Your prayers might just have been answered

If you’ve ever wandered down ul. Święty Marcin with an empty belly and a craving for something that bites back — your prayers might just have been answered. Usman’s Palace has been popping up on our radar more and more lately, and with so many of you tagging us and sliding into our DMs saying: “You have to check this place out,” — well, we listen. Especially when it involves spice.

Being from London — the curry capital of Europe (don’t @ us) — we take our Indian and Pakistani food very seriously. The streets of Southall, Brick Lane, and Tooting taught us the difference between your average tikka masala and the kind of dish that slaps you with fire, flavour, and love in one bite. So yeah, we came into Usman’s with expectations sky high and spice tolerance fully prepped.

What did we find?

Usmans Palace. A low-key spot with aromas that literally stopped us in our tracks. We weren’t even planning to eat that day — we just popped in to meet the man himself, Usman. Total legend. Warm vibes, great English, and a backstory that explains a lot about why this place smells and feels different from your usual curry corner.

Born and raised in Lahore

Born and raised in Lahore (Pakistan’s undisputed food capital), Usman grew up in a big Punjabi joint-family household where the kitchen was always lit — literally and figuratively. We’re talking cooking for 18 people on the regular, helping his mum prep family meals, learning the art of spice layering, and serving up full-on feasts. No wonder he ended up in the food game.

After working in Malaysia and Dubai, Usman landed in Poland nine years ago with his Polish wife, chasing a new chapter. But one thing bugged him: he just couldn’t find Indian or Pakistani food in Poland that really hit the spot. Most places here, he told us, serve toned-down, sweeter versions — often southern Indian or euro-fusion curries, which just don’t scratch that proper North Indian/Pakistani itch.

So what did Usman do?

He started cooking his own food. Authentic, fiery, fragrant stuff. The kind your mate’s grandma might make if you were lucky enough to be invited round. When friends and fam started begging for more, the idea for Usman’s Palace was born — and boom, now he’s cooking up daily fresh meals for the people of Poznań.

Located at Święty Marcin 38, Usman’s Palace is already pulling a loyal crowd. You’ll find classic halal kebabs on the menu — ‘cause Polish customers love them — but the real draw is the homemade-style Indian/Pakistani food that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

The Chow

And just look at this hit list of what we’ve been tipped to try:

Tandoori Chicken Biryani – smoky, spiced, and layered like a love letter to Lahore

Mutton Karahi – slow-cooked in a wok-style pan with bold spices and a rich tomato base

White Chicken Korma – creamy, fragrant, and not sweetened for the tourists 👀

Parathas – flakey, buttery flatbreads that could convert even a bread hater

Daal – earthy, soul-soothing lentils cooked with love

Mutton Pulao – less spicy than biryani but full-on flavour with whole spices

Herb & Spice Basmati Rice – no shortcuts, no grinders, just full whole spices doing their thing

Samosas – golden, crispy triangles of joy, probably packed with magic (we’ll confirm soon)

Check out their Dishes Of The Day also!

We’ve set a date to return for the full taste test and will be dropping our TOP 3 dishes you MUST try at Usman’s Palace soon. But if the kitchen smells and the owner’s passion are anything to go by — this spot might just be Poznań’s most authentic taste of Lahore.

Stay locked for our follow-up article and full verdict. In the meantime — if you’re craving something with real kick, none of that watered-down nonsense — you might wanna hit up Usman’s Palace and try it for yourself.

Catch you soon!Usman’s Palace, ul. Święty Marcin 38, Poznań
Fresh meals daily. Vegetarian & meat options.
Prices that won’t burn your wallet — just your tongue.