Traditionally, this is the week of the Manchester Real Ale Festival. For reasons Covid, it has not been held for the last two years, and the organisers weren’t ready for this year. Undeterred – The Company – have descended on this fine city, ten of us so far, potentially six more to come. There will be a lot of Curry this week, and maybe a Bier or ten also.
First stop on arriving in Manchester is always Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England). Despite spotting Rizwan, Mein Host, briefly outside as I approached at 14.20, he was not behind the counter as I entered. His able assistant greeted and served up the favourite Karahi Lamb on-the-bone (£6.00) and Fried Rice (£1.50). Usually, Rizwan has me take a seat and he brings the necessaries. Today I watched the Karahi being carefully arranged on the Rice. Twice I thought – that’s it – twice, more was added. I was taken back to my five years of Boarding at the West of Scotland’s finest and only co-educational establishment. I used to rage at certain ladies who were able to count the Chips as they served them, shaking what they thought was too many, off the serving scoop. Those were lean days. Today I had a veritable plateful.
Of course, that’s not the end of the process. The – foliage – has to be added, the Ginger adds crunch, the sliced Green Chillies up the – kick – whilst the forest of Coriander simply adds to the overall pleasure.
Taking my seat in the near empty restaurant, people were still coming for Takeaway. There was a chap sitting who I made eye content with. There was an acknowledgement, but why did I recognise him? If Herr Battra (Indian Mango, München) has a twin African brother, this was he.
The glory of the blended Masala, the outstanding quality of the Lamb, have been described oft. Every mouthful is such pleasure. One simply feels good eating this. I still wonder why not everyone is having this.
I worked my way through steadily, no Sucky Bones today. I arranged the debris on the edge of the plate. Not all of the Lamb was on-the-bone, loadsa Meat. It’s Monday, Day #1, the appetite is intact. As the week progresses and eating becomes earlier, so I may struggle. Today was just a quiet celebration.
Rizwan appeared, he had been downstairs. What happens down there? He apologised for not having served me. I reminded him that it’s only ten days since he saw me, and that we will be numerous this week; Rizwan will recognise the faces.
But we have other venues to visit.
The final grains of Rice, mission accomplished. The feeling of satisfaction was immeasurable. Karahi Lamb at Kabana, why else would one come to Manchester?
The Bill
£7.50 Why spend three times as much at posh establishments?
The Aftermath
I watched a Takeaway foil tray being filled as I chatted with Rizwan. I thought Glasgow Takeaways were large. What would happen if I took one on the train home?
Ah. As the old saying goes – never judge a book by it’s cover. From the outside the place looks a s… hole. If one was not in the know one would not even touch the door handle. But – and not a however – the food looks great, tasty and cheap as chips. The prices of mainstream curry houses in the west of Scotland are ridiculous. 12/13 pounds for a lamb curry very average in terms of flavour and quality and half the time probably not lamb but beef. Con merchants. Keep giving the curry cafe scene a well deserved thumbs up. Just wish there was one in East Kilbride
Hector replies:
The upper floors are accommodation to rent by the night, see Rizwan.