Manchester – Kabana – Five Dine in The Northern Quarter

The suggested rendezvous time at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter,Manchester M4 1FR England) was 13.15. This should miss the peak of the lunchtime crush. Steve caught up with Hector and Marg en route, Marg having stopped to admire some of The Northern Quarter’s unique architecture. Rizwan was in his spot, a warm greeting as always.

It was confirmed yesterday that – Fish – would be available today, the Hector was having his – Fish Creation – once again.

Marg, who was eating elsewhere this evening, limited her intake to a Vegetable Samosa (£1.50). Rizwan himself took care of Marg’s Samosa and Salad, we took our seats at the rear of the restaurant.

Vegetable Samosa (Salad)

Steve joined us having order – Fish and a Chapatti (£1.00).

Dr. Stan appeared and joined the table with Rice and Three (£8.50).

Rice and Three

It’ll taste alright now – he acknowledged after the Hector had secured the necessary photo. Dr. Stan’s mini-Buffet featured Channa, Keema Peas, and Spinach + Potatoes. Quite a variety, quite a plateful.

That was good – was the initial concluding comment, followed by:

If it hasn’t been photographed, have I really had a Curry?

Karahi Lamb (boneless)

Mags arrived having ordered boneless Karahi Lamb (£6.50) and a Chapatti. With no further space at the table, Marg adopted the Hector mode and directed Mags to a window table where they would sit together.

Mags would later comment on the wonder that is the Flavour from Kabana’s Karahi Lamb. So yesterday.

Fried Fish

Steve’s Order was duly presented: freshly Fried Fish with Salad. This was not what he was expecting. He had assumed a Fish Curry. I sent him up to the counter to fetch a bowl of Masala. He now the components to replicate Hector’s Fish Creation, albeit without the Rice. Steve was about to create his own Dish.

Normally one would tear off pieces of Bread and either dip in a Masala, or scoop up solids. Steve was about to create something approaching a wrap, but to be eaten with a knife and fork. This was not complete until Steve had gone back up to the counter to fetch – the foliage.

*

Behold – Steve’s Creation.

It was alright – was as much as Steve was giving thereafter.

Hector’s Fish Creation

Rizwan brought Hector’s plateful: Fried Fish, Salad, and Fried Rice. Rizwan had already added – the foliage – and had spooned on some Masala. I had to ask for the additional bowl of Masala, this is what makes the Dish, else there would be insufficient moisture to eat all assembled. The bowl of distinctly orange Masala hopefully came from the Karahi Lamb.

The Fish had been fried in a Spicy Batter, with the added Green Chillies, there was quite a – kick. With two sources, the Seasoning was right up there. The Masala was giving out its Umami Spice and Seasoning. The Fish tasted as if it had actually come from the sea. Not too much to ask, but a well-Seasoned Fish Curry can be hard to source.

The Salad had to be addressed also, and with – the foliage – there was so much happening here. So many Textures, raw ingredients, cooked ingredients, only Kabana offers this flexibility.

The Bill

£12.50 For Hector and Mrs. Hector.

The Aftermath

It’s great when the Flavour of a Curry lingers. This afternoon, it was the Seasoning which lasted long.

Later this afternoon, Howard became the sixth member of the group to dine at Kabana. The Kofta (£6.50) was duly enjoyed.