Kraków – Delhi Curry House – Is there Better Curry in Kraków?

Marg and Hector arrived at Delhi Curry House (Swietej Anny 4, 31-008 Kraków Polska) around 16.30 to find the ground floor tables fully occupied. A lady directed us downstairs which is where I intended sitting anyway. Steve arrived moments later.

I took the same seat as on our visit last year. Having consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog, I was able to confirm that our waiter today, Manoj, had served us last time. He was delighted to be recognised and took note of Curry-Heute where his photo is posted. In time he remembered we are from Scotland.

Having enjoyed the Mutton Chattinad (Zl45) in November last year, as is Hector’s custom on a return visit, it would be had again. Mushroom Rice (Zl15.50) would accompany. Marg found the – Signature Dish – on the menu – Delhi House Special Fish (Zl49.50) to be had with her customary Tandoori Roti (Zl8). There was no surprise when Steve chose Lamb Madras (Zl47.50) with a Garlic Naan (Zl15.50).

Spice Levels were discussed with Manoj, care was taken not to go overboard, especially with the Chettinad which was described as – fiery hot.

A litre jug of Sparkling Water (Zl16) was ordered along with a Fanta (Zl9), Steve would later add a small bottle of Sparkling Water (Zl8). Sorted.

Manoj knows the lady Chef who had the former Parampara Indian Cuisine&Culture. He believes she may be at the nearby Rangji which we checked out on Wednesday night. There we saw the diners eating Thali from metal trays. Next time in Kraków.

The three accompaniments each stood out as fine examples of their respective genre. The Garlic Naan was clearly from a Tandoor, the panhandle looked particularly inviting. The Naan glistened with Butter, blisters were aplenty. The Tandoori Roti was possibly the thickest ever seen. This had girth, and would no doubt be filling. One would certainly be enough for most people. The Mushroom Rice was a manageable size and contained fresh Mushrooms and Coriander.

Mutton Chattinad

A threat of Fresh Coriander sat atop a viscous Masala. I counted six large pieces of Meat as I decanted, plus a few tiddlers. With the Mushrooms, there would be plenty of solids. Curry Leaves and Onion/Mustard Seeds were mixed through the Masala. It is only in recent times that I have come to recognise that the Curry Leaves can act as a source of the Smoky Flavour associated with South Indian Cuisine. There was an underlying Creaminess to the Masala, a feature of seemingly all Curry in Kraków.

The Spice Level and Seasoning were well pitched, consequently there was a burst of Flavour onto the palate. The Smokiness was there, the Creaminess not intrusive. The Mutton was delightfully Tender, the menu claims it had been marinated, and so had time to absorb the Flavours. Suddenly there was a blast of Coriander, from the Rice, yay.

This was certainly a Curry to appreciate, I also commented that today the food was – hot, which says something about yesterday’s apparently highly rated venue. This was certainly Hector’s best Curry of the week.

Lamb Madras

The description said a – coconut base – there was quite a sprinkling of Coconut on top of the Red Masala. Steve made some very positive comments as he ate, having had a thousand or so Lamb Madras, he knows this Curry well:

Quite tomatoey and a bit creamy, just the right amount of spice. Tender meat, tasty, a good Curry. The Naan was also described as – light, slightly crispy.

Delhi Curry House Special Fish

Salmon! It does help when the menu informs the diner what type of Fish is being served. Salmon is also remarkably filling, as everyone who has ever tackled a Salmon Curry will testify.

The Masala appeared to be the same as served in the Chettinad. The fork of Hector was dipped in the Masala for verification purposes. Astonishing! This indeed was the same Masala but was oozing yet more Flavour. The distinctive Flavour of the Fish had permeated the Masala, a Fish Chettinad, in effect. Too often Hector’s frustration is recorded, Fish Curry, where there is no actual taste of Fish. This was a Curry to be celebrated, Delhi’s – Signature Dish – and the first Hector will be having next time in Kraków.

That was wonderful – exclaimed Marg as she wiped her karahi with the final piece of Roti:

A good texture of sauce, plenty Curry Leaves. A rich and creamy taste with large pieces of Salmon. Spice was fairly high for me. A very enjoyable meal, with a well cooked Roti.

I did challenge Marg as to why she had not mentioned the – smokiness.

Full of Flavour – remained her description. I note that Tamarind did not make the translation to English, this again would have added to the Overall Flavour.

Manoj was delighted to receive the praise that followed the meal. He told us that they have been lucky in holding on to their Chef in the two years since Delhi opened.

The Bill

Zl214 (£38.91) Today there was most certainly a tip.

The Aftermath

Manoj was intrigued by the fact that we try to get to Polska every year. He recommended Indian Island (Wroclaw) when we arrive there.

Kraków Curry Houses, an update.

Hot Chili (Mikolaskja) has gone, Hot Chili (Pjarska) is also branded as Bombay Curry online, though there is nothing on the exterior of the building to support this.