On the first day of any trip, one approaches every pleasure with an unsustainable vigour, a day of self-indulgence. Curry this afternoon at Chappati Corner felt so long in the past when Cask closed at 23.00. I’m in Manchester, the intake of Curry has to be maximised, I’m not here every day. So it goes. For a late night Curry in the Northern Quarter, there is one standout venue: delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England).
It was 23.20 when I reached delhi2go. Howard and Mags had sprinted ahead as I accompanied Dr. Stan halfway home. They had gone, served already, Takeaway, why not sit in? Before entering delhi2go I had to visit Gullivers next door, it is acceptable to use their facilities.
The chap I described as – animated – in my October 2019 visit was serving a cluster of customers. He remembered me, I was summoned to the front. Chef Shahid brought an Order from the kitchen, business done, he came over, a firm handshake:
Where have you been?
I live in Glasgow – I reminded him, visits to Manchester are sporadic. As is becoming a custom here, I asked the question:
What do you want to cook for me?
Your choice.
Not Chicken or Capsicum… Fish, Lamb?
The Delhi Lamb Karahi served here has become a favourite, however, I had Vegetables in mind also.
Delhi Lamb Karahi with some Vegetables – I proposed.
Not Veg I think – replied Chef Shahid – Lamb with Daal – he suggested.
With Rice, sorted.
I took a seat, a few more people would do likewise. There was a near steady stream of Takeaway customers, few I fear were ordering Curry, their choice.
The display boards looked different, a new Menu? I did not see the expected bundle of printed paper menus. Each table had the Menu in a plastic stand. New prices, I set about recording these. Delhi Achari Lamb (£9.80), Rice (£2.00), I could cope with this.
Chef brought my Order to the table, as ever there was a photo.
The mountain of Rice had a Spicy hue. Why serve white Basmati when with a little bit of effort something more – Special – can be created?
Delhi Lamb Achari Daal
The – Manchester Toppings – were present, copious Ginger Strips, a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander and slices of large Green Chillies – Foliage. Beneath lay the distinctive delhi2go Masala, so rich in colour. The Daal stood out, big split Yellow Lentils. The quantity of Curry was more modest than on my last visit, then I was embarrassed, left too much. This I would manage.
Achari, it has been a while. The Pickle Flavour was not overwhelming, well judged. The Spice Level of the Masala was greatly enhanced by the Chillies, no prisoners were being taken here. There was no problem with the level of Seasoning, Chef Shahid usually gets this spot on. He looked over from behind the counter. My pleasure was confirmed. Hector was being indulged.
The Lentils added the required – Diversity. The quantity was such that it did not dominate but simply enhanced the experience. This was a worthy combination, a change from my usual – Methi overdose. Not on the Menu? It should be.
The premises were now void of customers, I went up to pay.
The Bill
The – animated chap – had no idea what I had eaten. I suggested £11.00 was about right. (Ooops, old prices) He took £10.00.
The Aftermath
It was time to introduce myself to the chap whom I actually had quite a chat with last time. Amer, now we know.
Chef Shahid came out from the kitchen once more. He asked how long I was down for. Tuesday is his day off, we agreed he would have something special for me on Wednesday. Last time we did this I ended up Currying late in Huddersfield, some of – The Company – were treated, they were tested. We shall see.
Gullivers was still open, the Facilities were utilised once again. My favourite post-Curry tipple was available, why not? Hector was last out, thanks, Kim. In the interim I met a young lady who knows the music of – CAN – better than anyone of that age I have ever encountered. Uncanny!
It was nearing 01.00, Al-Faisal Tandoori claim to be open this late. There was no sign of life.