actually meant to overindulge on the Rice?
Above Medium Spice – had been agreed at the time of ordering. For Chef, this meant – Spicy. Some would not have coped with the Spice Level in this Curry. There was a distinctive Earthy Flavour at the start, with Cumin coming across clearly. Thereafter, the palate was basically wrecked, this was just abut the heat, and a lack of Seasoning. Seasoning may have rescued this Curry which quite simply became an ordeal.
The Meat, which had to be eked out, was Tender-Chewy. This gave some respite from the intensity of the Masala. For once, that the Lamb was not adding much in the way of Flavour to the Curry, was quite an advantage.
It was Curry, it made the Hector sweat, it did its job.
As he cleared the table, I told the waiter that this was a waste of Rice.
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The Bill
Zl76 (£13.87)
The Aftermath
I showed my last Zayka post to the waiter. He smiled in recognition and confirmed that the original premises had closed. That’s all, folks.
2022 Menu extracts
