I could start with a rant about the diabolical trains in the north of England, but those who are exposed to them know the story already. Steve and Hector arrived at the infamous Piccadilly Platform 14 in time to arrive at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England) at noon exactly. Two members of Staff acknowledged me as I took my place in the queue. Mein Host, Rizwan, had his head buried as he served another customer. Yes, noon on a Sunday, and Kabana is pretty much full, plus there was a steady stream of Takeaway customers.
Lamb Karahi on the bone (£4.80) with Rice (£1.50) was Hector’s order, Steve had disappeared momentarily, he repeated his Saturday choice at nearby Al-Faisal, a Paratha (£1.50) instead of Rice. Rice and Three – also costs £6.30. My Curry was served up immediately, Steve had to wait for his Paratha being prepared. Chopped Ginger, Green Chillies, and Fresh Coriander were on the counter – help yourself. I did.
It was a bit of a squeeze getting on to the bench seat. Maybe one table needs to be taken out to let normal sized people sit in comfort? Better still, a redesign?
Lamb Karahi
I didn’t count the large pieces of Meat, there was enough. Noon on a Sunday is not Hector’s ideal time to eat, this meal would be approached slowly. The Masala was Blended but decidedly Thicker than that served at Al-Faisal, it looked rich. The photographic records on Curry-Heute show that the Masala at Kabana has evolved over the years to the Quality now served.
The first mouthful had me won, the Flavour was so intense. These reviews must be formulaic, the success was all down to the abundant Seasoning. The Seasoning was exactly how Hector desires it, and so the Flavours flooded out.
This is magnificent – I said to Steve. After last night’s extravaganza at Apna Style (Huddersfield), I did not think I would enjoy today’s Curry to this extent. Sucky Bones, my favourite, added to the Overall Flavour. The Meat was a standout. The texture of the Meat oozed Quality. That it had been sat in the Masala meant an infusion of Flavour. The Rice remnants had absorbed the Masala also, since when was Rice alone this Flavoursome? I took my time and savoured every mouthful. I had to leave a smidgen.
Rizwan came over to greet – I see you were in Sheffield yesterday (Social Media). I had to mention the joy of Apna Style, but then I doubt if Rizwan is rushing out for Curry in his time off.
Living the life – is his favourite comment. You’re like a James Bond character – he continued – popping up in cities around Europe.
My name is Curry-Heute, Hector Curry-Heute.
The next time Rizwan passed the table I had to ask about the Meat:
Your Meat is even better than normal, have you changed suppliers?
Maybe you’re just getting easier to please – was his retort.
Steve’s Karahi was served in a bowl as he had not ordered Rice. The Paratha was served whole, so he had the pleasure of tearing it into the size of strips of his choice. This was a Paratha, almost – White – it was visibly Soft, Layered and Flaky. I’ll need to try one soon.
The Meat was beautiful – declared Steve – Spices were perfect, the best meal I can remember in here. The Paratha was excellent, buttery and flaky.
Buttery, we’ve not had that before. Could this be added to the list of parameters defining the – Perfect Paratha?
The Bill
£6.30 Each.
The Aftermath
I advised Rizwan that today was the first in a series of six visits to Manchester through to the end of January. Living the life. As I stood up to put on my fleece, the couple at the adjacent table smiled in recognition. I’ll have to meet up with Manchester Curryspondent Danny soon. People do read Curry-Heute. Thank you.