After a bit of a delay Warsaw is slowly beginning to embrace a notion that in Britain has been well known for many years - Indian Cuisine is delicious. Well most of us feel that way, although my father likes to pull his face at any even slightly curried dish and say something like "all that cream, I feel sick just looking at it".
Luckily if you are a fan of Indian food, the standard in Warsaw is excellent. One quite recent addition to the food map is Bombay Masala based in the heart of Mokotow, one of the cities prettiest and wealthiest areas. The restaurant itself is quite small but rather than this seeming a disadvantage it actually makes it for a more intimate experience.
The menu contains all the typical Indian favourites - Samosa's, naans, chicken tikka masala. As well as a few more unusual additions. I ordered mutton curry which I attempted to get with rice and naan but through a combination of my poor grasp of the Polish language and the waitress' obvious confusion that anyone would be greedy enough to have both, I lost my bottle and went for naan only. I also tried a little bit of the spinach with cheese which seemed like a nice vegetarian option.
The biggest surprise came with desert when we decided to try Gulab jamun (milk balls in syrup) and it turned out to be a hybrid miniature version of treacle sponge - what a great surprise that was.
If you are still not convinced, let me just throw this one in - it's BYOB! "It's a what? What you talking bout?" Well so I'm reliably informed by my friends from over the pond, it means bring your own beer, yes you can bring your own alcohol as they don't serve it themselves. All in all a great place for a curry - get it while it's hot.
http://www.bombajmasala.pl/content/index/show/name/lokalizacja/id/4/lang/en
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Review - U Kucharzy
U Kucharzy (The chefs), is a renowed establishment, set in the old kitchen of the once famous Hotel Europejski, on Ul. Krakowskie przedmiescie. My expectations prior to arrival were extremely high due to a recommendation I recieved from Gazetta wyborcza's resident food critic. A mountain of a man, (who has a more than passing resemblance to one of Spinal Tap's dead drummers) I spotted him recently in one of Warsaw's smoky and dimly lit bars and decided to ask him outright what he believed was the best place to eat in the city. "U Kucharzy, without doubt" was his reply.
A few days ago, I had a something to celebrate, so it seemed like the ideal opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. The first thing that you notice is the decor. Minimalist and sparcely decorated with plain white tiles adorning the walls, a remnant of it's old incarnation as a hotel, it has the feel of the old world about it. Secondly for me was the atmosphere, this is a place full of characters. The majority of the waiters look like they've lived a little and possibly drank a lot but they also have the air of professionals. In the background a live pianist played a Chopin number and it felt like a pleasant experience already.
I did still though have some reservations, as the signature dish is steak tartare (raw mice meat, raw eggs and raw onion), something which in the past I'd found hard to view in a favourable light. Still, after entering and getting to our table I was told in no uncertain terms by my dining partner that I would be eating it, so there. The chef arrived a short time later with a large wooden chopping board, atop a metal serving trolley and proceeded to prepare it right in front of our eyes from a large piece of prime steak and I have to say that this got my taste buds going. The result was delicious and actually tasted nothing like any previous tartare I'd eaten. It was much smoother and perfectly seasoned.
While waiting for the main a waitress who must have been pushing seventy ambled past our table pushing a trolley laden with spirits bottles, "Anything more to drink?" We declined to which she gave a rueful smile and a shrug of the shoulders. A moment later and another chef arrived at our table accompanied by two waiters, who took hot pans from a trolley and began to plate up our food at the table. This is the most enjoyable part of the evening, you feel like your somebody because the waiters make take time over you. The food itself was excellent. I ate the duck in cranberry sauce and not only was it an enormous portion but it was cooked to perfection and full of flavour.
After waddling out into the cool night air my guest and I we're in agreement - a fantastic evening in a restaurant with excellent service and real character. If you get the opportunity please visit this place, you won't regret it.
http://www.gessler.pl
A few days ago, I had a something to celebrate, so it seemed like the ideal opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. The first thing that you notice is the decor. Minimalist and sparcely decorated with plain white tiles adorning the walls, a remnant of it's old incarnation as a hotel, it has the feel of the old world about it. Secondly for me was the atmosphere, this is a place full of characters. The majority of the waiters look like they've lived a little and possibly drank a lot but they also have the air of professionals. In the background a live pianist played a Chopin number and it felt like a pleasant experience already.
I did still though have some reservations, as the signature dish is steak tartare (raw mice meat, raw eggs and raw onion), something which in the past I'd found hard to view in a favourable light. Still, after entering and getting to our table I was told in no uncertain terms by my dining partner that I would be eating it, so there. The chef arrived a short time later with a large wooden chopping board, atop a metal serving trolley and proceeded to prepare it right in front of our eyes from a large piece of prime steak and I have to say that this got my taste buds going. The result was delicious and actually tasted nothing like any previous tartare I'd eaten. It was much smoother and perfectly seasoned.
While waiting for the main a waitress who must have been pushing seventy ambled past our table pushing a trolley laden with spirits bottles, "Anything more to drink?" We declined to which she gave a rueful smile and a shrug of the shoulders. A moment later and another chef arrived at our table accompanied by two waiters, who took hot pans from a trolley and began to plate up our food at the table. This is the most enjoyable part of the evening, you feel like your somebody because the waiters make take time over you. The food itself was excellent. I ate the duck in cranberry sauce and not only was it an enormous portion but it was cooked to perfection and full of flavour.
After waddling out into the cool night air my guest and I we're in agreement - a fantastic evening in a restaurant with excellent service and real character. If you get the opportunity please visit this place, you won't regret it.
http://www.gessler.pl
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Top Five - Budget Feasts
"There's a certain je ne sais quoi about a nice firm carrot". 'Monge tout, monge tout' uncle Monty but while I agree with you to a certain extent, when it comes to feasts, I am a meat man all the way. To be honest, the more the better.
If like me your not satisfied until you have to unfasten your belt, open a few extra buttons on your shirt and must to retire to dark room for a very long sit down, post meal, then this is the section for you...and what's more all the restaurants featured not only offer big portions of great grub, they are also all relatively cheap. Enjoy!
1. Podwale - http://www.podwale25.pl/
Located in the centre of the Old town, Podwale is an enormous Bavarian style restaurant, which is a strictly canivores only eating establishment. With excessively large portions of traditonal meaty fare, home brewed beer, cheap prices, food that arrives on fire and an umpa band, what more could you ask for if your looking for the ultimate in fine 'budget' dining? Favourite dish - The officer's selection of grilled meats.
2. Co Tu - Ul. Nowy Swiat 26/28
3. Namaste Indian - http://www.namasteindia.pl/
A popular place among Brits, Indians and Poles alike, Namasta Indian may not quite take the title of 'the best Indian restaurant in Warsaw', but it unquestionably offers the best value for money. There are two restaurants, one in the Old town and the other just a few streets away from Centrum Metro Station. For the 'real' Indian experience I recommend the central location which doubles up as a mini-shop. If you sit near the produce for sale, expect the waitress to think nothing of leaning across you mid-meal to grab a packet of cumin off the shelf. Favourite dish - Samosas (they're just like back home)
4. Toan Pho - Ul. Chimielnej 5/7
One of the only restaurants in Warsaw were you can get authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this wonderful little place originally gained its reputation in the legendary 'Stadion' market over on the other side of the river. Now situated on the centrally located Chimielnej street, it is the perfect place to get a big bowl of piping hot food that will be prepared in double quick time right before your eyes. Favourite dish - Pho.
5. Jeffs - http://www.jeffs.pl/
Food buffs out there might bawk at the idea that this place makes it into the top five but 'Jeffs', a sister establishment of Podwale, but with a cheesy American feel, has a pretty big menu and serves big portions of diner style food. Favourtie dish - English Breakfast (it's 12zl!).
If like me your not satisfied until you have to unfasten your belt, open a few extra buttons on your shirt and must to retire to dark room for a very long sit down, post meal, then this is the section for you...and what's more all the restaurants featured not only offer big portions of great grub, they are also all relatively cheap. Enjoy!
1. Podwale - http://www.podwale25.pl/
Located in the centre of the Old town, Podwale is an enormous Bavarian style restaurant, which is a strictly canivores only eating establishment. With excessively large portions of traditonal meaty fare, home brewed beer, cheap prices, food that arrives on fire and an umpa band, what more could you ask for if your looking for the ultimate in fine 'budget' dining? Favourite dish - The officer's selection of grilled meats.
2. Co Tu - Ul. Nowy Swiat 26/28
An institution in Warsaw, this Vietnamese cafe/take-away is located among the myriad of bars in 'Pawilony'. Not only do they serve great food but they do it extremely quickly. Always packed to the rafters with a variety of clientele, from high class business people to penniless students, this is must visit place on the Warsaw food map. Favourite dish - Beef on a hot plate.
3. Namaste Indian - http://www.namasteindia.pl/
A popular place among Brits, Indians and Poles alike, Namasta Indian may not quite take the title of 'the best Indian restaurant in Warsaw', but it unquestionably offers the best value for money. There are two restaurants, one in the Old town and the other just a few streets away from Centrum Metro Station. For the 'real' Indian experience I recommend the central location which doubles up as a mini-shop. If you sit near the produce for sale, expect the waitress to think nothing of leaning across you mid-meal to grab a packet of cumin off the shelf. Favourite dish - Samosas (they're just like back home)
4. Toan Pho - Ul. Chimielnej 5/7
One of the only restaurants in Warsaw were you can get authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this wonderful little place originally gained its reputation in the legendary 'Stadion' market over on the other side of the river. Now situated on the centrally located Chimielnej street, it is the perfect place to get a big bowl of piping hot food that will be prepared in double quick time right before your eyes. Favourite dish - Pho.
5. Jeffs - http://www.jeffs.pl/
Food buffs out there might bawk at the idea that this place makes it into the top five but 'Jeffs', a sister establishment of Podwale, but with a cheesy American feel, has a pretty big menu and serves big portions of diner style food. Favourtie dish - English Breakfast (it's 12zl!).
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Black Pudding of the Blogosphere
Hello and welcome to Eat In Warsaw a blog about all things gastronomical in Poland's capital.
For the past four years myself and my lovely girlfriend have spent a good portion of our time and money sampling the various eateries in this city and we've come to two conclusions.
- WE LIKE EATING (alot)
- THIS IS AN AMAZING CITY FOR FOOD
This may astound the uninitiated but Warsaw really is a great place to eat. Not only is it cheap but there is also a wonderful variety of different cuisine, from gourmet fine dining to old school 'it does what it says on the tin' meat and two veg.
This blog offers reviews and news about the latest and the best places to get a good meal in Warsaw. We'll also be featuring recipes from Poland's greatest ever chef (possibly) - Pani Ania
Enjoy...and don't eat it all at once!
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