Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England) at 13.30, the Hector put it out there assuming that at least one of The Company would show. Steve was sat at the table adjacent to the door as I walked in, he hadn’t ordered. I suggested we move to the rear, away from the plummeting temperatures. There we would squeeze our way on to the table, and a squeeze it was.
Rizwan had no Fish, so Hector’s Creation was not happening. The Specials’ Board showed Kofta (£6.50), never had here previously. Two portions it had to be. As Rizwan revealed the kettle so the Hector spotted the Eggs.
Kofta Anda! – we both accepted the upgrade.
A Chapatti (£1.00) for Steve, a Naan (£1.00) for Hector, having applied the foliage, we took our seats, the freshly cooked Bread would come momentarily.
The large Chapatti was as much Roti as Chapatti, substantial. The Naan was not how I remembered having had here previously. Today’s matched the size of the Chapatti, its volume was comparable. With perforations, a la Manchester, it hadn’t risen. Light and fluffy initially, it did feel a bit doughy for the final mouthfuls.
Kofta Anda
Four Meatballs and half a hard boiled Egg sat in a blended Masala. With the foliage applied, the Chillies and Ginger would add extra bite. The Masala was more – orange – than the Masala which features in the Karahi. I am used to Kofta Anda being served in a traditional Shorva, this was a departure.
I sensed a slight Sweetness, Steve concurred. The Spice Level in the Masala impressed even before the Chillies were encountered. The Seasoning in the Kofta was pronounced, this complemented the Spice from the Masala and the odd Chilli.
A different experience, well short of achieving the – Wow! – status. A decent Curry, but lacking the intensity of Flavour that the legendary Lamb Karahi possesses.
Steve, who had poured his Curry over his Chapatti, was less forgiving:
I would say it was satisfactory. The actual meatballs were a bit bland. The sauce was OK, I wouldn’t have it again.
Mags had arrived whilst we were eating. She had ordered Lamb Karahi (£6.50) and a Chapatti. Having left half of her Rice yesterday, she considered this to be a more worthy approach. Chef Lalaa brought her Chapatti.
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Lamb Karahi
The naked Karahi in a bowl is a markedly different eating experience from that which the Hector often enjoys, as in yesterday!
Karahi Lamb was so good yesterday, I had to have it again. Bowl wiped clean, that says it all.
The three became four. Dr. Stan arrived at the table with a plateful: Rice and Three (£8.50). His Curry choices: Lamb Karahi, Potato-Spinach and Kofta. It would take him some time to get through this mass of food.
Rice & Three
The Hector duly waited for a few words:
It was a mix of flavours, but all well spiced.
What could have been a Blog of Hector Naypals was further enhanced by a familiar face appearing at the window. Enter Marg with Claire who has appeared twice in these pages. Now she knows where Kabana is and what it’s all about.
The Bill
£7.50 times three, and one £8.50.
There is no truth in the rumour that Dr. Stan was on his way out the door and had to be hauled back to pay.
The Aftermath
Hopefully, I have planted the seed and Rizwan will source Fish for tomorrow. The Fish Market in the nearby Arndale Centre is something to behold.
Kabana, three days in a row?