Marg’s niece, Claire, had her first ever Curry with us at Assam’s (Glasgow) some eleven years ago. She hasn’t had much Curry in the intervening years. In this time, Assam’s has gone. Marg was keen for Claire and Jason to join is for a Manchester Curry. As both are afflicted with the entity known as – work – it would have to be arranged for an evening. In the Northern Quarter, Hector’s Happy Hunting Ground for Manchester Curry, most venues would close before the 18.30 rendezvous time.
Kabana would have been choice #1, closed by 17.30.
Al-Faisal Tandoori is a reliable substitute. In recent times they have advertised late openings, however, presently this is not the case. Golden Tandoori have removed nearly all of their seating. No way was Hector going to a Mainstream restaurant, why accept second rate fayre? That left – delhi2go (119 Oldham Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 1LN).
As reported earlier in the week, I arranged with Chef Shahid for two portions of Lamb on-the bone this evening. Arriving early at delhi2go whist Marg met les autres off the tram, the front of house chap told me that Shahid did not start until 19.00. I went to join Claire and Jason for some late night shopping to kill the time. On the return, Chef was in situ, no Lamb on-the-bone. I asked for Lamb Curry for the chaps, a Plain Naan and a Cheese Naan. I paid for these.
The Bill #1
£21.10 In advance.
The ladies would decide for themselves.
In the walk to delhi2go, I outlined that there would be absolutely no frills, the likelihood – no plates and just plastic cutlery. Since the start of Covid, delhi2go have ceased using crockery and metal, everything is disposable. Threw them out – was a phrase used a while back. Also, if we wished to use – the facilities – we were expected to go next door to Gullivers. This was not the Ritz.
Claire, keen to avoid anything fried, was steered towards a Plain Chicken Kebap, no Sauce, no Onions. Marg ordered Seekh Kebab on a Naan. Marg also arranged the drinks. Four bottles of Still Water, no cups were forthcoming. Marg paid for this.
The Bill #2
£16.00 Again, in advance, and quite an investment.
Damien, who does the sauce tubs, was in and out. Perhaps he now does deliveries also? At least there was one familiar face front of house.
The ladies were summoned to the counter for their choice of Toppings.
Chicken Kebap
I cannot see the Chicken, but what does stand out are the Pickled Chillies and the sliced Jalapeños. If Claire can manage these, she can manage any Curry that comes her way. Maybe one day. Claire insisted that she loves these Chillies, this was not a random selection. The freshness of all that sat before her was appreciated. This was certainly not the meal Claire had in mind when she came into the city centre, but then, we’ll never now what was.
Seekh Kebab
Somewhere beneath lies a Chicken Seekh Kebap. Marg was conservative with her Toppings, it was good to see that when given the choice, she opted to have Raw Onions.
Marg was enjoying her unusual selection. She offered a piece of the Seekh Kebap to Claire who was taken aback. The Spice and the Herbs were to her liking. Claire may have found her new favourite non-Curry Dish.
Anyway, tonight was all about Jason’s first Northern Quarter – Desi Curry. Each time I had mentioned that – the chaps – were having the Curry, Shahid repeated – Chops. Lamb Chops Achari has been enjoyed here in the past, however, I was determined that Jason would experience the Desi Masala without the added Pickle.
The lightly fired Naans were brought on a sheet of paper. Their girth was very much to my liking, these were as doughy as I like them. The Plain Naan was exactly that, no added Butter, the size was well judged, what a normal person can eat.
Only my second Cheese Naan, the first was also at delhi2go when Mian insisted I try one. That was one day shy of two years ago, and then the Cheese was a melted layer inside. Tonight, the Cheese was subtle, spread thinly on top, with only a couple of solidified – cheesy puddles. Like Garlic on a Naan, too much Cheese would take over, too much Cheese and Hector’s system rejects it – quickly.
I thoroughly enjoyed Cheese Naan #2. Jason was not so sure about it, and so we agreed to let him concentrate on the Plain Naan. This was also Jason’s first ever Curry without Rice.
Lamb Karahi
This I can quote with certainty as the chap who brought it to the table annouunced – Lamb Karahi. I knew we were in for something worthwhile, Shahid’s Karahi takes no prisoners. Despite the Toppings of Ginger Strips, sliced Bullet Chillies and Coriander more of the same was brought on a side tray. One cannot have too much – foliage. Jason was tentative, he had never seen a Ginger Strip, but accepted the flow.
The Curry was up to the hoped for standard, the Thick, Dark Masala was full of Flavour, the Seasoning as it surely must be. The Meat was sufficiently Tender. Even looking upon this as a Curry, it was ticking many boxes. However, this was – Desi – and cooked at the hands of Shahid. Jason made all the correct comments and admitted he had never had anything like this before.
Success, but on the cusp of failure. I am left with the sense that the presentation doesn’t have to be this Spartan. More heat in the room would have been appreciated. This was taking cheap and cheerful to the limits.
The Aftermath
Shahid came out to take his bow. Had we presented three hours later I wonder what might have awaited?
As it happens, Marg and I did return, Clive wanted another Burger, this time the – Half Pound Cheese Burger (£4.50). Shahid was confused momentarily.