A visit to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Manchester, M4 1LQ) midweek? In the earliest days of coming to Manchester (2011), Kabana was missed being closed on a Saturday. Hector’s new lease of life means the Midweek is now possible – Because I can.
Hector arrived at 15.15 to find Rizwan and his Staff not exactly rushed of their feet, two Fellow Diners became one, then was just Hector. Howard, however, had been here two hours previously. He had the Keema Peas – Good, but lacked the Wow – was his summary. He has been reading a well known Curry Blog too often.
Howard had given me a heads up about the Lamb Chops, they did indeed look good. Hector needed Rice as Ballast given what would follow this mid afternoon Lunch-Dinner. Biryani was offered. Lamb Chops and Biryani it was. Rizwan asked if I wished Curry Sauce on the Biryani – No, just The Chops.
In previous visits to the Northern Quarter one has come to learn the Curry in offer is mostly Shorva. This is Fine of one knows what to expect. By ordering the Biryani without the Masala then The Hector would maintain the preferred level of – Dry – perhaps even exceed it.
Rizwan, addressing me as – Hector – told me to take a seat and he would bring it over. There was an update as the Dish had not arrived in the usual instant. Good.
Four Good Sized Lamb Chops sat atop the Chicken Biryani. Spiced Onion and a Modest Salad had been placed on the side of the Rice. This still looked a wee bit Peely Wally and so I took it back up to the counter to add The Toppings – Diced Ginger, Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander. Much Better. It was.
The Chops were Excellent, plenty of Meat and cooked through, Great Spice. These were eked out as the Rice was tackled. The Spiced Onion and Salad were there to stave off the Total Dry. Meantime the Chicken impressed. Yes, these words have been written. Because it was not swimming in Soup, the Spice from the Chicken was able to manifest itself. There was an underlying level of Moistness in the Biryani, this was a risk, it had worked out exactly as I had hoped. Back to the Chops, oh yes.
The Bill
£7.80. A Main Course and a Starter in effect.
The Aftermath
Have you lost weight? – asked Rizwan. Hector likes Rizwan. No, I have not.
My presence here midweek was explained and we went to discuss Kabana. Rizwan would like to upgrade the premises, even adding apartments upstairs. Being part of the Conservation Area this will be a challenge. The adjacent block on Thomas Street is a mess, care will have to be taken to restore but not destroy. The Planners are people we can always trust.
Other Curry Sources were mentioned. Rizwan informed me the Manchester Curry is moving east from Rusholme towards Stockport Road, The original – Lahori Dera – is there and also he recommended the Lahori Karahi. Later today, a taxi driver would also mention these two outlets. For the future.
And now to walk towards an old railway station. What possible use could they put it to today?