Two years since my last visit to Lahori Badsha (140 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, England M8 8PZ)? It’s moments like this that make one realise how much time has been stolen from us.
Marg was just about on board to have Curry three days in a row, even sharing the kilo if required. The intended venue for today was – Dera – further up Cheetham Hill Rd, alas their phone was always busy. A mid afternoon Curry was planned, no point going all the way up there to be disappointed. I have Curryspondent Ahmed in Islamabad on the case, more news as and when.
The walk to Lahori Badsha from Ancoats is not demanding. We arrived just on 15.00 to find a family seated at the rear. I took the adjacent table, no point sitting near the door in the middle of winter.
The serving chap wiped our table thoroughly but had to be prompted to bring the Menu. He appeared to have better English than his predecessor. Sometimes I have struggled here to establish exactly what is available, especially in the – Curry of The Day – section.
Two huge pieces of Fried Fish in Breadcrumbs sat in the display cabinet under the counter. Quite a few more would join them during our stay. Four chaps were gainfully employed behind the counter. Marg was intrigued by the chap with the rolling machine which transformed balls of dough into large flat sheets ready to be placed in the adjacent Tandoor.
Fish Karahi at Badsha has been in Hector’s mind since the first visits. As their Karahi are only served by the kilo, sharing is necessary. I was considering ordering the Hirn Karahi (£26.00) on the assumption that this was Fish. Googling – Hirn Fish – gives a rather exotic – Flower Horn Fish – as a result. Hirn, a typo? As I write, I discover that – Hirn – actually translates as – Deer. Imagine ordering a Fish Karahi and receiving Venison? So, who in The Company is up for a share of a kilo of Venison Karahi later this month? We also spotted – Taka Tak – a portion for £8.00. We know this reference from many enjoyable meals at Pak Taka Tak (Athena), but what was this exotic Dish? Offal – apparently.
Marg declared her intention to have Lamb Chops (£7.00), a portion of five was promised. To accompany a Fresh Pakistani Salad (£1.50). Sometimes Salad just comes at Lahori Badsha. This left me with Lamb Curry (£7.50) served on-the-bone, or something from the Curry of The Day list. I decided to go back to basics. Lamb Curry with a Naan (£1.00). Our chap noted the Order with care.
The family behind me had finished and took their leave. Moments later the lady and her elderly mother were back. Mother wanted more, to take away. Two chaps came in to share a kilo of Karahi, Chicken Karahi (£18.00). I must admit that this looked tempting such was the richness of the Masala. OK, I’ll give it a try if anyone is up for it.
Marg’s Chops, Salad and Raita arrived first.
Lamb Chops
The Chops looked well-fired, exactly how we like them. On cutting open the first one, pink Meat was revealed. The Chop was edible, but why take the chance. I took them back up to the counter for further cremation. I do not think – Kebab Chap – was happy. There were no complaints about version #2. Marg devouring five Lamb Chops, what is the World coming too?
A glistening, oval Naan was presented. I had asked for Plain Naan, not the Rogni, but still there was a line of perforations. It’s a Manchester thing. Despite the burnt bits not having formed blisters, this Naan turned out to be excellent. The moistness was retained, no Garlic, and the majority of the Naan had the doughy girth which I prefer.
Lamb Curry
This was Desi Curry, nothing like that served in a Mainstream Restaurant. The standard Toppings of Ginger Strips and Coriander were present, beneath lay a mixture of Masala-proper and an Oily Shorva. Behold, my first – Sucky Bone – of 2022!
Dipping the Naan in the Shorva revealed Spice at a decent level. This was enhanced by sliced Green Chillies in the mix. The Seasoning was a tad on the low side, but there was certainly enough going on here to make this Curry worthwhile. Curry, Hector, remember – Curry? The Naan too was playing its part. The Naan, with the thicker parts of the Masala, was particularly enjoyable. Marg observed how easily the Meat was separating from the bone. Some pieces were – super-soft – the remainder suitably – Tender.
This was back to basics, a simple Desi Curry. I wonder if they’ll do a Fish Karahi?
The Bill
£17.00 Cash Only. The young chap at the till examined my Scottish £20.00 note.
We don’t take these!
Why not? It’s money, I have many different colours of Scottish notes, they’re not all the same like English ones.
On studying the note further he decided to accept it.
It says Sterling – he acknowledged.
It’s strange that when we pay contactless, our Scottish money is never an issue.
The Aftermath
I asked after Zak. Nobody had heard of him, or they weren’t saying.
Zak, how are you?
On our departure I noted that both the other Kabana and Chappati Corner were both shut this Saturday afternoon. Something to note in future. I have also located another Curry Cafe on the other side of Strangeways – Moghul’s Taste.