The Company – are mob-handed in Manchester this week. Whilst many will head to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England) over the next few days, Marg and Hector made Kabana the first calling point after check-in at Ancoats.
Arriving at 15.20, Rizwan, Mein Host was out back, Lalaa, his able assistant was ready to serve us, but the Man himself magically appeared.
The usual? – asked Rizwan. This was confirmed, plus Keema Peas (£6.50) and a Chapatti (£1.00) for Marg. Marg’s – usual. Both the Karahi Lamb (£6.50) and the Rice (£2.00) have gone up by 50p since my visit last month.
On taking a table mid-room it became apparent that English was not being spoken at the adjacent occupied tables. A range of European languages were heard, people are discovering Kabana. Two kids were tucking into Chips, not the awful boxed, frozen impersonators that many venues serve. These Chips were huge, flat, and even made from Potato.
Rizwan brought the Order as the components were ready. Kabana is fast food, only the Chapatti had to be fired. The Chapatti had risen, and was delightfully light and fluffy. The two bowls of – foliage – were brought from the counter, no Coriander, Kabana had run out. Disgraceful, what greedy customer(s) had excessively smothered their Curry with this fine Herb?
Do you need the Chillies on top? – asked Marg.
It makes it a challenge – was Hector’s reply.
Karahi Lamb on-the-bone / Rice
The naked Curry had to be dressed.
When Rice is ordered at Kabana, it’s a matter of how much food can one get on the plate? Double figures – is only a rough estimate when counting the Meat. The Meat to Masala ratio is such that one has to manage the latter when having Rice. Kabana is the only place I have Rice with Karahi.
The quality of the Lamb never fails to impress, one day I’ll establish the breed of animal. Cooked to perfection, as always, the – right – amount of chewing was required. Despite the quantity, Hector would not be exhausted on completion of this Curry.
The mouth feel the Masala creates is one of comfort, so smooth. And if Clove is the underlying feature of a Manchester Curry, then this is but an overture to the symphony of Flavours thereafter. Black Peppercorns were unearthed as I ate, the only sign of Whole Spice.
Marg was amused when I took the Sucky Bone and – sucked – out the Marrow. It’s good to have an audience.
Seasoning and Spice Level is a given at Kabana. The – foliage – adds that bit extra. It’s always with sadness when one reaches the end. Not a grain of Rice was left.
Keema Peas
This was a classic Keema Mutter, no sign of peripheral Oil, and no Masala per se.
Marg did not feel the need to decorate her Curry. With abundant Peas, maybe there was enough distraction from the moist Mince.
A full bowl of well seasoned Keema Mutter. Full of flavour, and one of the best, soft and largest Chapattis, complemented the Curry.
On another visit to our table, Rizwan mentioned a recent article in the Manchester Evening News. The author knew of and had evidently visited all the Northern Quarter Curry Cafes except Kabana. Keeping the best to last? The Lamb Chops (£6.50) were enjoyed here, one Dish the Hector has yet to experience.
The Bill
£16.00 For two, amazing! And that’s after the modest price increase.
The Aftermath
Lalaa is always happy to pose for a photo. I can now reveal that he is in fact – le Chef! Meanwhile, Marg spotted a chap with a proper camera and assumed he was another Blogger. Apparently not, but the Calling Card was handed over anyway.
Why were Marg and Hector so smug as, one by one, the rest of The Company realised that it was late, and they hadn’t eaten?