Manchester – Cafe Marhaba – Visit #1

I have spent some time in the last couple of days trying to get an answer from Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 OPF), the Curry House in Manchester which stands above all. Finally a reply: closed until next week for refurbishment. It will be the end of May before I can discover what they are up to.

Whilst checking my contact details, two venues in the Northern Quarter previously unknown to Hector popped up. Cafe Marhaba (36 Back Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1HP, UK) was chosen as today’s lunchtime venue over nearby Bundobust. Rizwan’s Biryani at Kabana will have to wait.

John was waiting for Clive and Hector at the corner of Back Piccadily, we entered at 11.50 and sat ourselves at two tables. There are five tables in all each sitting two. By 12.10, all tables were occupied, a wait or a Takeaway being the choice for the next customers.

A large board listed the Fayre, the Northern Quarter Classic of – Three Curries on Rice – (£5.00) was there. Fish Masala (£5.00) caught the eye, I verified that Fish was available. I ordered this with Rice, a solid foundation for the day which would be spent in Huddersfield.

Clive’s selection was Keema Potatoes (£5.00) and a Chapatti (£0.50). So it costs more not to have Rice? John repeated his Three Chapattis with Lamb Karahi (£5.00).

Three Staff were in action, a mature couple and a younger Chap, a – Family Business – I had read in other sources. Our welcome had been friendly in this most modest of establishments. As far as I can work out, Cafe Marhaba closes at 19.30 which is later than most similar venues in the area.

Fish Masala

Masala Fish for Lunch, is there a better way to start the day? The Portion was sufficient, not as Large as served up by Rizwan at Kabana over the last two days, still this was value for money. The sprinkling of Fresh Coriander on top was minimal, I enojoy a Herb Garden.

The Flavours from the Fish and the Spice hit instantly. The Flavour was – Powerful – there was much to enjoy here. Digging down to grab some Rice, I soon realised a variation in the Seasoning. The Masala was appreciably different from the Lamb Karahi, Thicker, the way I seek it, and in no way Excessive. When eating the Masala mixed through the Rice, the Seasoning Level was way down. When eating pieces of the Fish, all was well. I mixed my Curry more thoroughly, a proverbial – Dog’s Breakfast. Now I had it.

Fish Curry in the Northern Quarter, available at all times I hope. Hector will be back.

Keema Potatoes

I’m sure I spotted Peas in there too, but Clive made no comment on that. The Keema looked the part, no excess of Masala/Liquid here.

Having been impressed by Kabana, Clive’s verdict on the Keema Potatoes may now look familiar:

OK portion, maybe more Coriander on top.

At the end of his meal:

Excellent, just the right level of spices … Potatoes in there, – Mince and Potatoes – well done.

The Chapatti was a good size, though it did go Crispy very quickly, more of a Roti.

Very crispy – remarked Clive.

Lamb Karahi

The Masala looked to be the Standard Blended Masala with an Oily residue collecting around the edges. Tomatoes were a prominent feature here too. How John can eat Three Chapattis remains a mystery, but he does. In our two Curry outings together he has not sat opposite me, today he was at his own table behind Clive.

I wasn’t that impressed, average to good, smallish on the portion.

The Chapattis were overdone, too crispy, but I would still return.

John went on to enthuse about his Kabana experience two days ago. Wait until he discovers what I have planned for this evening.

Next time, have the Fish Masala!

I think the three of us have been quite consistent.

The Bill

£5.00, £5.50, & £6.50 respectively.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was used along with the LG to introduce Curry-Heute. The Card was well studied. From the table nearest the door came more information about Cafe Marhaba. One of the Regulars was keen to tell me that this was – The Best Place in Town.

Cafe Marhaba has been here some twenty six years. Two generations are now working here, and so the future appears secure.

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