Knowing in advance that there was no Curry in Istria (Hrvatska-Croatia) Curry-Heute in Manchester would be the natural conclusion to this twenty two day trip. With some of – The Company – due in Manchester tomorrow there was ironically no – Welcoming Committee – to greet Marg and Hector off our flight from Pula. We relaxed into Manchester before taking the 135 Bus up to Cheetham Hill and what Hector and many more regard as the finest Curry House in the city – Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 OPF). Forget Rusholme and the so called – Curry Mile – this is where the best of Punjabi Cuisine is served. The Northern Quarter Curry is perfect for a quick Lunch or late night Indulgences, Dera is a place – to Dine.
On Thomas St. earlier today we passed the new Al Faisal premises in operation, the long standing original site is due to be redeveloped, hopefully the character of the Northern Quarter will be maintained, too many glass fronted buildings and skyscrapers are appearing here for my liking. I have to include a photo of delhi2go which is very much my ongoing – Project – and marks where the madness of the past almost two months began. Two more trips in August, one domestic, one to Europe. There is still life in Hector the – Bier-Traveller – though I am looking forward to a couple of days off.
Entering Dera, I looked for familiar faces, one Waiter and possibly one other Chap. We were shown to one of the side rooms near the door, though there was a group – of men – as Marg described them, in the main seating area. The Menu was provided and photographed in its entirety. I now need to update my – Dera page – which has shown the – Breakfast Menu – which may be no more. Dera opens at 16.00, unless people know otherwise for weekends.
A Bottle of Tap Water and two Dips were brought by the Young Waiter. I recall back in the days of Lahori Dera when they tried to charge for the Water. What has happened to the Complimentary Poppadoms?
The – Fresh Karahi – is available in half kilos and kilos. The Menu suggests the latter will feed four to five adults whilst the half kilo is suitable for two to three adults. Aye right.
For the last three weeks, Hector’s Meat intake has been a fraction of the norm. The availability of Fish and Seafood at every Restaurant has proved to be most attractive. Also, I simply have not felt like eating Meat and was also doing my best to avoid – Fries – which are usually the accompaniment. The – healthy option – for once. I had reached the stage when I wondered how I could ever again contemplate sitting down to devour a half kilo of Lamb on-the-bone to myself.
That was so yesterday. Faced with the Menu options at Dera, I knew I was having a half kilo, but what about Marg? She prefers – Boneless – but this is not necessarily available by the – Portion. A half kilo of – Boneless Karahi – would be even more Meat than I anticipated. I would ask, it has worked in the past. Marg would stick to her usual Roti (£0.75) whilst a Kulcha Naan (£1.25) is a good change and a good price.
An elder Waiter came to take the Order. I asked about a Portion for Marg, his response surprised:
You are a special guest, we will bring you whatever you wish.
Hector had been recognised. Marg’s Boneless Karahi by the – Portion – was accepted.
There was now the question of how we wished our Karahi to be prepared. Mein Host listed the options, we both liked the sound of – Black Pepper Oil. Olive Oil can be a bit – Rich – says the man who is wondering how soon someone will suggest a visit to Yadgar (Glasgow).
Marg managed to squeeze in a glass of Mango Lassi (£2.00).
Lamb Karahi on-the-bone Black Pepper Oil
When the Tawa was placed on the table, I wondered – how am I going to eat all this?
This was exactly how I like my Curry-Karahi. There was next to no Masala, enough to provide a sense of moistness, no more. The Fresh Coriander looked delightful, the Italians have a lot to learn here. The Ginger Strips and Fresh Green Chillies were placed on the side, a good idea, eat them as and when. How long have I been looking forward to this moment?
Roti – Kulcha Naan
Both Breads were in one basket, the Roti on top.
Ladies first – said Mein Host.
Marg lifted off her Roti to reveal a substantial Kulcha Naan smothered in Sesame Seeds.
Lamb Karahi – Boneless
The – Portion – had Meat into double figures, again with a generous Quantity of Fresh Coriander on top. Marg had previously declared her hunger, she waxed lyrically throughout her Curry:
A lovely taste of pepper coming through with meat.
The soft tenderised meat goes well with the crispy Roti.
Lovely meat, I wondered if it would be too Spicy.
Lots of flavour.
Loads of meat, some of it was mushy.
That was excellent, worth waiting for … all day.
She hadn’t been waiting twenty one days then?
Very filling.
The Mango Lassi helped take away some of the spiciness.
The glass of Mango Lassi was also a fair price for the Quantity supplied, I feel too many venues are at it presently.
And so to the Tawa
The Big Spoon was a hoot, a serving spoon to dish the Karahi out to the two to three adults who would be sharing this splendid meal. I decided to use it as my utensil, why not?
The Meat was Soft, some approached – Mush – was retaining its integrity, very Tender consequently. The Spice Level was nowhere near excessive, well judged. There was an instantaneous aftertaste, the Black Pepper Oil? I mixed in the Ginger and the Green Chillies, this raised the bar even more, this was a truly Wonderful Curry. Worth the wait? I have been in Manchester a couple of times this year and not been out to Dera, disgraceful.
The Bones were few, enough to perform their task of adding more Flavour. There was a sense of – Tanginess – which kept cropping up. At one point this was eye-watering, so much Flavour, Superb.
Within minutes I had made a huge hole on the spread, I knew I could eat – all of this. I had spared the appetite for Meat until now. Hector the devourer of Lamb is back.
*
How did this happen?
The Bill
£23.90. The itemisation had – Butter Lamb Karahi (£12.95) and Lamb Masala (£6.95). Marg had difficulty in accepting the small price for her – Portion.
The Aftermath
As the Young Waiter cleared the table I asked him to get us a taxi. This arrived in minutes and so I was not able to thank Mein Host for this wonderful Fayre. But then, not everyone goes away and writes a Curry Blog.
Dera, the Finest Curry in Manchester.
An afterthought : Bloodsucker-free Zone
I haven’t been bitten yet today. It’s great to be back in the UK.