23.45, and the late night munchies reign supreme. Last night when I dropped into delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England) to reacquaint myself, Chef Shahid promised to cook for me, as in something – off menu. In January last year, the same offer was made, then I had Delhi Achari Lamb Daal, a Curry with everything. I sourced the photo on a well known and reliable Curry Blog, I would have this again.
I knew none of the front of house staff, no Mohammed, no Mian, not even Amer, the animated chap.
I asked for Chef, Shahid was straight out from the kitchen, greetings once more. All was set. Did Steve order the same? I don’t know, I had already taken my favourite table at delhi2go, from there all can be observed. Crucially, this seat is within the range of the camera to record the latest edition of the Menu on the display boards. Curry looks like an afterthought, though this simple board does provide a comprehensive range.
I watched plastic tubs being arranged on the table opposite, ah, a familiar face. This was trusting, all it would take was one late night nutter to come and send them sprawling, very trusting. We watched the tubs being filled from an industrial sized bucket, a day’s supply?
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Shahid brought the Order to the table, surely proud of his creations. There is always a photo. The foil and plastic cutlery puzzled, delhi2go have proper crockery and utensils, or they did have. Shahid told us that due to the ongoing situation they threw out their metal knives and forks. So it goes.
Delhi Achari Lamb Karahi
Given the limitations, this was a work of art. Large Red and Green Chillies topped the creation with Coriander and a slice of Lemon. Below lay a dark, thick Masala with split Lentils protruding from the mass.
The Rice at delhi2go is so much better than plain Basmati, it adds more than just being a filter to neat Curry. As ever, the dilemma: add Rice to the Curry, or the more traditional – add the Curry to the rice. Given the relative sizes of the foil containers, tradition went out the window.
The Meat was cut small, approaching Bradford-small. Chewing was at a minimum, so delightfully Tender. There was a Big Spice Hit, then the Achari-Pickle registered. This was going to be one ferocious meal, no holding back here, full on Flavours.
Shahid was still at the table, keen for confirmation that his efforts were being appreciated. Oh yes!
This was a classic Dry Curry, minimal Masala, yet still moist. I was glad I had Rice, Bread might have been too intense. The Spice kept hitting hard – Spice Recurring. The Pickle guaranteed that this Curry was not all about the heat. The Lentils provided more Texture. I was loving this late night treat. Thank you, Chef.
Steve had something completely different, Bread too. We had to ask Shahid to identify his other creation:
Lamb Karahi
Topped with leaves and stems of Coriander, whole Green Chillies stood out in the dark, thick, Masala. As Steve ate, so many more Chillies emerged, again, no prisoners being taken here. Steve’s level of enjoyment was approaching ecstasy, he too was having a ball. I took a Soupçon, despite the Hector palate being laden with Achari, the efficacy of this Curry was still apparent.
Tender Lamb – began Steve – full of flavour, perfectly spiced, citrus flavour? A Light Naan. Wonderful.
Whilst we ate, a mature chap entered, his body language was that of – I own this place. As he inspected behind the counter, I asked Shahid if this was – The Boss. Mohammed, uncle of the Mohamed I know as – Mein Host. I gave him a Calling Card as he departed, sometimes it creates interest, not tonight.
The Bill
£11.40 each, and paid by card accordingly.
The Aftermath
Shahid told us that he is off on Wednesday – come tomorrow for anything else.
It’s about time I tried something other than Curry from the extensive Menu.
