The mission for the rest of this Manchester Trip was declared yesterday on the walk up Cheetham Hill Road, to visit the venues which make up this cluster of five Curry Houses which operate within metres of each other, quite a cluster. Five? I failed to spot Bukhara yesterday as it was far too big, crazy. I suspect it is part of a chain and therefore 
there’s no rush. Meanwhile, Lahori Badsha (140 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, England M8 8PZ) was the first venue encountered yesterday, the young Chap behind the counter was welcoming, I said I would be back.
Arriving at 14.15 I found one Diner finishing his lunch. The same Chap behind the counter raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement as I took a seat well away from the door. Another Chap brought the Menu. Daily Special, Lunch Offers, Curry Of The Day, Karahi is only sold by the Kilo. Lamb Chops, £5.50 for five. Where to begin?
I decided upon Aloo Gosht (£4.99), the Menu made no mention of Rice, the Lunch Offers included two Roti, so this appeared to be the way. Chap #2 came to take the Order, Aloo Gosht was not available, he offered Keema. Whilst I have no problems with Keema, if I was going to judge this venue, then a Masala had to be obtained. When I asked what was available, he sought Chap #1 who rhymed off Lamb Curry, Chicken… Lamb Curry (£6.50) it would be, plus a Chapatti (£0.50).
*
Lahori Badsha has four long tables (which could be split) each seating eight. This is another Curry Cafe where one always hopes to find – Simple – and sometimes – Outstanding – Fayre. Chap #2 brought a glass and plate followed by a Jug of Water. A Salad and Raita came next, I started to nibble. The wait for the Mains was not long.
The Roti was of the – Wholemeal – variety. Large, it was Hot, Soft and took quite a time to show signs of crisping. No way would I finish this.
Lamb Curry
The peripheral Oil immediately caught the eye, was this a Shorva? Buried beneath the Toppings of Fresh Coriander, Ginger Strips and copious slices of Green Chillies, was a very impressive Thick Masala. Indeed, it looked remarkably similar to that presented last night at Dera, it may well have been Tomato-based.
I counted the Meat into double figures, this Lamb Curry was on-the-bone. The Pedigree was staring me in the face.
The Curry was Hot, the Flavours were realised in an instant, the Meat was delightfully Soft but still far from Pulp. Lahori Badsha, another Curry-Heute find, a purveyor of Worthy Curry.
I had too close an encounter with the largest Black Cardamom ever seen. Cloves became prominent when I tackled a piece of Meat on-the-bone. The Meat and Peppery Masala belonged together, not the too often encountered – quick match.
Chap #2 brought another Roti and arranged it under the first. I had to ask him to take it away. Whilst it would have been tempting to start on another Hot, Fresh Roti, this would have been a total waste. Hopefully it went to a good stomach.
I was approaching the end, three Bones was the count, I had eaten enough Lamb for today. Hopefully somewhere will have Fish waiting for me this week. I did see the Fish on display and wondered how it was served. The TV was on the wall behind me, the walls were otherwise bare. Just what is available here and when?
The Bill
£7.00 50p for a Roti, £1.00 for a Naan. Is anyone in Aberdeen reading this?
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card to Chap #1 who I deduced was Mein Host. This was Zak.
You didn’t eat very much – Zak remarked – most people can do two Chapattis.
On asking if I could take some photos, he arranged a whole Chicken on a plate. They are evidently proud of their Chicken. Despite eschewing Chicken Curry, Chicken served in this manner is more akin to Nando’s which of course Hector is very partial to.
Zak offered to provide an array of their Specials on my next visit. I may well take him up on this. Hector will next be back in Manchester in the middle of March.
I noted the time and walked back to Ancoats Travelodge, thirteen minutes at Hector’s pace.
Now for a Beer Festival.
The Menu
