First Curry Lunch in Halifax
In normal times, remember them (?), lunch in the vicinity of Halifax would have meant a quick trip up the hill to Sarina’s in Queensbury, unfortunately this currently operates as a Takeaway only. A Lunchtime Curry in Halifax has never been an option in recent times to Hector’s knowledge, until today. Just in case, Google Maps was consulted, Babar Khan (Dean Clough, Halifax, HX3 5 AX, Yorkshire, England) popped up. A phone-call minutes before 11.00 confirmed they were opening shortly. At weekends, 16.00 is the opening time.
Babar Khan is located in Dean Clough, no relation to Brian (sorry), once the largest carpet mill on the planet. Renovations have seen multiple occupancies, with Babar Khan located in the bowels of the complex. Arriving a few minutes after 11.00, the door was locked but two staff were upon us in seconds, they asked us to sit outside whilst they set up.
Some ten minutes later we were invited in, hands were sanitised and we were shown to a booth on the left side of the premises. We would be the only customers in the first hour of business.
Buffet is clearly an attraction here. On surveying the setup, only the Meat Karahi on-the-bone would have made me wish to partake, however, at £11.99, Hector could do some damage to this.
The Tawa option (£9.99) with a minimum of two to share, is also excellent value. Hector is already wondering how many Lamb Chops? The folded Menu revealed an array of choices, Curry was in there. I expected Marg to go for her usual lunch of Meat Samosa (£1.99), but Meat Seekh Kebab (£2.99) caught her eye. This segued into Meat Seekh Wrap (£2.69), the basic version.
Hector had Fish Curry in mind. Fish Masala (£7.95) was considered first, but the word – Dry – in the Bhuna description took me there. Normally I can manage two Chapattis (0.69) for a Brunchtime Curry, this seemed like a good idea today.
The chap who took the Order may well have been a Chef. Marg was consulted about her choice of Sauce in her Wrap, a mild one was agreed. Being here for the first time, I verified that no Green Peppers would appear. The chap repeated this as – Chillies. I should have had a photo of the offending Bell Pepper to hand, anyway, it was a bit early in the day for the full blown Chilli experience.
I took the time in the interim to tour the premises. We were sat at one end of what is their function room. One would assume that this would be used at weekends when they are busy, regardless. Babar Khan is a restaurant, proper, a step up from my normal Glasgow/Bradford/Manchester Curry Cafe.
When the Order arrived, it was the Chapattis which stood out. Not only were they massive, they had risen due to an air bubble. How this was achieved both intrigued and impressed. Hector had to eat both of these?
Fish Bhuna
The bowl appeared to be small in comparison to everything else on the table. The contents looked delightful. A sprinkling of Fresh Coriander topped the flaked Fish. The Oil was already collecting around the Periphery of the Minimal Masala. Dry – as this was described, it would not be so in terms of Flavour or the eating. Tomato was also a feature of this Curry.
We had agreed on – Spicy – this lived up to expectation, quite a – kick. The Seasoning was to Hector’s taste, this had all the makings of an excellent meal. Fishy, tasty.
I was determined that at least one of the Wholemeal Chapattis would be eaten. In the end, I made a decent stab at the second. Chapatti John would have been in his element. Another chap came into the restaurant, there was a meeting of eyes across the room. This had to be Mein Host. Moments later he approached, this was indeed Babar Khan himself. It was time to introduce Curry-Heute.
Babar Khan has been here two years. A bit more history was mentioned and the year 1872, possibly the year of construction of Dean Clough. I always assumed that these Yorkshire mills were even older. We were told that normally there are some three thousand people working in the building, presently only a handful. Our appreciation of the food before us was conveyed, which takes us to the Wrap.
Meat Seekh Wrap
In terms of value for money, this was unbelievable. This was not simply a single Seekh Kebab in a Chapatti. The interior revealed a good measure of Meat with Lettuce and a presumably Yoghurt based Sauce. Marg was well taken with her choice. A very satisfying snack.
Meanwhile, as much Chapatti as could be managed was consumed, the bowl was wiped clean. This went down as yet another very tasty Fish Curry, very much in the Bradford style.
The Bill
£11.99 I can see many office workers popping in here for lunch in normal times.
The Aftermath
There had to be a photo with Mein Host. We remembered not to shake hands.
Complimentary Tea/Coffee was declined. When we stated that we had an immediate rendezvous with friends, it was suggested that we come back for it at the time of our choosing.
Ten minutes later Hector was in the company of The Rickmeister and the rest of the dozen who had come through from Bradford for the day. Babar Khan has been on Ricky’s radar, on seeing the flyer for the Tawa, he were well impressed – as they say in these parts.
Marg and Hector ate Italian for dinner, how did this happen?
