MAJORCA

PORT DE POLLENCA

While I am sure Palma and the more popular tourist destinations to the south of the islands (such as Magaluf) have a number of Indian restaurants to keep the British holidaymaker happy, I can only report on the more sedate holiday destination of Port De Pollenca.

The last time I was in Port De Pollenca was 1991, when there were no Indian restaurants and the pace of life was leisurely and less commercialised than the resorts on the south of the islands. Returning in 2007 I found it rather more touristy (although still more tranquil than the south) and three Indian restaurants, plus a kebab/pizza/Indian food take-away with a few small tables at which to sit. I did not eat at any, but the following overall scene might assist anyone who might plan to.

The first Indian restaurant in town opened 14 years ago by a Bangladeshi from Sheffield, who is the chef. This is the Kashmir in the main square - the Plaza Miquel Capllonch - a square almost entirely dedicated to restaurants. It is probably the most upmarket, and has outside tables on the square, but it is also the most expensive.

Just to the south of the square is the road of Formentor, along which is the Indian Palace on the corner of Almirall Cervera. It clearly used to be called Bombay as some local advertising literature still have it under this name, so presumably the change is relatively recent, although whether it is the same ownership I don't know.  In the other direction, Formentor comes to a road called Juan XX111, and opposite is Everest, the third of the trio.

Finally, walk along the promenade, and just past Burger King (which hopefully you will avoid entering!) is a road called La Gola, just up which is The Kebab House. This opened 2 years ago selling take away pizza and kebabs, but two months ago started to offer a limited range of Indian food (the owner and chef is Bangladeshi). Although predominantly a take-away establishment, it does have a few plain Formica-topped tables at which to sit.

Although I didn't eat in any I did make enquiries of some English residents as to which was best. Only one was a curry lover, and was adamant that The Kebab House served the best curry. I was tempted to try it, as it smelled good, but it was not really the place to take the wife for a meal out.

Malcolm Wilkins - May 2007