Nine days ago, Hector was down in Manchester for one night only, to see IQ perform in Bury. Chappati Corner (150-152 Cheetham Hill Rd., Manchester, England M8 8PZ) was the intended venue for Curry having enjoyed their Lamb Karahi this time last year as part of their Rice & 3 Curry (£6.00). Transport difficulties delayed my arrival in Manchester, Chappati Corner was closed. Today, Avanti delivered the first six of – The Company – timeously. Hector was at Chappati Corner at 16.05.
A couple were finishing their meal, thereafter I had the place to myself.
Lamb Karahi? – I asked the chap who came out from the kitchen.
With or without Bones was the offer in reply. On-the-bone – is always preferable. Rice was established. He lifted the lid off the kettle to reveal the dark, rich, oily, meaty mass. A decent portion was arranged over the Rice, any surplus Oil was immediately taken in by the Rice.
Anything else?
Being a regular Curry Cafe diner in Manchester I understood the cue. The Foliage – was not on top of the counter to help oneself, but beneath with the Pizza toppings. I asked for the Mancunian trinity: Fresh Coriander, Ginger strips, sliced Chillies. Ah, success.
The Bill
£6.00 is all that was asked for.
Lamb Karahi
Kabana! Visually, this looked identical to the Kabana Lamb Karahi, the Masala had the same colour and texture. I was not surprised when I found it tasted like a Kabana Lamb Karahi, perhaps slightly sweeter, but that could have been down to a mouthful of Fresh Coriander.
The Chillies added the bite, the Seasoning was such that the Flavours all came out, eventually the distinctive Manchester Clove Flavour emerged. The Lamb was mostly on-the-bone, fingers were required. Tender Meat, every piece gave off Flavour, a sense of belonging was there. The Meat and Masala worked in harmony, the Foliage added that bit extra. Whole Green Chillies had been cooked in also.
Every mouthful was a moment of joy such was the oh so familiar warmth of Flavour which spread across the palate. This was a Manchester Lamb Karahi, it will not be my only one this week. The – other Kabana is across the street, tomorrow…
If I have to offer any criticism, the Curry had cooled quite a bit by the time I neared the end, perhaps it could have been served hotter. Still, I have to accept that my speed of eating has slowed dramatically in recent times, so partly my fault.
The Aftermath
The Beer Festival does not start until Wednesday evening, we shall be content visiting our favourite places until then. That was lunch, so what about dinner?