The invitation was extended, those wishing to join Marg and Hector at Lahori Badsha (140 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, England M8 8PZ) should meet in the lobby for 13.00. To share a kilo of Fresh Lamb Karahi (£25.00) requires multiples of two or three. We were seven: two kilos – not enough – three kilos – too much. Marg would make the formula simpler by opting for Lamb Chops (£8.50), an opperchancity to have five to herself.
Dr. Stan and Marg set off on foot whilst Hector sorted an Uber for five. The advance party arrived at Lahori Badsha at 13.10. Mein Host and Chef: Nasar Ullah Khan Raja – to give him his Sunday name, recognised the Hector.
Only one large table was free, we spread out and waited a considerably long time for the table to be wiped. If there is a fundamental criticism to be made at Lahori Badsha, it’s about the slow service out front, cutlery for example, was very much an afterthought. When Marg and Dr. Stan arrived they were given menus, the rest of us had to twiddle our thumbs.
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In time, the Hector got to work.
Two kilos, four Naan (£1.00) and Lamb Chops. Some dared to question the Bread order. Knowing what comes, this should be enough. With no Keema Naan on offer, Clive accepted the flow. Water was also ordered, the first of two – two litre bottles – (£3.00) was presented, sneaky. A jug or two would have sufficed.
We were seven, however, eight plates and glasses were brought to the table. Salad (£2.50) and Raita (£2.00) followed, but not the means of dispensing. The Lamb Chops then arrived leaving Marg to go in search of cutlery. By the time the Salad reached my end of the table the Karahi was ready to be served.
Fresh Lamb Karahi in Lahori Style
The first kilo was placed between Hector, Steve and Maggie. There was that brief moment when we looked at it and wondered, is this actually two kilos? This was a lot of Meat. The second kilo and the Naans, some halved, were placed at the far end of the table. Dr. Stan would be sharing with Clive and Howard. Chef monitored the proceedings. I wonder how often he has had to prepare two kilos simultaneously.
Ladies first, and so Maggie was first to be in raptures, but only after she went through the ritual of fearing all might be too Spicy. As if. This was Maggie’s first ever Manchester Curry, what a place to start.
With Naan, Salad and Karahi arranged on the plate, it was time for Hector to get stuck in.
Wow!
This was only the third time I have mustered enough people to justify the kilo at Lahori Badsha . After today, I believe there should be no problem with numbers. Lahori Karahi, the – King of Curry, today’s was truly spectacular.
The Meat was astonishing, apart from my final rogue piece, it was melt in the mouth. The Flavours from the pale, Peppery Masala flooded the palate. What a texture. Tomato-based one assumes, it was difficult to tell. The occasional Tomato skin was visible, but the telltale seeds were not prominent. As always, the Hector was mesmerised, how do they make this? The texture can be replicated, but this depth of Flavour?
Having taken a decent portion, it was back for more. Steve and Hector ensured the karahi was wiped clean. Not much attention was being paid to the action at the other end of the table, too far to tell if Dr. Stan was uttering his usual – Mmmm.
In our trio Steve stopped eating first. Maggie was right there at the end for the final spoonful. Three sharing was ideal, two would have been excessive.
Maggie had avoided the sliced Bullet Chillies, she therefore had no issue with the Spice Level. The Seasoning was spot on, not intrusive at all. I apologised for bringing my friends here and putting them through this ordeal. I was forgiven.
Steve concurred, this was the best Lahori Karahi we have experienced at Lahori Badsha .
In the course of the day, quotes were secured:
Steve – succulent meat, wonderfully spiced, no complaints.
Maggie – amazing meat, too many green things, I gave them to you. Half a Naan was plenty, the Salad was adequate, plenty of flavour.
Clive – lovely, tender meat. Spot on spicing. Lovely consistency of the juice, could not be called soupy by any means. Could be a bit more imaginative with the Naans.
Yes, Clive could have eaten a whole Keema Naan today.
Dr. Stan – a really good Curry, good selection of spices, very rich, and the meat was tender. Yes, I liked it.
Howard was as eloquent, as ever:
It was evident from the very first taste that this was an excellent Curry. The sauce had flavour and a perfect spice level. The lamb, for the most part, was soft and elicited its own superb flavour.
This was not the end of Howard’s decree, the Hector had been duped.
Lamb Chops
Reasonably well-fired – was Marg’s verdict. A lot of Meat on the Chops, tasty.
With the Salad and Raita, Marg had quite a plateful. The fifth Chop was on offer, but the Hector had no room. I encouraged Marg to have the fifth, the only chance she might ever have. Little did the Hector know, but sleight of hand was at work.
Howard had the fifth Lamb Chop!
The bone was even returned to Marg’s plate to maintain the illusion.
The Lamb Chop had its own separate, but distinct flavour and was an excellent addition to the main act – remarked, my friend…
The Bill
£68.50 There was no charge for the Salad and Raita which made the £6.00 for water bearable. We agreed £12.00 a head for those who had Karahi, and paid individually in a combination of cash and card.
The Aftermath
Whilst the payment was being sorted, Chef produced his phone. Hector’s profile on a certain social medium was displayed. We are friends.
As we departed, Marg drew my attention to the gas stove where the pressure cookers were performing.
We had devoured their afternoon quota of Lamb, time to cook more.
How long is a – Whistle?