If you’re hungry on the way up, stop here. I couldn’t resist the aroma so had to eat. Lamb Madras was excellent.
Thus texted Steve at 15.40, he even sent photos. Who takes photographs of their food?
Lamb Madras
The Happy Couple have moved on to Wroclaw after a night in Katowice to see the reformed Porcupine Tree. A review may follow. There was no plan for Curry-Heute, I thought my fellow travellers deserved a day off. Marg and Hector were sitting in a cafe on Rynek when Steve’s text arrived. Hector had already picked out his Cheesecake topped with Hot Cherry Sauce. The two staff never got round to serving us, we left. A few metres away at another cafe adjacent to the above gnome, I had picked out my Ice Cream with Cherries. The staff never got round to serving us, we left.
Let’s go for Curry – declared Marg. She knows the rule.
Misa Hindusa (Piotra Skargi 22/1, 50-082 Wroclaw, Polska) was a five minute walk back towards the station. I have passed Misa Hindusa many times, and even promised Mein Host some years back, that I would visit. What have I been missing? We could smell the aroma of Curry some fifty metres away.
The premises are modest, four tables seating fourteen with three stools at the window, a true Curry Cafe. Three diners occupied the table for six in the middle of the room. A young waiter brought the menu.
Hector had to have the highly recommended Madras Jagniecina (Zl42). Methi Chicken (Zl36) was on offer, Marg would ask if there was a Lamb equivalent. All of the descriptions were in Polish except the Kadai Jagniecina (Zl41) which mentioned – green peppers.
To accompany, Marg would have a Butter Roti (Zl9) whilst Hector was determined that Marg would help by sharing a Mix Veg Biryani (Zl33). When Biryani is that cheap, it has to be. A Mango Lassi (Zl14) and a Sprite (Zl7) would complete the Order.
Lamb Methi was not on, for Marg it would be Chicken. The young waiter wrote nothing down as we gave the Order. He gave a look of bewilderment then said:
You want all that, here?
We accepted our fate, Marg wondered if he would remember it all. Moments later he returned to confirm.
Is that enough? – I asked.
Too much – was the reply, complete with beaming smile.
When our fellow diners were served, I saw two platters of Basmati being brought to the table. Euro mountains once more. The Butter Naan looked authentic, next time.
Our drinks arrived, Coke, not Sprite, no fuss. The Lassi, with a sprinkling of Coconut on top, – was not too sweet, a lovely change.
A chap came in and addressed us in Polish. He wanted Takeaway and took a seat. Two others would stand in the doorway waiting for their Takeaway. There’s not much room at Misa Hindusa. A tall chap with a turban came in and out, he was making deliveries.
The waiter brought our Order. Two platters of Basmati accompanied the Curry. Inclusive Rice, where was that written on the menu? Why were we not told? The Basmati was declined.
Mix Veg Biryani
Accompanied by a Raita which was not touched, this was a veritable feast of Rice and Vegetables. Large pieces of Paneer stood out, Cauliflower, Peas, Carrots and Green Beans were in the melange. Here was the Diversity of Textures that Hector seeks. With a complexity of Flavours in its own right, this was an excellent Biryani. I think I might be getting Marg on board with Rice:
A great quantity, with many textures, I loved the variety of vegetables, which complemented the Curry.
Madras Jagniecina
The apparently ubiquitous sprinkling of Coconut topped the Masala with Ginger Strips and Coriander also. I counted only six pieces of Meat as I arranged the Lamb on the Biryani, however, each would require halving or more. Enough Meat. The Masala was viscous, however, Big Onions were in there, plus one offending piece of Red Capsicum. All was set, here we go.
Wtf? A blast of blandness hit the Hector palate. This Curry was woefully under-seasoned. It was as if all Salt had been extracted. The Spice Level was – medium – at best. Whilst the Meat was super-soft, it gave absolutely nothing back.
I hoped that the Biryani would up the Seasoning in the Curry and bring out the Flavours. Nope. Instead, the Big Onions provided the most prominent Flavour, I set one aside as a protest. If anything, the Euro Curry Taste was emerging. I was not a Happy Hector. This Lamb Madras was dire!
Chicken Methi
Welcome to the world of Chicken Soup. This was far from any – Methi – served in a Punjabi Curry House. The wonderful Herb had simply been stirred into the Creamy Shorva. I dipped my fork in the Masala. Creamy, yes, but at least here was a depth of Flavour, sharper on the tongue, not a Curry I would want, but it had its merits.
Mine was brilliant, despite having Chicken – Marg would tell Steve later. Creamy and tasty, a really powerful taste.
Let’s wind up the Hector.
The Butter Roti never did arrive. The waiter admitted he had not placed the order for the Roti.
*
We ate every morsel, except that which was set aside.
The Bill
Zl132 (£24.17) For three main courses. The waiter declined a tip.
The Aftermath
With so much activity ongoing, I simply left the Calling Card.
And so to Kontynuacja where Steve awaited.
I described my woeful experience, Steve was certain I should have enjoyed the Lamb Madras. We acknowledged that I like more Seasoning in my Curry, however, Steve insisted his was well Seasoned. He described the Chef as being a tall chap with a turban. Was that the chap who was not in the kitchen during our visit?
Chopped Chillies and a smokey flavour – was how Steve described his Madras. He went on to describe the intensity of Flavour matching what he would experience when visiting Karahi Palace (Glasgow).
How can two diners order the same Curry thirty five minutes apart and have such diverse experiences? It can happen. It has happened to us before, last year in Manchester, when we ordered the same Curry from the same kettle seconds apart. That day, the chap at Real Taste gave me the Shorva off the top of the Lamb Karahi whilst Steve had the thicker mash from the bottom. One Curry Pot, two different outcomes.
What happened this afternoon at Misa Hindusa?
Menu extracts
