Today took some planning, a kilo of Lamb Karahi requires company. Steve, Mags and Clive agreed to join Hector at Lahori Badsha (140 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, England M8 8PZ). One kilo not enough, two kilos too much? Fortunately, Josh texted to say he and Steph would join us, a perfect six for two kilos?
An Uber took us up Cheetham Hill Rd for the 13.15 rendezvous. Josh and Steph, Curry-Heute debutants, arrived on schedule. Our party of six took the second long table of four.
A young chap brought the well worn menu, no price increases here for a while. I was pleased to see the Fresh Lamb Karahi (in Lahori Style) per kilo – £25.00.
Two kilos of Lamb Lahori Karahi and six Naans (£1.00) please.
This took him aback. The Order noted, he relayed this to the many chaps busy behind the counter.
Moments later another chap approached.
Two portions or two kilos?
I gestured that we were six. What would two portions do for us?
Salad and Raita were brought to the table, I took these to be complimentary, though they are priced on the menu. Some nibbled, some were patient. A jug of tap water was provided, we only had four glasses, it took the chap a worrying amount of time to rectify this. Same with the cutlery. On receiving a glass of water I took a sip and poured it back in the jug. All did likewise – cold water please.
We settled back for the wait, our Order would take preparation. Hirn Karahi (£32.00) remains an objective for the future. Hirn (Venison) will have to be tried. One never knows, this could be the best Curry on the planet.
Meanwhile back in Scotland, Darvel has been put on the map, lots of coverage of the events there last night. For those who know, it brought a big smile to many in the West of Scotland. Then there was the great water shortage in Glasgow after a water main burst. Well, a water shortage apart from the flooded streets near Auchenhowie. A good day to be in Manchester. Flooding at Auchenhowie, drought in Ibrox, conspiracy!
Our seating arrangement meant Hector would be sharing with Josh and Steph, whilst Steve, Clive and Mags would have the other Karahi. I assumed two separate karahi would be presented. When the first arrived, Mags wasn’t sure if this was to be shared by six.
The pile of Naans arrived together, quite an achievement. But then there were seven staff behind the counter at any given time. The Naans had been perforated – to stop them rising – I informed Steph who I felt had to know. Decent Naans, I managed around two thirds, some would go to my right later for mopping up.
Lamb Lahori Karahi
Authentic Karahi, the Masala reveals all. Tomato based with some Yoghurt stirred in. The Masala looked – grey. Mags mentioned – Namkeen – almost immediately, it wasn’t, but was maybe not far off in terms of Flavour, Peppery, man!
Ladies first, three good portions were taken with enough left to top up, as and when. My Karahi companions appeared to avoid the Bones, novices. The Meat was beautiful, no Sucky Bones, so my lack of butcher knowledge means I cannot identify from where the Meat came.
Josh was quick to comment on the quality of the Meat, admitting that Lamb is not his usual go to for Curry.
The Lamb is falling apart.
Steph confirmed that Lamb is always the better option. Has she ever had a Fish Curry?
The Seasoning was spot on, the Spice Level was perfectly pitched. I had assured everyone that they would not serve something that we could not all manage. The sliced, large Green Chillies, added extra bite, the Ginger Strips, another dimension to the overall Flavour. Our karahi had only smears of Oil/Ghee, though I did note that our neighbours had a slick in the centre of theirs.
On going back for more, there was confirmation that the days of two sharing a kilo are behind us. Had we only been four today, we would have struggled.
Steph and Josh were brief with their verdicts:
Authentic – and – Spectacular – respectively. Mags:
Lovely, tender Lamb. Spicy, peppery, almost like a White Karahi. Steve:
It was perfectly spiced and seasoned, meat was tender. Clive:
Absolutely the right level of spicing, extremely tender Lamb, one sliver of bone.
Six contented diners, a chap popped his head over the high part of the counter, I asked if he was the Chef. Appreciation expressed, he agreed to have his photo taken.
Our exit was prolonged. Previously, Lahori Badsha was cash only, today cards were being taken. No – Bill – actually came, Hector did the sums, wrongly initially, we were six not four. The young chap at the till was well confused too.
The Bill
£56.00 A tenner a head for this feast, excellent.
The Aftermath
I was busy chatting to Chef and outlining Curry-Heute. It is some years since I gave the first Calling Card, Lahori Badsha now qualifies to be included in – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses, and have their own dedicated page.
Steve was charged £28.00 on his card, to rectify this, eighteen quid in cash was handed back. It was much later that Clive realised he had paid £16.00. Being unable to see the machine, he had to take the word of the chap that he was paying a tenner. Jolly bad show.