Marg and Eleanor had only been in Gdansk for a matter of minutes when Hector put them in a taxi to the airport. Some have work on Monday and flying back from Poznan was not the optimum route back to Blighty. This gave The Hector two hours to check-in and have Curry-Heute before the rest of The Company would catch up.
Masala (Rajska 10, 80-850 Gdansk, Polska) is located in the Madison Shopping Centre immediately across from the Mercure Hotel where The Danzig Six would take up residence for three nights. Spotting Masala was simple, gaining access was something else. Having walked around the block, access was gained to the rear end of Madison it would have been quicker to enter through the main entrance.
A Family with two weans entered the quite busy Restaurant, I had to ensure it was clear that I was not accompanying them. The family took a table, the Young Girls on duty ignored me. Eventually I gestured to a small table for two right in front of the bar. There was an indifferent shrug to confirm I could sit there. Another Young Girl, one of three (were there actually four?) I observed, brought a Menu. Chinese and Thai Cuisine was also on offer. When a City has numerous Curry Houses to choose from I give venues such as this the body swerve. Gdansk only has two City Centre Curry Sources, so here I was.
Having had Curry on three consecutive days I was hoping to demonstrate more of the Spectrum that is Indian Food by ordering Fish. I was delighted to see Fish Curry (39 Zl) but then studied Fish Tikka Masala (39 Zl). The Curry had Curry Sauce, the Tikka had Masala Sauce. The couple at the next table were served their dishes, one had a Thick Masala, the other had as Thin a Shorva as I have encountered. Taking no chances, and at the risk of shocking The Reader, Hector ordered Fish Tikka Masala.
The Young Girl who brought the Menu took the order. It was at this point I realised that this had become a daily occurrence. When was I last served by someone who might actually know about the Cuisine of the Indian Subcontinent? Whatever their duties, some were were more active than others, the girl behind the bar had little to do, and the other(s)? The setup reminded me of Glasgow’s Athena Greek Taverna some twenty years ago when the Female Mafia decided what was what: – Don’t expect us to serve you whilst we’re having a chat.
Sitting in the middle of the room I had no Opperchancity to take photos of the interior else I would have been invading people’s privacy. There was an upstairs balcony, could I have sat there? I may never know. With the corridor of the Shopping Centre forming the largest wall of the Restaurant I felt I was sitting in a Goldfish Bowl.
I had been given the choice of inclusive Rice or Bread, I had chosen Rice. I was soon in two minds. The Chaps in the Kitchen could be seen preparing Bread through the glass window which separated them from the dining area. Rotating Dough was their Party Piece. The Man from Bradford would tell me later that he had heard that the Chefs here are from Delhi. I could see no evidence of this.
A Visual Feast was set before The Hector, a Mass of Fish protruding through an Impressively Thick Masala. The Rice was a Generous Portion, not Excessive. Finally I had something to photograph. The dim light in the Restaurant meant I had no idea of the colour of what sat before me. Still, the juices were flowing in anticipation, this could be Something Special.
Eight Decent-sized pieces of Fish were counted, this was not the nasty Four Pieces swimming in Sauce that I have been served elsewhere. The Fish retained a bit of Firmness, not the Scottish Haddock served so magnificent in Glasgow’s Yadgar. Masala Fish – is as good an identification as can be offered. The Seasoning was well down which is surely nigh on impossible in any Fish Curry? There was a Modest Kick which did catch the back of the throat. The Masala was Onion-rich, as Thick as one could hope for. All was going well, then the Pleasure stopped.
The Overall Flavour was Dry-Musty, it became monotonous. I had been hoping for the Smokey Flavour from Dark Red Chillies to kick in, not present in this Curry. This most certainly was not a Chettinad. The lack of any visible Herb meant that this Curry lacked any genuine Depth of Flavour. A Handful of Methi and/or Fresh Coriander would have been a welcomed inclusion.
Hector can and does eat Curry every day when the Opperchancity presents. This was an Unexciting Curry.
So there we have it: Hector ordered a Tikka Masala, what other outcome could there be?
I had to approach the bar to offer to pay. The Girl there declined and said I would have to wait for her Colleague who was nowhere to be seen.
The Bill
44.00 Zl (£9.24) I had been well fed for a modest sum. The Sparkling Water was 5.00 Zl.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left on the table. Without further comment I departed. To whom should I have been discussing – Curry?
The wait was appreciable. There is nothing worse than a Curry arriving in moments, straight from The Pot. Preparation noises could be heard from the kitchen which one has to pass if the Facilities are used. This would be Marg and Eleanor’s final day on The Polska Trip, The Man from Bradford would go home today without having had Curry. Strange.
A Circle of Large Chicken Pieces was set before Marg with a Mint Yoghurt in the centre. Marg recalled ten pieces, Hector’s memory was twelve. The photo shows eight, however, the size of each piece of Chicken was more than substantial. The Roti was served halved in a basket and bore little resemblance to any Roti encountered before. This was well towards being a Naan. The Methi coating looked most appealing. Dipping a piece into my Masala a few minutes later was – Joyful. Whatever this Bread was, it was Wonderful.
The upturned Rice made us wonder if the Biryani was better eaten on the serving plate. In the end, Eleanor decided to decant. In doing so she was able to control the Ratio of Rice et al to Yoghurt. Marg asked about the Vegetable Content. Hector was quick to predict – Potato, Cauliflower, Peas and Green Beans. To this Eleanor added:
The Lal Gosht was – Pleasant – it could and should have been Spicier.
Taj India (Wiankowa 3, 
Mulligatwany (9.00 Zl), their spelling, was Marg’s #1 selection followed by Fish Amritsari (15.00 Zl), Marg enjoys Starters. Having previously tried the Bhuna Gosht (37.00 Zl) and Lamb Balti (37.00 Zl) I was able to offer advice. These became Mags’ and Howard’s selections respectively. Eleanor went for the exotic sounding Lamb Mughalai (37.00 Zl) while Hector for research purposes opted for Achari Lamb (39.00 Zl). All Curry Dishes at Taj India come with Basmati, though Rice Variations may also be ordered at the risk of ending up with a Mountain as happened in 
The Waitress mentioned Cider whilst listing the Drinks on offer. Hector could not miss the Opperchancity to try Polish Cider, after the excesses of the last few days, a Drink without Hops. A good choice as it turned out.
The Bhuna Gosht looked way better than what I recalled being served in 
Eleanor’s Lamb Mughalai was topped with Cashew Nuts and was decidedly Creamy. Such a Curry is never going to be anything but Mild. Still, Hector could consider having this for a change, one day.
Howard wasn’t saying much as he picked his way through the Bucket of Lamb Balti. I had warned him about the Sheer Quantity served when I had this last year. As with the Achari Lamb, the Masala was 
Very much a mainstream Curry. Lamb Tikka rather than Lamb which normally I don’t like, but was very soft and malleable. Difficult to ascertain a flavour other than the creamy background. The seasoning was at acceptable levels, but a very good 1970’s, 1980’s Curry. The portions were excellent, the rice was a suitable modicum.
The Gingers Strips on top of the 
One concludes that there was Pleasure given by all the meals enjoyed today. Decidedly Mainstream Curry, the Interpretations were not what we would be served in the UK. If one enjoys a Creamy Curry then Taj India is most certainly worth a visit.
The Bill
The Company have a tradition of Big Trips to celebrate Big Birthdays. Hector’s 60th may have been back in April, however, 
A Lunchtime Menu was on the table – 20.00 Zl, not for us. Marg would have a Starter only. Lamb Samosa (16.00 Zl), her customary snack, was her choice. Eleanor, who typically orders Lamb in my presence reverted to Chicken. Butter Chicken (30.00 Zl) with Basmati Plain Rice (8.00 Zl) was her selection. The Hector ordered Lamb Achari (33.00 Zl) with Jeera Puloa 14.00 Zl) a potentially pleasing combination. This also avoided any discussion about Capsicum being present or withheld.
Hector decanted half of the Tender Lamb on top of most of the Jeera Rice. Soup. I was not overly impressed, I knew I would not be raving about this Curry. The Lamb was Delightfully Tender and in Double Figures, just. A Decent Portion, but simply Meat and Sauce, no Interesting Vegetable. The Masala was the Classic Indian Purée, at least this one had no Red Food Dye. The Level of Seasoning was Most Satisfactory this Curry too had a Modest Kick. I kept waiting for the Blast of Flavour associated with – Achari – there was a Hint, as I became closer to the single piece of Lime Rind so the Strength of Flavour grew, much better.
This was in no way bad at all. Mainstream Curry, it’s still Curry, but way too much Masala.
Had all six of us been eating simultaneously we would have needed a larger table. The arrival of the second sitting had enabled us to eat in comfort. As we finished so the remaining food was brought.
Craig’s Chicken Balti was in a Bucket, again very – Red. Both the Lamb Kadai and Lamb Jalfrazi stood apart from all other Dishes served to our table. The base of the Masala was identical to that served to Hector, however, both had Vegetables added.
Mags listed – Onion, Peas, Carrots and Capsicum. Her Paratha impressed too – 4 Layers were counted. Flakiness – was not reported.
How’s yours, Darling? – asked Craig.
Curry-Heute was considered. When Steve texted yesterday Curry-Heute was confirmed. Steve’s choice of venue – 
The usual table was taken, we were the first customers of the session, eight more Diners would assemble by the time we took our leave. The Complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions were brought by a Young Waitress, no Menu was forthcoming. I asked if there was anything else I should try, e.g. New Dishes? Hari informed us that they may close next June, their quietest month, refurbish and produce a New Menu.
The Keema Padora arrived just as the Poppadoms and Spiced Onions had been dealt with. Just how much Lamb Mince was on the Bread? Chef had not held back, this was a Huge Portion. The Spice from the Onions was still very much on Hector’s Palate, the Heat from the Keema on top of this was the Double Whammy. This was Excruciatingly Wonderful, a Test. 
The Methi content was very much to the fore, Sheer Delight. Two Quarters each, and for once I acknowledge it has to be served in this manner, Filling. I could conceivably eat a Keema Padora every day. Three years ago I did order a Portion of just the Keema – 
The Lamb Gurmeet, served on-the-bone, never appears to be daunting, then one begins.
Steve was well ahead of me, he also had most of the Bones, the Sucky Bones too. He managed to wipe his Karahi clean then return to the Aloo Gobi, Steve doesn’t get out much. I asked Steve how he found the Seasoning. He was happy, I found it to be on the Limits of Tolerance. Strange, Hector is still not totally over his recent bug, have both the Taste buds and the Appetite been affected?
The Masala was Thick and not Excessive, indeed the photos prove this; the Flavour of Tomato was very much to the fore. The Egg and Mushrooms provided a Diversity of Texture, Different. What appeared to be Frozen Methi had been added on top as asked for, more Methi please. Perhaps I prefer a Sprinkling of Dry Methi.
A – Sexy Curry? Competent to Good, it still had the – Clydebank Curry Taste – which mysteriously prevails.
The Remnants were – Dinged – a somewhat carefree action. Hector has always been wary of reheating Curry in a Microwave. In the past one could hear the Salt Crystals destroying the Flavour. Perhaps the technology has improved in the twenty plus years since I did this? Anyway, I know that the Curry Cafes I frequent must be employing this method to produce Hot Versions of what is on display. Tonight there was no destruction/contamination, Pleasant. Still I did not finish what was before me.
The Company have gathered in 
Debs chose Chicken Saagwaala (£7.45), Mushroom Rice and a Cheese Nan (£2.50). On admitting that she and Jim usually share a Rice and a Naan, I suggested we do the same. Cheese Nan?
The appearance of the Chicken Saagwaala impressed, a Splendid, Thick Masala. This was not the feared Mass of Spinach with Chicken stirred in, nor was it the Creamy Spinach Dish served in Europe; though the Methi served here does have a Creaminess.
The Curry did look a bit Pale, better this than Food Dye. The Masala was the Standard Indian Purée, Thinner than I have been served on previous visits. Two Large Bones featured, neither were Sucky/Marrow Bones and so one may conclude that others received these. The Quantity of Lamb was Sufficient, as Tender as one would expect. 
Fresh Green Chillies, cut longways, added a Huge Kick. The Seasoning was a bit Down, so the Overall Flavour was not as Intense as one hopes for. The Handi was topped with Fresh Coriander and Methi. The latter may well have been Frozen Methi as Hector uses at Home. Whatever, more was required, this Curry did not have – The Wow Factor.
The Naan was Light and Fluffy. That one does not get to tear of Strips spoils the Fun of ordering a Bread. I limited myself to One Quarter. The Cheese added an extra layer to the Bread, an Experience, and not one I shall be in a rush to repeat. Hector has to be careful with Cheese, especially when an evening of Indulgence would follow.
20.00 is the latest I have ever dined at 
The Salad arrived, we all had quite a plateful. Oh, new plates were in use, new chairs also, the cumbersome ones have gone, finally. Slightly smaller tables may even permit another couple of chairs to feature.
The Scottish Haddock – I announced as the tray was placed in the mid-table.
This is Goshat Karahi on-the-bone, as Hector asks for it; this is Lamb Chops Achari. – pointing to the Karahi right under my nose. I had not spotted the Lamb Chops, they were shrouded in the Classic 
One would not appreciate the Wonder that is 
The Lamb Chops Achari was appreciably Warmer. Once again we marvelled at the Softness of the Meat. Pickle is not Dr. Alasdair’s Favourite, however he did this justice before returning to the Goshat Karahi. Mags and Hector probably did most damage to the Achari.
The Chapattis kept coming. Again in recent weeks I have had some some examples which were far from impressive. The 
We ate on, eventually it was time to admit defeat. We still had a Decent Portion of both Goshat Karahi and Lamb Chops Achari. Perhaps the Doggy Bags will find their way to Carnoustie?
Three Diners departed, we had been fed. The Novices declared their intention to return, one day.
Marg and Hector having Curry out on a Monday evening? 
I had noticed that the price display boards were still blank and the illuminated sign outside was still off. I had to ask if there was a New Menu. I think I heard Ayaz say there was no New Menu, just New Prices. Let’s not go there. The rare occasions that I sit upstairs are the only times I see the Menu, a full range of Karahi Interpretations on offer. Hector would stick to his favourite: Lamb Karahi, Spicy, Extra Seasoning and Methi, on-the-bone. Here lies Perfection.
A Mango Lassi for Marg and Mango Rubicon for Hector completed the Order. The Spanish Doris brought up the Drinks. Los Pollos Hermanos – I remarked when she entered the near empty Dining Room. She has no English, she may not even have been aware of the significance of her t-shirt. Who speaks Spanish? The Small Bottled Mango Lassi amused Marg who is used to the 
My immediate focus of interest was the number of Chops, anything more than three and there was a good chance that one would be coming in my direction. There were Four Chops.
No Spice Level had been stipulated, it was no surprise when by the third Chop, Marg was feeling the effects. She was happy to stop. I was happy to see just the right amount of Oil collected at the base of her Karahi for reheating purposes. Tomorrow’s Lunch.
Come to Hector! This Dish is Absolute Pleasure, all the criticisms of recent Pretenders were cast out of mind, this is Karahi Gosht as I have come to love it. Topped with Ginger Strips and the Chunky Fresh Green Chillies, there is Bite and Crunch, Varied Texture. The Lamb was a mix of Tender (non-Tikka) Chops and other cuts, one Sucky Bone was present. The Masala-Mash as Thick as only the Best Venues present, full of Flavour. No Ballast here, everything in the Karahi was there for a purpose. Ayaz had done us proud.
Dr. Stan and The Man from Bradford we discovered later had already dined at the 
