I told Rizwan last week – I’d be back soon. Hector will be in Manchester quite a bit in the next couple of months though it could be January before a return to Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 OPF) in Cheetam Hill which is still regarded as Manchester’s #1 Curry venue. Meanwhile, when it’s not a Saturday, Lunchtime Curry at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England) reigns supreme.
Having booked later than the rest of – The Company – Hector is staying at Salford Quays. I arranged to meet up with Howard at Kabana at 12.42 such is the precision with which Google Maps operate. I was punctual, Howard was waiting, behind the lamp post. We looked into Kabana, stowed. Mackie Mayor is minutes away, we would pass an hour there and let the lunchtime rush subside.
Returning at 13.30 seats were available, there was still a queue for sitting in and Takeaways. Rizwan, Mein Host, invited us to take a seat, he would bring our Lamb Karahi (£5.80) on-the-bone with Rice (£1.50). It became apparent that they were cooking more Rice. We squeezed on to a table beside a chap who was finishing his lunch. Kabana was emptying rapidly. 13.45 may be the ideal time to be here.
As always, the other two staff members front of house acknowledged us, one brought glasses and weapons and eventually the Curry. He had liberally sprinkled the Foliage on top: Fresh Coriander, Green Chillies and Ginger, saving us a trip back to the counter.
It is only ten days since I had this Curry, – the best I’ve ever had at Kabana – was the verdict last visit. If today’s was as good then a purple patch could be declared.
Howard tore in and spontaneously did a Dr. Stan impersonation:
Mmmm – followed by – this is good.
The Masala was enough to shroud the Meat. Once again the Lamb was a standout, however, I must highlight the experience at Zest (Edinburgh) on Sunday which was the best Lamb I have ever had in a Curry. Is this a good time of year for Lamb?
The Kick in the Curry was boosted by the Chillies. Rizwan, or his Chef, has the Seasoning pitched perfectly. I picked out a Clove, Black Peppercorns permeated the Masala. Allowing for the Bones, there was still a huge amount of Meat. A – Sucky Bone – gave up its marrow, joy. Hector ate slowly, these days this is mandatory; the last grains of Rice were Cold. So it goes.
There was a – roundness – wholesomeness – to the Flavour in this Karahi that I only ever find in the Curry Cafes across the land. This was not – British Indian Restaurant – (BIR) Curry.
Enough of Hector, this was Howard’s summary:
Great flavour from the lamb, the seasoning was excellent and the spice level increased wonderfully over the course of the meal. A Curry that absolutely hit the spot.
I couldn’t have put it better myself. Howard reads every word of Curry-Heute, are these not from Hector’s – book of words?
The Bill
£14.60 Howard took up the cash.
The Aftermath
A return on Friday was mooted. Rizwan suggested we have the Lamb Biryani, one of his Daily Specials.