This isnt how we eat back home

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — Indian food in Poznań just hasn’t hit right. The sauces always taste the same. Everything’s swimming in cream. And if you ask any real Indian or Pakistani expat, they’ll tell you: this isn’t how we eat back home.

So when we started hearing low-key whispers about a new place called Usman’s Palace on św. Marcin 38, we had to check it out for ourselves. Especially as Londoners, where Indian and Pakistani cuisine is basically part of the culture. Short of hopping on a plane to Lahore or Mumbai, London is the benchmark for legit curry. We popped in — and here’s what we found.

First Things First

Usman’s Palace isn’t some white-tablecloth, candlelit spot.
It’s more of a quick bite, honest food, chat-with-the-chef kind of joint — and honestly? We’re here for that. Usman himself runs the show, and when he’s not serving up the goods, he’s talking about his vegetable and herb garden out in the Poznań suburbs.

Yep — he grows most of his own ingredients, and what he can’t grow, he imports directly from back home. That’s commitment. That’s taste. That’s serious.

Let’s Talk Drinks

No self-respecting desi food spot skips the Mango Lassi, and Usman’s version was smooth, sweet, and just thick enough to feel indulgent without being a meal on its own. Flavor check: creamy mango punch with a slightly tangy yoghurt vibe. Spot on.

But the surprise MVP? The Tamarind Juice.
Never seen it on a Poznań menu before — and we loved it. It’s got this fermented sour-sweet thing going on, kind of like if kombucha had a desi cousin. Might not be everyone’s thing, but if you like bold, funky flavors, you’ll be hooked.

The Starter – Homemade Samosa

This wasn’t your frozen, greasy triangle of regret. In fact, most Indian restaurants order their samosas, but not here. This homemade samosa came packed with green peas, onions, and potatoes, wrapped in a crispy shell, and topped with — wait for it — chocolate mint grown in Usman’s garden. That little herb twist was wild. Sweet meets savory with a fresh garden punch at the end. Smelled delicious!

Paratha Roll = Indian Kebab Vibes

This one’s a winner. Think of it like a brown flour tortilla, but thicker and softer, rolled up around Spiced chicken, Cheese, Mango chilli sauce and that signature blend of desi spices.

The sweet heat of the mango chilli cuts through the savoury chicken perfectly, and the cheese binds everything together into what we can only describe as: “a kebab that went to Delhi and came back enlightened.”

Our winner. Tandoori Chicken Biryani – The Classic Done Right

Ah, biryani. A staple. A king. A dish that people in London argue about for hours. This one did not disappoint. Tender tandoori chicken, wrapped in aromatic basmati rice soaked with herbs and deep spices.
We caught notes of cinnamon, cumin, maybe even a bit of cardamom.
Every bite had that layered flavor you only get when someone knows what they’re doing. No shortcuts. Just the real deal.

Masoor Curry

Masoor is a classic brown lentil curry known across Pakistan and northern India. It’s the everyday comfort food — like your mum’s Sunday soup, but with ginger, garlic, tomato, onion, and that slow-cooked spice warmth that hits you gently in the back of the throat.

Bonus: It’s super healthy and packed with protein. And still tastes like a full-on treat. Honestly, we’d eat this three times a week and not even complain.

Final Thoughts

Is this the fanciest curry spot in town? Nah.
Is it trying to be? Definitely not.

But is it the most authentic, honest Indian-Pakistani food we’ve tasted in Poznań?
Hands down.

From the homegrown ingredients to the depth of flavor to the classic dishes done right, Usman’s Palace is doing what the others haven’t: cooking real food for real people.

Usman himself? Super welcoming. Chill. But ask him about his garden and you might be there for an hour. No regrets though — guy’s passionate, and it shows in the food. His personal choice in Indian music also adds to the vibe!

He’s still new, and the place will evolve — but if you’re tired of the cream-drenched clones around town, get yourself to Usman’s Palace.
It’s the closest thing to London-level curry we’ve had in Poznań.

Usman’s Palace. Pop in for a chat or a bite — just don’t expect table service. Expect flavor. Highly recommended by the Poznan Daily Crew