A flight to Manchester was the chosen route – Back to Blighty. At the time of booking, it was an evening arrival, too late for Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England). A train was booked for tomorrow afternoon, so as I could visit Rizwan. When Mr. O’Leary brought the flight forward, lunchtime at Kabana was a given.
Rizwan gave his customary warm greeting, as he does to all. Unbelievably, I haven’t been here since February, too busy catching up on places foreign. The usual – was ordered: Karahi Lamb (£6.00) with Rice (£1.50). Somehow, Rizwan has managed to hold his prices, when many venues in the UK and across Europe have not. I was invited to take a seat, Rizwan would bring the Order himself. This would also mean bringing – the foliage – to my table also.
It was 12.30, a busy time at Kabana. Rizwan ensured I was sat in as comfortable spot as the furniture permits. I’m sure he didn’t have to move the table that much last year.
Karahi Lamb (on-the-bone)
The plate brimmed with food, the ritual decoration meant adding more. Rizwan took the Oppo and recorded the moment. Hector reciprocated. Chaps at the adjacent table watched with interest. Who is this guy? I ask – who was the chap with the biggest smile? If there’s a third Gallagher brother in Manchester, this was he.
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The diced Ginger added to the Clove laden Masala, there was an immediate burst of Flavour on the palate. On this trip Hector has done well to avoid Euro blandness, this Curry maybe the icing on the cake. Curry, I still ask in what way this is actually – Karahi – as was recently posted in the authentic style at Punjabi Zaiqa (Berlin) Was that only eight days ago?
Karahi Lamb it is, and still the – Wow! – is retained. The extra sliced Green Chillies upped the Spice Level The well pitched Seasoning is a major contributor to this Dish. The quality of the Lamb which Rizwan sources remains consistent, so he clearly has not cut back here. Sucky Bones, and sook I did. Delightfully Tender, the Meat was giving back so much Flavour. I am evidently on a run of impressive Meat, maybe a return to the Mainstream is called for, maybe not.
The abundant Coriander, can one have too much (?), added a further dimension in terms of Flavour. The Rice, so much Rice, eventually I reached the point where there was no more Masala to moisten the Rice. But this is how Rizwan serves his customers, those having – Rice & Three – are in for an even greater challenging feast. Today, I knew when it was time to stop, leave the Rice, I’ve been doing this for a week. I still feel that the Rice brings out the best in this particular Karahi.
The table was cleared by the gentleman who is always on hand to do this. A couple of glasses of tap water provided a moment of respite before the Spice reformed on the palate. This would last a long time. I also noted how – clean – the water tasted, nothing like that on Glasgow’s Southside.
The Bill
£7.50 Long may Kabana prices remain this competitive.
The Aftermath
A brief chat at the counter, it was peak time at Kabana.
See you tomorrow.
Take care.