We had been home for a week, and given how many days we have spent at home this year, let’s travel whilst we can. The number of Curry Houses in Kraków continues to grow. There are presently about twenty outlets for Indian Cuisine in the city, it will take years years to get round them all, if I ever do, especially, if I keep finding venues as good as this evening’s. Having studied the menus, as well as I could, the standout Curry for Hector in all of Kraków was the Mutton Chettinad served at Delhi Curry House (Swietej Anny 4, 31-008 Kraków Polska). This had to be appraised, but not before we had Borscht and Pierogi for lunch.
Marg and Hector arrived at Delhi Curry House, just off the south-west corner of Rynek, at 19.45, one hour before Scotland v Danmark kicked off. My expectations for quality Curry were higher than those for a positive outcome at Hampden Park (Glasgow). Glasgow, where COP 26 has now finished. Glasgow, not Edinburgh as Boris announced today.
The restaurant appeared to be void of both customers and staff as we entered. At the far end of the room were stairs, down we went. It was a long way down, and even longer coming back up to use the facilities.
A small dining area led to a much larger, cavernous cellar. This is where the action was. Customers, staff, a counter and a kitchen, in the bowels of Kraków. I note the basement is part of Jagiellonian University, tours are possible, I doubt if they include the Curry House.
The décor struck a chord, simple tapestries on the wall, and printed silks suspended from the ceiling. The atmosphere here was unique. Of course, it’s all about the Curry.
The Mutton Chettinad (Zl36) was nearly dropped in favour of Delhi Curry House Special Lamb (Zl40) whose description was so tempting. However, Hector was here to inspect the Chettinad. Would it be served in a Shorva as the vast majority of restaurants serve this South Indian Curry? Or, could it be even one step along the path towards the wonder that is the Lamm Chettinad served at Indian Mango (München)?
Marg opted for her favourite Curry when Keema is not available: Butter Chicken (Zl28). To accompany, a plain Naan (Zl7) and Vegetable Pulao (Zl12). This would be washed down by a litre carafe of Sparkling Water – Woda Mineralna (karafka) (Zl12).
The young lady who took the Order checked our preferences for Spice Level. Why is this not a matter of course in every restaurant?
During the wait, both Marg and Hector took part in the Stairs Olympics. Whilst Marg was upstairs, a chap walked in and wondered why there was nobody around. Marg duly led him down to the depths.
When the food arrived, it was a case of big Rice pot, small karahi, though the latter can be deceptive. The Rice was excellent, enough to share also. With Paneer, Green Beans, Peas and Carrots, this would add the required Diversity to the Meat and Masala. The Naan, served in quarters, was an elongated affair. The telltale signs of a Tandoor were present, a decent Naan despite being thinner than I would prefer. Marg likes her Naans this way.
Butter Chicken
The Masala in both Dishes looks the same – was my first observation. The photos, however, disprove this. The Masala in the Butter Chicken was finely blended and had a swirl of Cream stirred in.
Creamy, with a strong tomato flavour – was Marg’s verdict – plenty pieces of chicken, and the Vegetable Rice added lots of different textures to the meal. The Naan allowed me to mop up every last drop of my sauce.
*
*
Mutton Chettinad
The colour is what made me presume the two Masalas were the same, the orange. Topped with some Coriander, the speckling in this Masala confirmed that this Curry had more than that across the table. And, importantly, the Masala was far from being the – Soup – which sadly prevails. Chettinad does not equal Shorva in Hector’s mind.
On decanting, a somewhat paltry eight pieces of Meat made me note – small portion. The Rice and the Naan did their job, no way was Hector leaving Delhi Curry House feeling hungry.
The first dip of Naan in the Masala would be crucial, it had the appearance of being Creamy. Too Creamy for Hector? Would the distinctive South Indian – smoky – Flavour be revealed? I hadn’t spotted any dark red, dried Chillies, just a mass of Curry Leaves which I decided not to eat.
Oh yes! All was well, this was authentic Lamb Chettinad! The Spice Level was right up there, Marg took a Soupçon and quickly retreated, too much. The Seasoning was there, not obtrusive. The Flavours from the Masala had me onside with this Curry. The Creaminess was well within Hector’s scale of tolerance. The Diversity from the Rice, the Paneer in particular, added all one could hope for. Then I found the point of a Red Chilli, stop for a photo! This Curry combination was extremely satisfying.
I have enjoyed many a decent Curry in Kraków, the much missed Parampara set a high standard in recent times. Tonight’s Curry was as good as one can expect to find in a European Mainstream Curry House.
The chap who cleared the plates was clearly impressed by how clean everything had been wiped.
The Bill
Zl103.00 (£18.82) Good value, especially when Curry in Polska is generally dearer than local cuisine.
The Aftermath
Rather than show the waitress the – About – page when presenting the Calling Card, I showed my review of Parampara. She sent for her colleague, Manoj, who, as it happens had worked there. Unfortunately he knew nothing of the whereabouts of the lady Chef whose fayre had impressed so much.
Manoj confirmed that Delhi Curry House has been in operation for lass than a year. When I mentioned the – Chettinad – there was a meeting of minds, he realised that I had not just happen-chanced upon this Curry. Delhi is the only Curry House in Kraków which has this on the menu. He told us their Chef, who trained in Germany, has twenty two years experience. Where in Germany was not revealed, and given how average Deutsche Curry tends to be, not something I would boast about. Anyway, praise where it’s due, our appreciation of our meal this evening was expressed.
As we left, Manoj walked us up the stairs, back into the Real World.
On Tomasza, there is a Sports Bar. All tonight’s football matches were being shown, Scotland 2v0 Danmark.
Unglaublich!
Menu extracts
