Howard and Hector walked into delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England) @23.00, it was Howard’s suggestion that we go for Curry. After today’s excellent lunch at Kabana I was not particularly bothered, but I have to accept my own rule.
Mian, Mein Host recognised me but was taken aback by my opening statement:
Two of my friends were in here earlier and one had a terrible Curry.
Craig and Yvonne described their meals as – swimming in oil. Chicken Jalfrezi was one choice, their food was not asked for – Apna style. Increasingly this is what is happening around the UK, there is Curry for – The British – and – Asian style for those who ask, and know to ask. If one orders badly, then take what comes. Meanwhile, Mags sat in and had her usual Aloo Gosht, no criticisms were forthcoming.
Cue the appearance of Chef Shahid, I have described my requirements to him previously and showed a photo of a most pleasing Curry enjoyed here – Lamb, Methi, Minimal Masala…
Should I order Rice or Bread to go with it?
A Paratha was agreed.
Howard knew the best way was to follow suit.
Twice.
The Bill
£20.00. A conveniently round number.
I took a seat, Howard did not. He declared that he wanted his to take away. This I could not fathom, we’re here, on holiday, it was not that late.
Shahid brought my Order himself, the Paratha sitting on foil in a basket, the Lamb Karahi looking splendid with Toppings of Fresh Coriander and Sliced Green Chillies, the Large ones, plus an abundance of Ginger Strips. I would eat from the Karahi and use metal cutlery also. They have it here but I have had to suffer plastic on some previous visits.
My preferred style of Paratha is Layered and Flaky, not only did tonight’s tick these boxes, it established a third parameter – Swirly. This was the Perfect Paratha.
Shahid was not finished, out came a platter of Salad with Spiced Onions and a Chickpea Chat. Another container had Raita, Mango Chutney and a Chilli Sauce. If they truly wish people to come and dine on the premises then this is the standard they should be aiming for.
Where was Howard’s Takeaway?
As I embarked on my Feast, it dawned on me that Howard should have received his Order by now, I asked. Mian for some reason thought Howard desired to watch me eat then take his Curry home. We saw no logic in this. Howard was not a happy chap.
Finally his Curry and Paratha were produced and Mian offered Howard Sauce and Salad.
Whatever.
Shahid came out from the kitchen once more to hear my verdict on his creation.
This is Wonderful – I exclaimed – how it should be, a Model, one describes what one desires and Chef listens.
The Seasoning hit my palate as soon as I dipped my first piece of Paratha into the not too abundant, but slightly Oily Masala. There was definitely Methi in there too. Tomato Seeds were highly visible in the Masala, so were there Onions? This had the appearance of a true Karahi.
There was sufficient Spice in the Meat and Masala, when the Green Chillies and Ginger made their presence known, the pleasure rating was further enhanced. The plentiful Meat varied from very Tender to Chewy. That this was – Boneless – was the only disappointment. Bones are not served with Lamb at delhi2go. Had they been, then this Karahi Gosht could have been rated as highly as that served at Karahi Palace (Glasgow), the benchmark. Could I praise this more? Excellent Curry!
The Aftermath
Shahid was outside as I began my departure, Mian came out to join us, and so we talked – Curry – for the next ten minutes, and Steak. Mian was keen for me to try a Steakhouse in Slough. Why order Steak in a Restaurant when one can prepare it just as well at home for a fraction of the price?
As ever I managed to get – Namkeen – into the conversation, and Bones. Shahid informed me that he had cooked Lamb on-the-bone for the Staff Curry yesterday. Mian asked why my visits are so sporadic.
I don’t live in Manchester!
Rusholme, The Curry Mile, was mentioned. Shahid told me that one of the venues I have reviewed there has gone, alas I cannot remember which. Google Maps may help here. I was then asked to name my favourite Manchester Curry House. Dera was my reply, the right answer apparently. Shahid has trained Chefs who work in Cheetham Hill. It’s about time Hector returned to Dera, but with delhi2go moments from the Ancoats Travelodge, coming here is far simpler for all.
