By 15.00 most of The Company had assembled at the Ancoats Travelodge, the perfect locus for Lunchtime and Late Night Curry in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Some people still think the main attraction of this Trip is the Manchester Beer and Cider Festival.
Mark of Swansea and Lord Clive of Crawley were making their first steps in this Zone of Transition. John was making his debut in Curry-Heute, a day of firsts. They joined Dr. Stan and Hector in the short walk to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England). We had missed the Lunchtime Rush and so were able to choose two tables at the far side where we managed to squeeze ourselves in. The tables moved, the benches did not. None of us small, it was a crush. Perhaps Rizwan, Mein Host, will have to re-evaluate this new seating system installed one year ago.
At the counter Rizwan gave his usual warm greeting, a feature which makes Kabana so much more welcoming than the adjacent Al Faisal which serves pretty much the same Fayre. I looked at the Board and talked the New Chaps through the process of ordering. Rizwan mentally noted our Order.
Mark followed Hector’s lead: Lamb Karahi (£4.80) on-the-bone with Rice (£1.50). John opted for the boneless Lamb Karahi (£4.80) with three Chapattis (£0.70).
Three Chapattis? I remarked. That’s more Bread than Hector could ever eat.
Dr. Stan and Clive both chose Keema Peas (£4.80) with one Chapatti and a Paratha (£1.50) respectively. Normally one pays and waits, we were invited to return to our seats.
One of the Staff brought over a plate with Fresh Coriander, Chopped Green Chillies and cubes of Ginger – The Toppings. This would not be enough for five. John got into the spirit of the moment and went up to the counter to fetch another plateful. Clive had to wait longest as his Paratha was evidently prepared after the Chapattis. The Lamb Karahi on Rice came first, Mark was instantly impressed. Dr. Stan’s Keema Peas came with two Chapattis as did John’s boneless Lamb Karahi. John was sorted. He was also taken aback by the size and girth of the Chapattis. Finally, the Paratha and Keema Peas were placed in front of Clive.
Lamb Karahi on-the-bone
This was visibly different from that which I have enjoyed over the years at Kabana. The Masala was Thicker and looked Darker, Richer, a departure from the near-Shorva which prevails in the Northern Quarter. The Meat was into double figures, about half contained Bones. With the Toppings liberally added, it was time to enjoy.
The Rice Portion was Sensible, some Masala had been soaked in by the time it reached the table making every mouthful a pleasure.
The Spice was Sharp, the Chillies added more Bite. The Flavour from the well Seasoned Masala was complemented by the Coriander Leaves and Ginger. This was a Standout Curry, easily The Best Curry ever served to Hector at Kabana.
Mark had been making positive statements throughout, at the end of the eating I noted his comments:
That was very good, just what I needed, very spicy, that’ll do…
It’s giving a good after-taste in the throat, which is important.
Lamb Karahi Boneless
Served in a bowl as John was having Chapattis, this Curry was more – Soupy.
John was impressed by the Quantity, he had not been expecting this much food no doubt having spotted the prices on display.
I really appreciated the tasty Lamb Curry with the best ever Chapattis. I ate three of them.
He did, how?
Keema Peas
Two decent Portions of Mince with Peas. The Masala was negligible as it should be in this Dish.
Dr. Stan devoured his Keema Mutter and solitary Chapatti in no time.
Good, spicy Curry, just enough for me.
Clive was a bit behind the rest of us. I studied the Paratha, it looked a bit Peely Wally, however, Clive confirmed its pedigree:
One of the best I’ve had.
Of the Keema Peas:
Extremely good. If I had to find a criticism, which I don’t, it could have done with more peas, but excellent.
The Bill
£6.30 (Lamb Karahi plus Rice) We paid individually.
The Aftermath
I informed Rizwan that this was the Best Curry he had served me, commenting on the Thickness of the Masala. He spooned some for examination purposes and said:
It’s the Onions.
Perhaps he put in more than normal?
Curry this good has to be enjoyed. Hector will be back tomorrow. And don’t think, Dear Reader, that this is the end of Curry Heute for Wednesday…