Today Hector completed the visits to the three Curry Cafes clustered on this block on Cheetham Hill Road. Chappati Corner (150-152 Cheetham Hill Rd., Manchester, England M8 8PZ) is very much the smaller of the three and shares an address with Apna Lahori Kebabish next door. Steve had walked out with me, I took him to Lahori Badsha where I had a truly wonderful Curry two days ago. This meant I have seen Zak on three days this week, hopefully he will remember me when I return in March.
Introductions made, I departed and walked the few metres to Chappati Corner, maybe there is no correct spelling of – Chapatti.
The place felt a bit cramped and was not helped by the fact they have essentially the same furniture as is found in the Northern Quarter’s – Kabana. Ironically, the Kabana across the street from Chappati Corner has the same better suited furniture as found at Al-Faisal Tandoori.
An illuminated sign that I had previously seen from the street proudly displayed the option for – Rice & 3 Curry. I like the deliberate singularity. A handwritten sign behind the counter informed me that Today’s Special was Chicken Biryani. On Wednesdays it’s Anda Kofta, a particular favourite and not available often enough.
The queue of three seemed to fill the room. Rice & 3 Curry (£6.00) permits choices of two Meat and one Vegetable. The kettles were all covered so the serving Chap had to recite what was on offer. There had to be Lamb, I asked for Lamb on-the-bone. Aloo Keema and Aloo Gobi were the next selections. The Chap covered the plate with a generous serving of Rice then proceeded to arrange my choices, this was an impressive quantity of food for six quid. What a plateful! He sprinkled a Soupçon of Fresh Coriander and sliced Green Chillies on top, no forest of Herbs here. I paid.
I managed to squeeze myself on to a seat at the window. The Chap who I had seen yesterday as I waited for Apna Lahori Kebabish to open was out clearing tables. This improved the ambience, marginally. Basic as this Curry Cafe was, it was by far the busiest of the three venues on this side of the street.
Lamb on-the-bone
The first mouthful impressed, this was Curry! The Meat was Soft and was full of Flavour. Masala? I had to look for it. There was enough to cover the Meat, no more, perfect. This could have been served as Karahi Gosht. This was as good as anywhere I have been to in the Northern Quarter, as good as Kabana.
The Spice was there, the added Chillies enhanced this. The remarkable Seasoning was complemented by a slightly burnt taste, this Curry was simply an absolute joy to experience. The two Chaps who sat next to me each had platefuls of this Lamb Curry, they knew.
Aloo Keema
There was no way that this could be as intense as what I had just sampled. With no Masala and no Oil, this would have been better eaten with a Chapatti. Dry, Earthy, I noted with a decent Kick. The Seasoning was well down in this Curry. The Potato content was enough to satisfy the – Aloo Keema – label.
Aloo Gobi
This was a Mash, and a pretty bland one at that. One assumes that this was how it was intended. Vegetables as part of any Curry are always a bonus. I forgave the two large pieces of Red Capsicum that had somehow sneaked into the Aloo Gobi.
The diversity on this plate was testimony to that which sums up Manchester Curry – Rice and 3.
I never fail to be amazed at the Quality of Curry served in such modest venues. This has been quite a week, my very favourite – Dera – to kick things off on arrival, then three new to Curry-Heute – Curry Cafes, each serving quite distinct Curry.
The Aftermath
I was about to simply leave the Calling Card on the table, the Chaps serving were always busy. As I finished I spotted a gap. I had seen possibly four different people taking turns to serve, this Chap had the air of being Mein Host. On accepting the Calling Card he gave me permission to photograph the various Dishes, the covers were off simultaneously, something I bet does not happen often at Chappati Corner.
I went back to Lahori Badsha to collect Steve. He had just finished and was well impressed by their Lamb Curry. Knowing that it’s only an extra ten minute walk from Ancoats, I trust he will return.
It was at the end of last year when Rizwan told me about the second Kabana. Google Maps have it as open on a Saturday which the original premises are not. My plan this week was therefore to finally have a Saturday Kabana Curry. I went across to check.
The Chap on the tables told me – Sunday. Rizwan later confirmed this by text. I could have been here today had I known this.
Three days ago I wrote about the five Curry Houses in this cluster on Cheetham Hill Road. It appears that the nearby Alif Grill (105 Cheetham Hill Rd., Manchester, England M8 8PY) also serves Curry, and despite its name – Kebabish Grill & Steakhouse (170-172 Cheetham Hill Rd., Manchester, England M8 8LQ) which is a block further north does so too. That makes eight venues that I know of. Cheetham Hill, Manchester’s #2 Curry Mile, and way better than #1, Hector has not been down to Rusholme for years and after this week’s experiences, is unlikely to do so.