An Indian & Thai restaurant? – not Hector’s usual cup of tea, but hey-ho, one never knows. Arriving at 14.00, Diyo – Indian & Thai Restaurant (Tadeusza Kosciuszki 23/1z, 50-027 Wroclaw Polska) was empty, though as I was about to depart, two pairs of diners did arrive.
The waiter looked more Thai than Indian, as did staff that I could occasionally see in the kitchen located at the doorway. I had to work my way though the menu to find the familiar.
Mutton Kadai (43ZL) was a possibility, but – wok – can be off-putting, though ignoring the – Paprika – the mention of – onion sauce – was interesting. No Big Onions then? The description of Mutton Methi (Zl42) confirmed this was the Euro interpretation of this Curry, – nutty/creamy – best avoided, it has disappointed too often. Why the Madras (Zl43) had to contain – Paprika – shall remain unknown, Mutton Vindaloo (Zl43) it would be, Rice included. Woda – Gazowana (Zl8) would complete the Order.
Diyo seats some twenty four diners at street level. There is a mezzanine also, one wonders how often this is called into action. The wait was not too long which is just as well. Time was short, I had to be at the train station for 14.50, the Beer Festival –Wroclawski Festiwal Dobegro Piwa – finally starts today. I had Howard’s train ticket.
On bringing the Curry and Basmati, the waiter sensed my look of bemusement and brought a dinner plate. Why serve Curry in a soup plate, unless of course – it’s Soup – as was yesterdays at Maharaja. The Rice was a sensible portion, manageable.
Mutton Vindaloo
Ginger Strips and a sprinkling of Coriander topped as Thick a Masala as one can encounter, the antithesis of yesterday’s Curry. In the natural light, the Masala appeared to be dark brown, the camera has caught a rich redness also. I was not expecting this level of efficacy in a restaurant also labelled – Thai. Every day is a learning day.
Ten pieces of Meat were counted on decanting, each a decent size. No Potato, the great debate as to the definition of – Vindaloo – would be had later at the Bierfest. I’ll stick to the common – Vindaloo should have Potato.
Whilst – packet of mixed Spice – came to mind at Maharaja yesterday – Curry Paste – flashed up today. The Hector could be wrong, but what are the chances? The Spice Level was high in keeping with another interpretation of – Vindaloo. The Seasoning was right on the button, though some may have found this to be too much. A slight tanginess was noted before a deep seated Tomatoeyness came through. This was quite a Masala, Curry indeed.
The Mutton varied from Tender to a bit chewy. With the Meat giving off next to no Spice, this was a respite from the Masala. Again the missing Potato would have helped.
A seriously Spiced Curry is how the Chef at Diyo had pitched his Curry. If this is what you seek, then give it a try.
With my fellow travellers assembled at Wroclaw Glowny, I was out of time. At 14.35 it was a choice of: miss the train or finish the Vindaloo. The latter choice was easier.
The Bill
Zl51 (£9.78)
The Aftermath
As the two further couples had just arrived, the waiter was busy dealing with them. Time was running away, no Calling Card. I did get in – no Potato! – and caught the train.
Menu extracts