If it’s Wednesday it must be Manchester. More than just a Glasgow Curry Blog – is the sub-banner on this humble blog. In the past week The Hector has covered Brighton, Roma, today Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Manchester, M4 1LQ). I note a Source stating that this Curry Cafe in the Northern Quarter is open twenty four hours from Wednesday to Saturday, this is nonsense. I have attempted an edit on Google Maps – Kabana – is closed on a Saturday, the reason why it took Hector many attempts to visit. It is also a daytime operation, therefore closed in the evenings. Rizwan, Mein Host, has a family.
The Company, which peaked in Roma at Fifteen in Hector’s Hiatus Horribilis is now reduced to Five. Four are resident at the nearby Ancoats Travelodge, the perfect location to enjoy the Curry Houses of the Northern Quarter, there are nine or ten Bars selling Ale nearby too.
Arriving in Manchester just before 15.00, Dr. Stan went off to – his other place – to check-in. We would rendezvous at Kabana. Being closer, Hector arrived first, Rizwan gave me his usual warm greeting, as he addresses all his Regulars.
Still leading The Life, Hector?
I’m just back from Italy.
Fear not, Dear Reader, I later did manage to get a mention of – India – into the ongoing conversation, Polska has been erased from – current.
What to have
Had I seen the – Specials Board – it would have been Karahi Lamb on-the-bone. Instead my gaze focused on the Display Dishes. One was Chicken, for those who still think… Lamb Chops were ready to be grilled as was some Masala Fish. Rizwan held up the Masala Fish – Do you like Fish? Hector did not need a second invitation, Fish has been mentioned on previous visits, my timing a bit out. I said I needed Rice for Ballast, and so asked how it would be served. Normally the Masala Fish is served here with Salad, knowing that Plain Rice with the Masala Fish would put me in the same position as Craig achieved in Roma with his Tandoori Chicken, I asked if he could – jazz up – the Rice. More Vegetables? Only Daal was available by this time of day. Sauce was offered. Again, to avoid the Mother India (Roma) scenario, we agreed this would be Minimal. All was set.
I took a table mid-room. Two others were occupied, there was a constant flow in and out during my stay. Kabana has a worthy reputation, I hope I always add to it.
The jug of water provided relief, Hector was dehydrated. Back in the Land where Tap Water is drinkable, a Litre was dispatched in short time.
The Chap brought my plateful. As ever, the Quantity impressed.
Two Pieces of Masala Fish, grilled or deep fried, hard to tell given the crispness of the Spicy Coating. Spiced Onion, Cucumber and Lettuce sat aside the Rice. Smithereens of a Thick-ish Masala was spread across the top of the Rice, then the Fresh Coriander. There was enough Moisture.
Not Curry!
This was not Fish Curry, but an Indian Fish Dish. A Chap sitting in front of me was finishing his Lamb Chops, again, not a Curry. One feels the bond when Lone Diners sit in close proximity, why are we so reserved?
The Kick from the Spice Coating hit immediately, and then some. The Taste of the Masala Fish was remarkable similar to the Scottish Haddock served at Yadgar (Glasgow). This was not Haddock, a much Thicker White Fish, filling too. The accompanying Distractions provided a range of Textures, Spiced Onions, Mmmm. The Quantity of Rice was more than Hector could finish, as ever Rice was wasted.
The array was excellent, Kabana Fish is to be recommended.
Here comes Dr. Stan
Hector was halfway though the Masala Fish when Dr. Stan arrived. He ordered and sat opposite, just in time to take a photo of the erstwhile Lone Diner. Keema Peas with Chapattis was the Doctor’s choice. Two recent arrivals were tucking into the same Dish at the window. The Keema was served much Wetter than it would be in Glasgow/Bradford. One could ask for it to be sieved, I suppose.
Keema Mutter
Looks a bit Wet – I said to Dr. Stan.
Very wet – was his reply.
Very tasty, just a bit runny – was his overall verdict.
As ever, The Doctor systematically worked his was through the Dish, two Chapattis would have been out of the question for Hector, for Dr. Stan, nay bother.
Hector’s Bill
£6.00
Dr. Stan’s Bill
£5.70.
The Aftermath
It is a short walk past Al-Faisal to Thomas St, at 57 a Favourite Ale awaited, gravity poured.