There was no Curry-Heute in Katowice despite The Plan of Hector to visit the remaining non-reviewed outlet. Instead, The Company went to the most amazing Traditional Polish Restaurant – Krystalnowa – where The Ladies had Ribs despite my warnings about quantity, and Howard wore a Bib. And so on to Kraków for the main leg of Fahren de Polen. The Man from Bradford has joined our band of Cyclists, but has a bee in his bonnet about another Curry Venue already covered on this Website. Hector will keep The Reader in suspense. After a return to The House of Beer then a very impressive new place called Viva la Pinta, it was time for Food. The rest of The Company went to eat Dumplings, again. Hector took time out to visit the always satisfying Indus Tandoor (Slawkowska 13-15, 31-016 Kraków, Polska).
For the first time, the tented area to the rear was seen to be occupied. It is summer, there are those who need to sit outside. Entering the Restaurant around 21.00, the place was stowed. A large party of people from the Indian Sub-continent were leaving the room-off where Marg, Steve, Ricky, Geoff and Mick had dined last April. I was shown to the second small table on the left and had to sit facing the door as the opposite seat was blocked by the elbow of a Doris on the first table. The relevance? I banged my head on the low light fitting as I sat down. I would do the same again on departure. Vorsicht!
I knew I would be having the Excellent Fish Curry, but had to remind myself of the exact nomenclature. Europe’s most visited Curry Blog (according to Google) informed me, reliably as ever, that I required Fish Kadhai and Vegetable Pilao. More Rice? It is an Authentic Vegetable Rice.
The Waitress made no remark about the fact that I was reading the order from the Trusty Samsung complete with photos of the order. I spotted no staff that I recognised.
A group of four were crammed on to the adjacent small table, whilst a couple of Ladies sat in space in the curved booth behind. This reminded Hector of the first visit here where Ricky, Hector and Library Mick were similarly wedged, then Marg arrived to complete the throng.
Fish Kadhai
Chmielarnia in Warsawa impressed the Hector with their outstanding Fish Balti earlier in the week. The Fish Kadhai has proved to be consistently outstanding in previous visits to Indus Tandoor. The Masala was as Thick as before and far from Excessive. The Fish Quantity was Substantial, and thankfully not in Batter as some venues serve Fish. I had asked for Spicy, this was!
The first half of the Kadhai was decanted over half of the Vegetable Pilao. This was enough Curry for two, well maybe not in Hector’s World. The Vegetables appeared to be in layers within the Rice. Paneer (!), Carrots, Peas, Green Beans, Cauliflower in abundance. The Fish was cooked to perfection, no rubbery bits. The Variety, the Textures, this is Hector at his happiest, way better than just Meat and Sauce. The Waitress monitored my progress, the second wave of Fish and Rice was decanted. What is better than eating Curry? Eating more Curry.
I could eat this everyday on this Trip, however other venues will be considered. This remains the Benchmark for Kraków Curry.
The Sparkling Water was also served in a no-nonsense half litre glass.
The Bill
56.00Zl. (£9.50). Sterling gets better every day against the Zloty, this helps.
The Aftermath
I asked the Waitress to give the Calling Card to her Boss. She did so. Moments later a Familiar Chap came through from the interior of the Restaurant, he remembered Hector, he even remembered the revue for the Curry with Steve, Marg et al mentioned above.
The Mutual Appreciation Society has two more members.
I congratulated Mein Host (again) on the Quality of Curry served at Indus Tandoor, and gave warning that The Rickmeister may accompany The Hector here in the coming days.
Now for Multi Qlti, let’s see who is still walking…
Ryba Balti (Fish Balti) at an unbelievable 29.00ZL was on offer. We were warned the portions were substantial. Hector needed Rice, Ryz z kminem (Cumin Rice) would accompany. Dr. Stan and Howard both agreed that the Fish looked the best option. Dr.Stan would have Pulao z warzyami (Vegetable Pulao), Howard secured his Aloo Paratha. The order was placed at the bar and paid, cash in advance.
The Quantity of the Thick Masala appeared unnecessary initially, however this was misleading, there was a Mass of Fish within. The Masala was Seriously Thick making one wonder why other venues even attempt to call their – Soup – a – Masala. The Spice and Seasoning were perfectly acceptable. When Howard offered a piece of his wonderfully Flaky Paratha the Seasoning from the bread upped the game. Hector had Rice, the Cumin Seeds worked their magic, Aromatic.
Meanwhile, Mags arranged a Biryani for herself, and nearly managed to eat it all.
Dr. Stan – I actually really enjoyed it. The vegetable rice was full of vegetables, the curry full of fish.
Dr. Stan and Hector were off to 
Namaste (ul. Nowogrodzka 15, 
Bhuna Gosht or Achari Gosht. The Bhuna promised to be closer to the Hector Curry, Howard said he would have the Achari, he does this, in the field of research. A Methi Roti had to be tried. Howard asked for a Stuffed Aloo Paratha but the Waiter gave an emphatic – No. Garlic Naan it was, we never found out why Paratha was not possible. Meanwhile a plate of Vegetable Rice was paraded, I was almost tempted.
Saffron, or Safffron (2 Market Pl, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire PA13 4AD) was recommended by Curryspondent John S. This is a modest establishment just off the town centre junction, seating twenty four max. It would be quite a sight to see every seat occupied. One family had arrived not long before us around 19.00. We were shown to a table for four out of sight of the weans, good touch.
The Menu puzzled, Safffron? We would have to ask. We told Mein Host we had come from Clydebank.
The Menu had some interesting moments – The Glasgow Curries – well that brings a smile. In the Starters section – Barrah Kebab – stood out, Lamb Chops by any other name. Spiced Haddock also featured. On another visit…
The Rarra Gosht looked just the job. Dark and Thick, the Masala was Minimal as is preferred.
Marg fared much better with the Rarra Gosht, Hector was able to sample this too. Certainly Well-seasoned, on the limit perhaps, full of Flavour. The Herb content looked more Methi than Coriander.
Kenny has just under three weeks of his vacation left, so sad. We need a Govanhill Curry – he exclaimed yesterday, and so it would be.
The most Magnificent 
Look at this, Chust Sublime. Three Grown Men who have starved themselves until after 16.00 were about to be sated. Three Generous Helpings were removed from the Karahi, what remained would be a Challenge.
Kashmiri Tea
Walking back towards Victoria Rd. for our bus to town, the 
Today I put the car in the car park then set our on foot to find this highly rated venue. Taj Mahal was passed en route, tempting. However I stuck with it and found Sanam a few metres further on. Entering the restaurant I was instantly impressed. It was 13.00 on a Wednesday there were over a dozen people having lunch, more would arrive. Impressive. I was shown to a table set for four on the far side, discrete. I would not be the Lone Diner left to overhear the conversations of others. This was also a great place to observe Sanam in operation.
I was given a Menu Card with various Lunchtime Offers starting at £5.45 for three courses. The more interesting dishes had Lamb Tikka which I prefer to have as a Starter. Curry is for Tender Lamb IMHO. I was about to ask for the Main Menu when I spotted Mince in Menu #1. Not Keema, but Mince. As in Paris last week, there was the realisation that this could not come out of the Curry Pot, it would have to be prepared separately.
I had a few minutes to study the venue visually and online. In operation since 1976, and having recovered from a kitchen fire earlier this year, one assumes the restaurant did not always have the contemporary layout of today. Today there is a large open room, tables without tablecloths, yay.
The Main Menu had the Mainstream Dishes, however the Specialties had some eye-catchers. The Korma section went beyond the Bland. Madrasi Korma – announced itself as having Achari Spices. This could give 
The Mince Curry and Chapattis were brought within twenty minutes of placing the order, good for those on a lunch hour. The Mince looked like – Mince. This was a Wet Keema.
I’m a one and a half Chapatti Man – I said to the Efficient Waiter when he cleared up. This was tremendous value. The Flavour was decidedly Mainstream, no Methi in this Keema, no Mutter either. The Mince was Temperature – Hot! And the Kick was spot on, the head was being cleared. A bit more Seasoning? Still, to criticise this Dish would be churlish. This was an Excellent Lunch.
Summer can happen in April, anything can occur in the remaining eleven months. Quality Real Ale is virtually non-existent and Craft Beer is a total rip-off. Prices are appreciably higher than the Central Belt. At least Curry can be something to look forward to, but even this can be variable. Aberdeenshire has the Excellent – 
Fair Monday, if one is a Glaswegian, one expects a very quiet night of the year. Two other tables were occupied when we entered at the appointed 20.00. Just as well we booked then. The Booking was as much to announce the arrival of the Hector, I have been looked after very well on previous visits. It is only fair they should know of my arrival given that this epistle follows.
On our 
y, Chapatti for Marg and Plain Paratha for Tracey and Hector. No Rice.
Poppadoms and Dips amused us until the Starters arrived. The Side Portions were Immense! Both the Potato and Cauliflower Sides had the much sought after Minimal Classic Thick Masala, no sign of the Dreaded Soup here. Slightly Under-seasoned would be Hector’s only negative. With Onion in the mix, and a decent Kick this would have been most acceptable as a Main Course. This was a Side, Hector has been been given smaller Mains. 
Sandy too was impressed with his Cauliflower. Presumably underneath the Masala the Gobi was white, unlike Sandy’s spectacular homegrown green ones. The Spice Level made Sandy take note. Across the table The Ladies made short work of the Vegetable Samosas. A pity the third had to be halved.
When Marg recently had 
The Parathas were brought folded on a single plate. When separated the mass was most impressive in addition to the diameter. These were Seriously Large, Fresh, Flaky Parathas. Impossible to eat a whole one, I was astonished at how much of it was devoured. When Makesh came to ask – the polite questions – I had to state that – this was the Best Paratha I have ever been served. The bar for this accolade has been set high, I refer The Reader to our 
Tracey did not find her Chettinad to be too Spicy but did find it too Salty, a quality she has mentioned on previous outings. I assured her that without Salt, Curry does not work. I did advise her not to sample the Large Dark Red South Indian Chilli which protruded from her copious Masala. That may have caused damage. This was the Dish which Hector enjoyed in Fish on 
In the past couple of weeks the Hector Palate has enjoyed some wonderful food. 
Fortunately there was a gap between the Prologue and the Main Act. Shkoor was busy at the counter, but still found time to extend the customary welcome. Naveed had a day off? Mr. Anwar Sr. enquired about my recent trip to Morocco. I have learned a simple lesson, do not go to Casablanca during Ramadan.
Yours will be out in a minute – I said to Stewart as we cleared away the plates from the First Feed. Two Generous Portions were taken from the Karahi, there was still a lot left. The Lamb was covered in the 
Hector is home, albeit for a few days only. The metabolism has to be brought back to the Hector-norm. This can only mean Curry-Heute. Tomorrow’s Goshat Karahi at 
The Lamb, on-the-bone was as delightful as ever. The Bones were welcome, not only for the extra Flavour they add, but to make tackling this Dish a manageable endeavor. I could sense my Fellow Diners having a glance at the Hector Excess – who does this guy…
The Mains would be easy –Karahi Gosht but with Potato replacing the unwelcome Capsicum. Mein Host was puzzled by this.
When the Lamb Tikka was placed on the table, Hector was gobsmacked. I called the Waiter. What is this? Three pieces of Meat for £5.00?
Marg’s Rogan Josh was certainly Red and Tomato-rich also.
Maggie too found her Lamb to be less Tender than hoped for.
The Chicken Achari was well received. I am quite pleased with that. I wasn’t aware of chillies in the spices. It was pickled chicken.
