Thursday is Lamb Chops Karahi Day at Al-Faisal Tandoori (69 Thomas St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1EG). I quote – 69 – as the new address, Yadgar Cafe next door is given as – 71 – so this should be correct. This may be the last I see of the original premises, demolition is well under way. I had wrongly assumed conversion, yet another 
piece of Northern Quarter architecture will disappear, to be replaced with, we shall see. Elsewhere in Manchester, thirty storey tower blocks are under construction, madness.
Entering at 11.36, there were only four diners present, I was here before the lunchtime rush starting at noon. Mein Host was in the same spot where I found him twelve days ago on my first visit to the new premises. There was a hint of a smile of recognition, the Chap who dishes out the food was momentarily in the kitchen through the back. Being a creature of habit, I took the same seat at the same table as two Saturdays ago, from here I could see all.
I went up to the counter to give my Order, Lamb Chops Karahi (£5.50) with Rice (£1.50).
With Spinach – said Mein Host.
I understood this to mean that this is how it had been prepared rather offering me a choice.
Two minutes later my food was brought by the usual Chap who does remind me of Sergei from the Meerkat advert. This was how long it took to – ding – the food which sits on kettles. I have read reviews on other Sources of people criticising the speed at which Curry is served in the Northern Quarter Curry Cafes. This is how it is done, people are out for a quick bite, cheap’n’cheerful is the style, you get what they have.
Lamb Chops Palak Karahi
Last time I covered my Curry with the Coriander Leaves and Green Chillies which sit on the counter. Today I decided to taste the Karahi as presented, the Palak should be enough Herb.
A Herb-rich Masala covered four good sized Lamb Chops. The first bite confirmed the Chops were Soft and Tender and had been cooked in the Masala, not grilled then added. The Spice built slowly on the palate, the Seasoning was well below that which I seek and so the Flavours took a while to reveal themselves. I picked out a piece of Cinnamon Bark, from that very spot in the Masala I encountered a huge Cinnamon Blast. That was as intense as the Flavours got. The Spinach was there but not over-strong as it can be, the lack of Seasoning. I reached the conclusion that the Chops came close to having a decent level of Seasoning, the Masala was well short.
I had to scrape Masala off the Chops to flavour the Rice. A Chapatti would have been a better accompaniment, but Hector needed Rice given the plan for later this afternoon, Sheffield.
I enjoyed my Lamb Chops Karahi but can’t say I would be rushing back to have this, however, if I’m in Manchester again on a Thursday I would certainly give it another try.
High Noon
As I was finishing, Mein Host sat down at a nearby table to have his lunch. Here was an opperchancity not to be missed, but I needed to let him eat. A can of Irn Bru (£0.80) could be savoured and kill a few minutes. In time, I took the Huawei over and greeted Mein Host.
I don’t know if you have you seen this? – I asked.
Yes, thank you – was the reply.
It was clear he was aware of Curry-Heute but not of Hector. I gave the Calling Card and introduced myself. Finally the ice was broken, Mein Host is Tariq and he referred to his colleague of some seventeen years – Salim (Sergei).
The Bill
£7.60 So maybe cans are 60p.
The Aftermath
Tariq summoned Salim for a photo.
Tariq shook hands as I departed, success.
I took a photo of the opening times on the way out. I was not aware that Al-Faisal Tandoori is open this late. Before discovering Golden Tandoori and then the excellent delhi2go, Hector could not find Midnight Curry in the Northern Quarter. That Al-Faisal Tandoori is open all night on a Friday and Saturday is something worth noting, though I shall still regard it as a Lunchtime Curry venue.
