When heading back to Scotland from Manchester, Hector tries to find a train, at the right price, which gives the option for Curry at lunchtime, today, something different.
Yesterday, after the magnificent Fish Karahi creation at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England), I asked Rizwan if he could pack a Takeaway such that it could go on a train and not have the passengers staring daggers. Rizwan suggested that if he took out two portions of Karahi Lamb (£6.00) first thing this morning, they would cool and so lose their pungency.
I placed the Order last night as a reminder, and dared to ask the question regarding Karahi Lamb that has long needed asking:
I’ll ask, despite its excellence, in what way is it Karahi?
Well to be honest when we first opened it was called lamb masala. Only changed the name to Karahi about ten years ago.
Ten years ago
As it happens, today is the tenth anniversary of Hector first setting foot in Kabana. It’s also Visit #49, no Curry House outside of Glasgow has reached #50. Next visit, the day will have to be marked. Ten years ago, the Karahi Lamb bore little resemblance to that which is presently served. Karahi Lamb 2013 (above) was decidedly Soupy, the Masala approaching Shorva. The Flavours impressed, this was significantly better than what was served in the other Northern Quarter Curry Cafes. However, I do not believe the – killer taste – was there, that evolved thereafter. If someone wants to read through the previous 48 posts, then maybe the first – Wow! – can be precisely dated. The search device (top right) gives Steve as having uttered the first – Wow! – in December 2018.
Checking out of the Ancoats Travelodge today at noon, Clive accompanied me on the walk round to Kabana. A busy time, Rizwan was initially dealing with other Takeaway and Delivery customers.
It was soon Hector’s turn. Two separate portions of Karahi Lamb were carefully packed. Rizwan offered me the – foliage – also, but these I can do at home.
The Bill
£12.00 Is this the first ever Glasgow-bound Takeaway from Kabana?
The Curry was not to be eaten tonight, but Sunday when Marg heads north for a couple of days.
Interlude
Late night munchies are inevitable on these trips. This week’s visits to delhi2go are blogged already. Al-Faisal Tandoori, the daytime fallback when Kabana is closed, still advertise themselves as being open until the small hours. They are not. Two Curry venues, either side of the Ancoats Travelodge, are open late: Chilli’s and Golden Tandoori.
Golden Tandoori predates delhi2go; during Covid, they ripped out their seats to create a Takeaway only. Only two tables have been re-installed. I have not been back since Covid. Chilli’s, I have been inside to study, but as yet have not bought Curry. Again, seating is limited there. Next time in Manchester, but Rizwan has also reminded me I have still not been down to Lahori Karahi. Even Hector has his limits.
Sunday Dinner
I weighed the two portions of Karahi Lamb, a kilo, impressive. One went in the freezer.
The reheating of the Karahi was done on the hob, slowly, so as to let the heat permeate the Meat. There was enough Masala that the contents of the pot were not going to dry out. Never use a microwave, the Salt goes ballistic, destroying the Flavour.
*
The – foliage – had to be prepared: diced Ginger, sliced, large Green Chillies and copious Coriander. Fried Rice with Peas and Mushrooms would provide further Diversity.
Thus the Karahi Lamb was suitably dressed.
Wonderful! The Seasoning registered first on the palate, strangely the Cloves were last to do so. The Lamb was up to its usual outstanding level of quality, the careful reheating had paid off. All the usual Kabana Flavours were there. The temptation of having portion #2 had to be resisted. The joy that the eating of this Curry brings, has to be experienced, to be believed. And I now have another tucked away!
The first Kabana post for 2023 stated – One Cannot Improve Upon Perfection. Today, the Curry remained – perfect – but with the extra Vegetables mixed through the Rice, perhaps the Hector achieved this. Wow! Wow! and thrice – Wow!