Since it was agreed that Huddersfield would be the locus for New Year, all the talk amongst The Company has been about a return to Kobane Kurdish Restaurant (8 Bradford Rd, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England HD1 6HY).
Marg and Hector set off from t’Travelodge at noon. Howard texted to check on the arrangements, he was already there. On entering we were told that Mags, Craig and Yvonne had just departed. They were keen, something to do with having to meet the Chaps from Bradford early, in Halifax.
After dealing with a phone order, Mein Host came over to offer us the traditional Kobane – welcome Soup. Howard chose Lamb, Marg and Hector the Lentil. The complimentary Soup arrived in an instant, we had ordered no Mains at this point. There was a wee kick in the well seasoned Shorva. It was just enough, a Soupçon of Soup.
Mein Host drew our attention to the New Menu which was propped up at the edge of the table. The Menu has been redesigned, the prices have increased, thankfully. On our previous visits we have been overwhelmed by the Quantity of food served up and embarrassed by the minimalism of the prices. Still, Kobane remains great value.
Another Chap came to take the Order. Marg, the debutante at Kobane, would share a Large Lamb Qozi (£9.00) with Potatoes, whilst Howard would have the Medium Lamb Qozi (£7.50) with Beans. The additional Vegetables would be served in another Shorva. Above Medium Spice – was agreed. A can of Fanta and two bottles of Still Water completed the Order.
How they serve the food so quickly amazes. Obviously the Lamb has been slow cooked in Herbs, it is a matter of reheating. However, such is the mass of food which has to be assembled, this does take great skill. A plate of Rice, more than enough to share was placed in front of Marg and Hector, Howard was given the same size of portion. The Rice was a work of art, Lentils were sprinkled there too. Two sizzling platters of Lamb Ribs were placed on the table, a Salad, to share followed, then a basket with two Pancake-style Naans. I use the term – pancake – referring to the air bubbles which were present. The Naans were incredibly light, unique to Kobane. The Vegetables in a Soupy Sauce brought up the rear.
Lamb Qozy
The mountain of Lamb was covered with an array of Vegetables all sizzling. Onions lay beneath the Meat, still cooking on the heat. This is not a Curry, not a Karahi, something else, closer to Kleftico as served in Hellas, but way more complex. This Lamb Qozy leaves Greek Cuisine far behind.
The Rice was shared, the Salad arranged carefully leaving space for the Potatoes, then a decent portion of very Soft and Tender Lamb was placed beside these. There was enough Shorva to cover the assembled Feast.
The Lamb was infused with Herbs, so full of Flavour. Marg let out an – Mmmm – as soon as she started. The Vegetables added great diversity, the Lentils stood out, Howard reckoned he found Cranberries too. There was so much to eat. Marg declared she was full, there was still a mass of Meat on the platter, I took what I could manage, Marg cleaned up. Between the three of us we managed just over one Naan. We marvelled at the lightness of the Bread, this was excellent, then one realised that every component of this Dish played its part.
This set us up for the day, very nicely.
There were a few words from my fellow diners, Marg kicked things off:
A lovely change with plenty of variety. The meat was very succulent and tasty.
Howard is never short of a word, or ten:
As good as I remember. Melt in the mouth, flavoursome lamb, excellent accompaniments. A Huddersfield treat, hopefully to be repeated before the end of the trip.
Kobane is closed on New Year’s Day, a pity, that was our plan.
The Bill
£18.75 The Drinks cost £2.25.
The Aftermath
And so to Halifax where the Rickmeister would pester me to go for Curry-Heute. Hector has other plans for Curry this evening, Sher e Akbar is calling.
