Half past one, a good time to visit Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England), before this, one might have to queue to get in. It’s Wednesday, Quail Day at Kabana (Cheetham Hill), but yesterday, Rizwan invited us to share the – Staff Curry – a first time experience here in the Northern Quarter. Three of the seven dining at Kabana today had signed up for Batair / Bateera (£7.00).
Howard, briefly known as Mr. Kabana (see below) and Josh were today’s fellow Quailers. Both were sitting with Clive and Maggie when Hector arrived at 13.31. The adjacent table was partly occupied, that wouldn’t suffice. The table at the door became free, Steve arrived, we grabbed it and assembled the Quailers. Then the larger table mid room became free, Lalaa summoned us, we complied. Legroom. Mags would subsequently join Clive and Maggie.
Howard was having a Chapatti (£1.00), I suggested that Josh and I share a Nan (£1.00).
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It’s not often I have Bread at Kabana, the Naan here is something else. Round, soft, light, fluffy, it feels more like a Flat Bread than a traditional Naan. Wonderful Bread.
Batair / Bateera
The three pots of – foliage – were brought to the table. The ritual smothering got underway.
Two wee birds in a Thick Masala. Footery – has been the apposite adjective each time Quail has appeared in these pages. Gamey – way better than Chicken, it would have to be else the Hector would be showing no interest whatsoever. Maintaining some dignity, Howard tackled his Curry with a knife and fork, Josh and Hector got down and dirty.
The Spice Level impressed, it was comforting to note that this was how the staff would have it. Not crazy, sensible. Having eaten one, the second bird felt like a matter of course. Does anyone ever have – three? Two Quails, definitely a lot less Meat than having a Karahi Gosht. Sucky Bones, every mouthful seemed to involve a bit of sucking. The wishbones were remarked upon, why?
A passing member of staff asked if we required anything else. I gave him the – bigger stomach – response.
To what extent the Hot Spice was coming from the Masala or was already embedded in the Quail could not be established. The Masala itself was excellent, different from that served with the Karahi, seemingly more full of Flavour from that served at Brother Mani’s at Kabana (Cheetham Hill), but just as – runny. This, I had to tell Rizwan as he came to verify our enjoyment. What a sook. My fellow Quailers were suitably verbose, Josh:
Certainly moreish. Exciting because that’s the first time I’ve had Quail. I agree with your assessment, if I had a bigger stomach …
Howard likes to play the game:
My first ever Quail, a very elegant, refined and delicate dish which can’t be eaten with any degree of refinement, elegance or subtlety. The Quail and sauce took flight and proved yet another wonderful eating experience at Kabana. It seems impossible, but Kabana gets better and better.
Howard has yet to have Hector’s – Fish Creation.
The Bill
£23.00 For the three Quail and two Breads.
The Aftermath
Second in command after Hector – was how Rizwan described Howard as he paid. Howard’s reign as – Mr. Kabana – is over.