Who’s Counting?
Craig, Yvonne and Mags announced last night that they would be joining The Hector for Curry-Heute this Lunchtime. Today marks another Special Day in the six year history of this Blog – Five Million Hits. My thanks to Curryspondent Ed for pointing this out, I was busy writing up Polish Curry Reviews when the moment passed.
Buddha Lounge (Dluga 18/21, Gdansk, Polska) is the other City Centre Curry House in Gdansk. Could it be better than the not-so-impressive Curry served to Hector at Masala yesterday?
Entering this Sunday Lunchtime at 12.30 one table was occupied, no staff were present, a Photo Opperchancity.
A Young Chap invited us to choose any table, The Ladies were already doing so. Three days ago, The Company was quite surprised at the quality of Curry served in the Buddha Lounge in Wroclaw. The first thing I did was ask if this was part of a Restaurant Chain. The Young Waitress assured me that it is not. Logic still suggested otherwise, however, when we saw the Menu we had our doubts.
The Indian part of the menu was Minimal. Again, Chinese and Thai Cuisine were on offer. In search of – The Mild – I thought Craig might be tempted, but no, Chicken Tikka Masala (39.90 Zl) it would be. Yvonne was all for having a Chicken Vindaloo (39.90 Zl) when she spotted the Three Chillies.
How could a Curry in Europe ever be – that Spicy? I asked her.
Yvonne recalled a Berlin Curry cooked by a Glasgow Chef and decided to match Craig.
Mags, who seeks Aloo Gosht everywhere decided to drop her standards and chose an out of character Butter Chicken (39.90 Zl). With no Meat for forty eight hours, Hector had to go back to Lamb – Mutton Rogan Josh (46.90 Zl) it had to be. The Three Chilli Rating was not putting off The Hector.
The wait was decidedly short, never a good sign. Craig was taken by the Presentation of his Chicken Tikka Masala on the high stand heated by a tea-light. Hector thought otherwise.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Both Craig and Yvonne were impressed by their Dish, – Delicious – was echoed. I noted an Onion-rich Masala, suitably Thick and not dissimilar to the Masala whose appearance at least impressed yesterday. The Meat Quantity was Significant. And so the Positives came across the table, two very Satisfied Customers.
A thick mass. – said Craig. A wee bit of heat, masses of Chicken.
Yvonne confirmed this but later added – I liked the flavour, it could have been hotter.
This is as nice a Curry as I’ve had. – concluded Craig.
I don’t know what Mags was thinking at this point, the four of us have been to the Very Best of Curry Houses in Many Lands. I found it hard to believe, especially when I was permitted to sample a Soupçon. I have to trust my Co-diners, and have even permitted the appearance of the fatuous adjective.
Butter Chicken
Those who order this dish should know what to expect. Indeed a Mass of Chicken in a Soupy Masala was set before Mags. This was remote from the style of Curry we demand in Glasgow–Bradford–München–Manchester. In the end Mags accepted her lot and quite enjoyed it.
It was a bit soupy, but the taste was really ….– one appearance is enough.
Mutton Rogan Josh
Whilst Craig was enthralled by the Karahi presented on a stand, all four Dishes were served with the Curry Arrangement served on the Plate with Rice from which we were expected to eat. In what way was this Hygienic? I removed mine immediately.
One instinctively knows shite when one sees it. That I literally saw much more in the hours afterwards should set the alarm bells ringing. If Curry had this effect on The Hector then The Diet that is recorded in these humble pages could not be written. I had absolutely no problems in India earlier this year, the last time recorded was the Indian Garden (Kirkwall, Orkney).
Take a Tin of Cream of Tomato Soup, add a ridiculous amount of Chilli Powder, boil some Meat et voila!
What sat before me was NOT Curry, this was not a Masala, unless the jar it came from says so. If this Rogan Josh was prepared by a Chef then he should be well ashamed.
The Thinness of the Shorva meant a Spoon was required. The Meat and Sauce had been strangers until a few seconds before serving. Had a Chef even turned up today?
The Spice Level was Ridiculous, any Idiot can chuck in Chilli Powder and make a Curry Hot. Fortunately I’m not bothered by what others regard as OTT. However, excatly what had I been given?
To maintain the consistency of Curry-Heute, The Blog, the Meat was cut Small and was plentiful. The Seasoning was on a par with any Tin of Tomato Soup. Indeed, Tomato Soup is how the Dish tasted. There was absolutely NO enjoyment to be had by eating this so-called Rogan Josh.
Shockingly Poor!
Dr. Stan joined us for Coffee.
The Bill
206.20 Zl (£43.26) This included Water, various, plus Dr. Stan’s Coffee.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left, once more, who was there to talk – Curry – with?
On our way back from Gdnyia this evening I spotted Taj Mahal, a Rated Curry House on Google Maps. There is a Photo of a Lamb Dish with as Dry-Thick a Masala as one could hope to find. Just to prove that my constitution is as as strong as I claim, I shall be there tomorrow, and so will Howard.
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 
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 
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.
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.