The thought of returning to delhi2go was tempting, however, I thought I had better spread my Curry Pound further around Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I was delighted to discover the Golden Tandoori (40-42 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5AE, UK) this time last year, the Curry Houses in this neighbourhood tended to be daytime venues. Late night Curry in the Northern Quarter is a further reason to stay at the Ancoats Travelodge.
We both chose from the – All Time Favourite – section of the Menu, which means – Asian Style – was forgotten. I asked for Karahi Lamb (£5.80) – without Peppers – just in case any were due to be added. Clive as ever could not resist a Dhansak, however tonight would be a first – Lamb Dhansak (£5.80) but without the Pineapple listed in the Menu description. We would both have Keema Paratha (£2.00) as the accompaniment. Hector appears to be settling into a pattern of Rice by day, Bread by night.
I made a comprehensive recording of the Menu whilst we waited. That the Toilet was – Out of Order – amused. No train home tonight, but still no working toilet.
The Curry arrived, two Modest Platefuls, or so I thought. I persuaded the Chap who brought the food that we needed cutlery and napkins. A plastic fork and spoon was provided and some blue industrial kitchen roll. No toilet, no frills.
The Parathas were a good size and were served – Whole – which always raises the spirits. I was keen to examine the interior, Brown Grains of Mince, oh yes! Coriander Leaves were there too, better still. Normally one forsakes – Flaky – when ordering a Stuffed Paratha, not at Golden Tandoori. This Paratha was stuffed, had Layers and retained a sense of – Flakiness. It had its own distinctive Flavour too, one could have eaten this alone. This was the Perfect Paratha. So Perfect, I nearly managed to eat all of it, only a small piece was left over. Clive managed all of his.
Lamb Karahi
There was more Meat than I first realised, it was cut small though not – Bradford-small. The Curry was piping hot and had a good Spice Level. The Seasoning was – OK – no more. The Masala was full of Tomato Seeds, a feature I always enjoy. Unfortunately this Masala lacked a Distinctive Taste, should I have asked this to be served – Asian Style – or was it down to the Seasoning, or lack of?
I still had seven pieces of Meat and began to wish I had fewer. This Portion was most deceptive. I had eaten more Paratha than I normally would, I got there.
Lamb Dhansak
How, or why, Clive enjoys this still baffles. A Plateful of Yellow Masala with pieces of Lamb which looked out of place, I am used to seeing Chicken here.
I think there’s more Lentils than Lamb – was an early comment by Clive.
Excellent, my first ever Lamb Dhansak. A lot of it, lots of lumps, whatever was in there… a very pleasant meal.
The Bill
£16.00 That is what I was told, do the sums.
The Aftermath
I went up to the counter to buy a Bottle of Fizz for the room.
How is your business? – asked the Chap who had served us.
Either he had remembered me from my two visits last January, or he had guessed given that everything that didn’t move had been photographed.
I don’t have a business – was my reply – it’s just a hobby.
A Chef appeared, followed by another. A Chap who must have been Mein Host came out of the kitchen too.
Where are you from?
Glasgow, where we have many Punjabi Curry Houses. I know this was a Punjabi Curry.
There had to be a photo, they were keen. I’ll see them again on a future Trip, hopefully. Asian Style, ask for Asian Style.
