Curry in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is mainly a Lunchtime event. After the walk back from Manchester Central, the venue for this year’s Manchester Beer Festival – The Munchies – were in vogue. Mags had lasted longer than anyone else, Aloo Gosht always entices.
Golden Tandoori (40-42 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5AE) was spotted a couple of weeks ago when I managed to be in Manchester and not have Curry. Located a few doors along from t’Travelodge, Golden Tandoori is next door to a Pizza House which has been frequented previously, it must therefore be a recent addition to the Manchester Curry Scene, and it sells Pizza.
Walking in around Midnight, a few Chaps were in situ, Mags admitted she would never come to such a venue on her own, this is another Curry Cafe, nothing pretentious here. The Chaps who were already dining were happy to see us, each acknowledged us before we went up to the counter to order.
Mags was straight in with her Aloo Gosht (£6.20) or Lamb Potato as it appears in the – Asian Style Dishes – section. Hector had to order – his usual – to best assess the Quality of The Fayre. Lamb Karahi (£5.80) – with Minimal Masala and no Peppers. We both ordered a Wholemeal Chapatti (60p) to accompany.
I had time to note other features on the menu: Paratha (£1.50), Keema Paratha (£2.00) and Veg Pilau Rice (£2.90), all sensible prices. It was the Asian Style Dishes I should have paid more attention to, still, we’re here on a Voyage of Discovery.
You take me to some flashy joints, Hector – remarked Mags.
Both Curry dishes bore no resemblance to the Shorva Curry served throughout the Northern Quarter, maybe this is Ancoats, things are different here. The Masala was Minimal as asked and suitably Thick. Initially the Tender Lamb felt a bit – Chewy – but perhaps this was a rogue piece, thereafter all was well. The Meat was also cut – small – almost – Bradford Small, and there was certainly enough of it. There was an Undertone of the Bradford Curry Taste, more Seasoning and it would have been closer still.
Lamb Karahi
The Chapattis need a special mention. They were Piping Hot on arrival, and had Great Girth, these were Tremendous, and one was certainly enough.
The best Chapatti I’ve ever had – said Mags – the wholemeal makes all the difference.
The Aloo Gosht was similar in appearance, this is their Masala one assumes. I was pleased to observe a little bit of Oil collect at the sides of both Dishes.
Lamb Potato
So keen was The Hector to get started, the ritual photos were almost forgotten. Behold a Hector with lips covered in Masala, enjoyment.
That was alright – was the beginning of Mag’s summary remarks.
I did enjoy it, but not as good as Karahi Palace (Glasgow) or that place in Huddersfield. (Lahori Taste).
The Plastic Plates and Forks were a bit of a let-down, it cannot be difficult to provide crockery. Still, we both know we have found a reliable Source of Curry late at night in Manchester, something which has been missing in this particular area.
The Bill
£14.80. Two Bottles of Still Water accompanied.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left on the table. I’ll be back.