Today’s was the planned visit to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England), yesterday’s was a bonus. Without luggage, I could have altered my plans, however, going beyond the Northern Quarter, not on.
I have never had to leave an Ibis at 11.00 before. Both they and Travelodge typically offer the luxury of noon checkouts, not the one I stayed in last night. This meant I was on my way to Kabana as it opened at 11.00. At 11.11, four diners were already in situ. As Breakfast is not part of the Menu, we were all here for the same sort of fix.
Rizwan was possibly surprised to see me this early. I told him that my stomach doesn’t normally – thaw out – until 15.00. This would be a challenge. As I mentioned last week in Bamberg, even in the tour of Sri Lanka, I abandoned Curry for breakfast.
Repeating yesterday’s Karahi Lamb (£6.00) was always going to be a temptation, I can only have it on Manchester days, which are never enough. Sense prevailed, Keema Peas (£6.00) and a Plain Naan (£1.00) was ordered. Rizwan gave me space behind the counter for my big bag. I took a back end table, and tore into the fresh tasting Tap Water.
Today is Visit #45 for Hector at Kabana (original), the Curry House which ranks fourth in the number of visits in Curry-Heute. Having celebrated #100 at my two most visited Glasgow Curry Houses – Yadgar Kebab House and Karahi Palace, I have been giving some consideration as to whether I should present a similar commemoration for #50 at venues outside Glasgow. For the record, it was Jonathan who helped me design said certificates, perhaps awareness of one’s mortality begs the question: will I ever reach #100 at non-Glasgow venues?
As Rizwan brought my food, so I declared the tally of visits. Two chaps sitting at the other end overheard, one said he comes here – three to four times a week. Rizwan did a quick computation – 750 – was the estimated total. That’s dedication. Had Curry-Heute began some thirty years earlier, Akash (Helensburgh) would be @#1000 for Hector.
They suggested I try a Buffet establishment in Rusholme, those I try to avoid. Here was an opperchancity to ask about the much missed Dera on Cheetham Hill Road. Sadly they did not know it, well if they go to the same place all the time…. Deliveries are again being sold in Dera’s name, however, they may be coming from the original premises in Rusholme.
Since Day #1 of Curry-Heute, I have never criticised anyone (as is written in the – About – page) who goes to their local Curry House every week, and orders the same Curry. Before Curry-Heute, I was certainly guilty of this, in the last thirteen years, not so. At the time of posting, I have reviewed 150 sit-in Curry Houses in Glasgow alone. Clearly, as quoted above I have my favourites and visit them most. I wonder why?
Imagine my take on a recent Curryspondent accusing me of not going to other Glasgow venues? Shall I also mention the forty towns & cities across Scotland, the twenty nine countries spread across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and North America. Where does Iceland fit in? So it goes.
Keema Peas
When I see these bowls, I wonder if one gets the same as ordering on top of Rice. Only Rizwan knows. This morning, the smaller (?) portion definitely suited. The Foliage – was already in situ. This meant there would be Coriander left over for future diners today.
The Naans at Kabana, as rare as I have them, are always excellent. Soft and Fluffy, served as soon as ready, blisters forming, sound Naan. I would manage just over a half.
If a Naan costs £3.50 and I manage half, is this the same level of wastage as today?
The Oil had formed a ring around the edge of the Mince and Peas – stir it in Hector you know you must.
Not Karahi Lamb, the Signature Dish, so expectations were lower. Still, this impressed. I liked the level of moistness, sometimes Keema can get too Dry. Too wet – is worse. The crunchy, sliced Green Chillies upped the Spice Level, I made no note re Seasoning, so must have been happy.
A Big Spicy wave of both heat and Flavour filled the mouth, as did bits of Naan. Both together, I don’t do this with Chapattis. Smaller Meat, bigger Bread? There was also an awareness of Meatiness from the Mince. Had this been Mince & Tatties without the Spices, one suspects it too would have been glorious. No Potatoes today, it was the Peas which provided the Diversity.
I was relieved that fate brought me here yesterday, I would not have done a Karahi justice this early. This portion I could manage, but only when I had calculated my limit on the Bread.
I was surprised at the intensity of Flavour that was given off here. OK, same Chef, same restaurant, same lingering aftertaste. Impressive.
The Aftermath
My appreciation was once again expressed. That – The Company – will be down in January, Rizwan was forewarned. However, the annual visit to Bury is before that.