It’s Wednesday in Manchester, the opperchancity to have Bateera (Quail) at Kabana (Cheetham Hill) (133 Cheetham Hill Rd., Manchester, England M8 8LY). Strangely, none of the rest of The Company were attracted by the thought of – fiddly Quail, some went to Kabana original instead.
Before committing to the twenty minute walk from Ancoats, the Hector thought it best to confirm that Bateera was on today having been disappointed once previously. Rizwan confirmed it was so last night, a phone-call to Cheetham Hill at noon arranged a portion to be retained. Belt and braces.
As we passed Lahori Badsha where we had an excellent Lahori Karahi yesterday, a new addition to this Northern Curry Mile was spotted – Lahori Butt Karahi. That’s a venue for a future trip. I can now confirm that Dera, the place with the tractor outside further up the road, has gone. Our last visit was in October 2019. Since the passing of Covid I have been unable to make contact. Today, I established the rebranding – Royal Manchester Restaurant – it’s all happening on Cheetham Hill Road.
Arriving at Kabana CH at 13.50, Paul was busy arranging a massive Takeaway, his assistant recalled my name when I asked for Bateera.
A foil container was produced, evidently Takeaway had been assumed. A reheat was arranged and the order given for a Chapatti (£1.00) and two Samosas (£1.50) for Marg, one Meat, one Vegetable.
I was pleased to see abundant – foliage – on the counter, on Monday the main Kabana had run out of Coriander, not that I shall keep mentioning this.
The Samosas were plated and taken over to Marg.
Samosa
An average size, and looking a bit naked without any Salad or Raita, just a snack. I had declined – Sauce – at the counter, the thought of smothering the Samosas did not feel right. Ahead of the game, Marg thoughtfully took the photos of the interior of each Samosa.
The Meat one was dry with a good flavour of Keema. The Vegetable one was very moist and spicy with potato, peas, plenty vegetables.
Having completed the foliage ritual at the counter, I took my booty to the table. The large Chapatti was layered. The Wholemeal flour proved to be potent, a powerfully flavoured Chapatti. Also filling, I would manage about half.
Bateera (Quail)
The Thick, Blended Masala had quite a – kick – the added Green Chillies would take this up another level. There was a definite Sweetness to the Masala, it is not known if this was a by-product of having encountered the Quail. With the Masala scooped into pieces of the Chapatti this was satisfying in its own right.
How do people sit down to five Chapattis? Marg told me a chap sitting at the window had ordered Seekh Kebab, multiple Chapattis and a main course. Maybe the latter was finished, the Starter and the majority of the Chapattis were abandoned.
Meanwhile, two chaps sat in my view with mains, Chips, Biryani, and Naan. Again, mass wastage. I felt no guilt when I had to leave half a Chapatti.
Quails are fiddly, one is not enough, two are surprisingly satisfying. Or, is it the thought that tackling a third would drive one to distraction? The Texture is different from Chicken, at least the Hector is convincing himself that this is a much more Gamey experience, much tastier Meat.
Salty lips – the second time in a week I have noted this, however, this was whilst I ate. That the Seasoning was at a decent level can therefore be confirmed.
What appeared to be so little certainly filled the gut. The sorry sight of the skeletons piled on the adjacent plate turned to amusement when one tiny – wishbone – was set aside. And no, we didn’t.
The Bill
£11.00
The Aftermath
The serving chap called me by name once again, always a nice touch. The seating area was nearing empty as we departed, Takeaways were still flying out the door. Why don’t we have places like this in Glasgow?
This was Visit #5, Kabana CH deserves its own page and its place in Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.