Your journey has been updated – which is Avanti-speak for – your 10.38 train is cancelled, your seat reservation is no more, take either an earlier or later train, we don’t give a … it rained overnight, nobody designed a railway to cope with that.
And so Hector found himself at Glasgow Central queuing for the 08.00 along with some like-minded peeps. Sheffield, via Lancaster and Manchester, all being well, an unexpected stopover at the latter meant only one thing.
It was 12.20 when Hector entered Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England). There was no sign of Rizwan, Mein Host, but his sixth sense must have kicked in. Having exited from his hidey-hole, the usual exchange of greetings followed. Rizwan asked what I was having, as if it would vary. The first of any cluster of visits to Kabana has to be Lamb Karahi on-the-bone (£7.00) with Fried Rice (£2.00).
Having parked my luggage out of the way, I squeezed myself on to the table nearest the door. Draughty!
Such is the rapid turnover of customers, I had already identified a better spot soon to become available. As Rizwan brought the food, he too noted the same locus. A quick wipe down by a colleague and all was set.
Lamb Karahi
The foliage had already been added at the counter, so no naked photo today. Abundant Coriander, diced Ginger and sliced Green Chillies topped a mass of Meat, some on-the-bone. Beneath, a portion of Rice, which on a good day I could manage. Today was very much a rushed job, the stress of actually getting here had diminished the appetite somewhat. Get the excuses in early.
Cloves! I can only be in Manchester. I wouldn’t encounter a whole one, but their presence was marked. Black Peppercorns and a best avoided Black Cardamom, the Whole Spices which were unearthed. Today, the Seasoning felt a tad below the Kabana norm, the Spice built, and kept on doing so. Ah, the Chillies, without even thinking, I was taking these in with something approaching gay abandon. There was no stopping me. The three components of – the foliage – greatly enhance the Curry.
Curry, it is Curry, and Rizwan can call it Karahi if he chooses. Much of the Masala disappeared into the Rice. This makes for tasty Rice, and scoff it I did.
Much has been written about the outstanding quality of the Lamb as served at Kabana. Today’s lacked that almost velvety texture enjoyed here over the years. It wasn’t necessarily giving back Flavour other than its own meatiness. A new Monday morning batch, or was it a case that Saturday’s equivalent at New Cafe Reeshah (Glasgow) was even better?
Regardless, the unique Kabana blend of Flavours were present. Karahi Gosht twice within forty eight hours, both a different experience.
Had the Lamb, Rizwan says there should be Fish on Thursday for my planned stop-off in Manchester.
The Bill
£9.00 Outstanding value
The Aftermath
As I had approached Kabana along Thomas Street, I noted that Yadgar Cafe has gone. The adjacent Al-Faisal Tandoori went last year, two rivals, this can only be good for business at Kabana which has set the standard of Northern Quarter Curry Cafes, and so must surely continue to thrive. I managed to get my customary comment in regarding the transformation of Al-Faisal into a Kebab House.
Any idiot can grill meat, it takes skill to make a Masala.
When Dr. Stan eventually arrived in Sheffield he somehow took the train I was booked on, although it become the 10.36 to Preston and arrived ninety minutes late. Delay repay?