Back to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England), and this time no holding back. Today, Hector was going for it: the customary Karahi Lamb on-the-bone (£6.00) would be accompanied by a Plain Naan (£0.80) in addition to the usual Rice (£1.50). Knowing the volume of the Curry & Rice, no way could this be finished, I would have a go. Inspired by Des’ Dish yesterday, Marg ordered Chicken Tikka with Salad (£4.20), and no Masala.
For this session at Kabana, we were joined by Martin who had only been here once previously. I introduced Martin to Rizwan, it is important that Mein Host should know how many people make Curry at Kabana a priority when visiting Manchester. Martin ordered Karahi Lamb (boneless) (£6.00) and a Chapatti (£0.80).
Marg had arranged for us to sit once more at the fat man’s table nearest the serving hatch. Despite putting off our rendezvous today until 14.00, there was still quite a throng assembled at both counter and in the dining area. A considerably large Takeaway was the staff’s focus of attention for a period, then normal service was resumed. Marg’s non-Curry arrived first.
Chicken Tikka
Five well fired pieces of Chicken were accompanied by Spiced Onions, a Modest Salad with some Raita poured on top. The Spiced Onions were left – too Spicy – was Marg’s take. Having enjoyed her lunchtime snack, the following was declared:
Juicy Chicken with a big kick. I thought I might make a scene at one point, it took me by surprise.
The rest of the Order arrived when ready. The indulgent Naan replicated that which I had spotted yesterday. For a mere 80p, outstanding value, especially when compared to restaurant prices. Given the substantial size of this Naan, why are venues charging four times as much for sometimes less?
The Naan was a total delight. It was soft, fluffy, had the burnt bits, and also girth. Even with Marg’s assistance, around a third of the Naan would be wasted. Without the Rice, I may well have managed the lot, but there had to be Rice. Why? The boneless Karahi Lamb revealed all.
Karahi Lamb (Boneless)
The abundant Masala was approaching Shorva, this makes for quite a splashy meal. With Rice, the excess is absorbed, this tends to be the runny component, leaving the thicker elements atop the Rice.
The three pots of foliage were brought to the table. I encouraged Martin to be liberal. Maybe next time he’ll know what one can get away with.
Martin expressed his enjoyment as he ate, using the – two words – that cannot appear in a food blog. He also remarked on the tenderness of the Meat.
Rizwan is deservedly proud of his butcher – I related. Marg cued up Martin for a more elaborate quote:
A bit salty for me, spicy, tender meat.
Hector can only stress the importance of Seasoning yet again.
Not enough Seasoning = Bland Curry.
Karahi Lamb on-the-bone
This Karahi is in a category of its own. It is not the thick Desi Karahi as served at Dera, if they are still in operation, or Lahori Badsha also on Cheetham Hill Road. Fortunately it is far from the Mainstream nonsense served up in restaurants, stir fry by any other name. Perhaps it is not even a true Lahori Karahi, but just a damn fine Curry? Whatever, it packs the intensity of Flavour required to have Hector visit Kabana and have this on every trip to Manchester.
As is the embarrassing custom, heaps of foliage was added, hence the original Spice Level and Texture was altered dramatically. As you like it.
With the excellent Naan in hand, the Masala was dipped into, a novel approach for Hector at this venue. All that needed to be confirmed, was. The Spice, the Seasoning, and thus the anticipated Flavours all present. Today, no Clove encounter, of any kind.
The quantity of Rice is usually close to my limit. With the Bread, it was a case of minimising the waste food, but this Naan was proving difficult to resist.
When I knew the endgame was close, the Naan was abandoned, eat as much of the Rice soaked in the wonderful Masala as possible. I did.
And I would do this again, but only on day one of a trip when the appetite matches the Curry Lust.
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Time to pay. Marg decided this should be my treat. Martin did not disagree.
The Bill
£19.30 If magnanimity is to be thrust upon one, this is the venue to have it done.
The Aftermath
As we departed, two things were established. Firstly, Rizwan confirmed that Kabana is closed on Saturdays once more. Secondly, our next scheduled visit to Manchester is not until April. By then, Hector should have been to Deutschland twice.
And so to Bury for IQ…