After an evening of ale-quaffing at the Manchester Beer Festival, Hector, John and Mags headed to delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England). Mags was intent on having a Takeaway, not a bad decision given that it was freezing indoors. This would be John’s first visit so he let me order his Curry.
There was no sign of Mian or Chef Shahid, a pity, because Hector was intent on showing them the review of my last visit at the start of this month when, the Meat was so tough, there was very little enjoyment of the meal. The Chap serving tonight still appeared to recognise me, how he knew me would be discovered later.
I ordered a safe Classic Lamb Apna Style (£8.30) and two Chapattis (£80p), John paid the required £9.90. Mags ordered her usual Aloo Gosht (not on the Menu) and a Paratha (£1.70).
Hector was determined not to eat Meat on this occasion. In the past the Bombay Aloo (£6.00) has impressed. I made a request for Aloo Gobi, which is not on the Menu. I was asked if I would like my Potato and Cauliflower with other Vegetables. I agreed to this. Vegetable Balti (£7.20) is as close a Menu description for what I had then ordered.
Can I have it Apna style? – I enquired, just to make sure. A Paratha would accompany.
John stated what needed said – It’s cold in here. It was chilly this evening, gosh there was even snow on top of some cars, though not on the road. Cancel all flights!
Mags stood beside us as we waited for the Order. Did I mention it was f-n freezing here? That the sit in food arrived first did not amuse Mags. The photo I have of the huge Takeaway was not for me to worry about, thankfully ours was soon on top.
John would eat his meal faster than Hector:
Classic Lamb Apna Style
I have had this Curry a few times before, which is why it was recommended. The Toppings were a sniff of Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips and a wealth of sliced large Green Chillies. This many Chillies – Yay!
I did spot two tiny pieces of Green Pepper that would never have been tolerated in a Hector Curry. John, who devours Chapattis, made quick work of his Lamb in a Thick Masala.
Capsicum aside, this was the Quality of Curry I hoped John would be served. They do it well here, I know, I’ve been here oft. Thick Masala, and hopefully Tender Meat… unlike earlier this month.
John was finished before Hector had hardly started, he gave a few words before he headed off:
It was properly balanced and tasty. Bread was perfect and price was right.
I have seen John devour four Chapattis to accompany the equivalent Curry. The Chapattis here are substantial. QED.
*
*
Vegetable Balti
No Ginger Strips, but plenty of sliced large Green Chillies and some Fresh Coriander topped this Vegetable Curry. Potatoes, Cauliflower, Carrots and Peas were shrouded in a Thick Masala rich in Tomato seeds. The Seasoning was OK, however, the Chillies put the Spice Level into orbit. There was a slight Sweetness emanating from the Carrots.
The Paratha initially glistened, but the butter soaked in leaving a somewhat dull Bread. The Paratha was Soft but not as Flaky as one has come to expect. This was not up to the usual delhi2go standard.
As I ate on so I became aware of how much Tomato had been cooked in. The Seasoning towards the base of the karahi appeared to be less. Still, this Curry suited my needs, a break from Lamb was required.
I asked Mags to text some words regarding her Aloo Gosht:
Another excellent Aloo Gosht, made off menu. Spicing just right with a sprinkle of chillies for that extra bite. Yum!! I’ll be back.
The Aftermath
I was determined to have my say about the Quality of the Lamb served on my last visit. The Chap serving informed me that they have since changed their Meat supplier and now spend £4.00 per kilo more for their Lamb. I suggested he ask Rizwan at Kabana from where he sources his excellent Lamb. He was aware of my reviews on Curry-Heute. At this point it dawned on me that if this Chap knew about the operating of delhi2go, and reads Curry-Heute, he was not just a stand-in.
Are you the owner? – I asked, and so Hector met Mohamed.
He confirmed that it was Mian’s day off and that Chef Shahid is on holiday.
Are you a Chef? – I asked, apparently so. Hopefully there will be no return to January 2018 when they lost their main Chef. Mohamed had to train a replacement. I suggested that he consider serving Lamb on-the-bone. This was already in Mohamed’s plans. He showed me the kettles at the counter where prepared Curry will be served a la Northern Quarter. It will be good to have a further lunchtime option, particularly on Saturdays. Meanwhile, Hector is exploring Cheetham Hill.