After a splendid night at The Met, Bury, attending this year’s IQ gig, it was back to the harsh reality of getting back to Scotland. I had decided to take the risk of firstly booking with TransPennine Express who let me down on my last Manchester trip, then running the gauntlet that is Platform 14 at Piccadilly Station. Hopefully the 13.26 would run today. Why the 13.26? To give time for lunch at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England).
Rizwan Mein Host, was not surprised to see me when I walked in just on noon.
I saw you were out and about – and some people think it’s possible to sneak into Manchester without social media triggering an alert.
About a dozen diners were already in situ, amazing, so many like minded people. Sod breakfast, let’s have a very economical lunch. There was a steady stream of Takeaway customers throughout my visit. Bulk orders had been phoned in and were taken out to waiting vehicles, it was all happening here.
I placed my bag and still damp coat at the table adjacent to the door. The Foliage – was on display, sliced Lemon was present too, a bit of Citrus can take the edge off the Spice Level but also add a lovely tang to a Curry.
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The usual? – asked Rizwan. One would think that Lamb Karahi was all Hector ever ate.
Lamb Karahi on-the-bone (£5.00) and Rice (£1.50) would be brought to the table by Rizwan himself in a few moments. The Boneless version is – aye ready – the on-the-bone usually has to be brought back to the required temperature. As I took my seat so the other two chaps who are front of house acknowledged my presence. Hector was back in his favourite Manchester Curry Cafe.
Rizwan asked if I had noticed anything. I hadn’t. He drew my attention to sheets of A4 posted on the walls. Also! As of January 18th, this Saturday, Kabana will be open every day. Rizwan will still have his day off, brother Mani will be running the show. Al-Faisal across the street will find this impacts on their business, however, they are now open through the small hours. I suspect my eleven recorded visits have all been on Saturdays. I note also that Yadgar Cafe next door to them had not opened today despite their advertised Sunday opening. Even before I had experienced my first Manchester Curry in the Northern Quarter, I knew that Kabana was the place to be. It is written.
Lamb Karahi on-the-bone
The only disadvantage of Rizwan bringing the plate to the table is that I do not get to take a photo of the naked Curry. A suitably liberal quantity of – The Foliage – had been sprinkled on top: chopped Ginger, sliced Green Chillies, chopped Fresh Coriander. More was there for the taking. Beneath lay a veritable plateful of Curry and Rice.
Cloves.
The Seasoning.
The Flavours.
A Hector portion.
The Foliage.
Chillies.
Each of the above combined to make that which is the Kabana Lamb Karahi.
The blended Masala was enough, no more than necessary. The Rice took in enough Masala to make it – Interesting and Flavoursome. I have been congratulating Rizwan on the quality of his Meat for some time, today’s was again outstanding. Tender Lamb is the expected norm, Lamb that absorbs then emits this much Flavour is exceptional. As always, I savoured the – Sucky Bone.
Whole Black Peppercorns were revealed at the base of the plate, I do not recall seeing these previously. Peppercorns and Cloves aside, one wonders what the secret of Kabana Curry is.
Any new discoveries? – asked Rizwan.
Wakefield – was my reply.
I had to look up the name of the Curry House which has to go down as the major discovery of 2019. Syhiba, wonderful Curry – near Kirkgate, a return may be possible if April’s trip to Sheffield accommodates.
The Bill
£6.50 No wonder Kabana is always stowed.
The Aftermath
I had to ask what was on display, uncooked. Lamb Chops, drool.
I advised Rizwan that the mob from Glasgow will be down in the next couple of weeks. He knows most of our faces.
The 13.26 was punctual. The 15.26 was cancelled. The 17.26 was cancelled. That’s a train service? TransPennine no more.