Manchester – Kabana – Consistency

A certain social medium highlighted that today was the anniversary of a visit to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England). Having brought this to Rizwan, Mein Host, at Kabana’s attention, I advised that another visit was scheduled for 13.00. Not a bad estimate having travelled smartly from Bradford just to sit outside Victoria for five minutes awaiting a platform. Was our train not expected?

There was no Rizwan as Marg and Hector entered Kabana at 12.55. Kabana was not as busy as expected at this time. A new young chap took the Order. Marg was going to replicate Hector’s Order, albeit boneless, but changed her mind when she saw chaps tearing in to Lamb Chops (£6.50). As ever, Karahi Lamb (£6.50) on-the-bone, plus Fried Rice (£2.00), the ritual meal, was Hector’s choice.

As the Lamb Chops are cooked to order, we were advised to take our seats. Our luggage had already been parked at the far end of the room. Whilst the seating may be cramped, there is always space to accommodate the Traveller.

Rizwan arrived at 12.58 and immediately came over to greet. That our Order had already been placed was confirmed. Then there was the catching up, and the sad news that two of our company could not travel. We shall still make double figures.

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Lamb Chops

Four large Chops, the Spice coating could be seen, an Onion based Salad to accompany. Maybe Marg had something grander in mind on that side. Akbar’s (Glasgow/Bradford) aside, I don’t know of anywhere that would serve Lamb Chops at this size at this price. Lamb Chops Masala was already being imagined for a future visit. With Biryani has already featured in these pages.

Not cremated, but well cooked, is how I read them, though Marg did say there was traces of – pink. Maybe two portions would be a feast.

Decided last minute to go for lamb chops and salad. 4 cremated chops appeared with enough carbon and tender meat to satisfy me. Great flavours of spice, and I enjoyed the cooling onion, lettuce and tomato salad with mint yoghurt. The chops were messy to eat but well worth it.

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Karahi Lamb on-the-bone

The naked Curry was brought by Rizwan who then went to fetch – the bits. Suitably dressed, it was time to tear in. There was no Meat count, no need, the portion was as massive as ever. The ratio of Meat to Masala was such that careful management was necessary, the antithesis of a Soupy Curry. With the Masala, partly absorbed by the slightly Spiced Rice, this Karahi, if indeed it actually is, just looks so welcoming. Blended, possibly, the richness of Flavour of the Masala never fails to impress. Consistency, I’ve had this Curry dozens of times, it is always the same. Wonderful.

Tender Meat, the quality always stands out. Kabana is the yardstick by which all Lamb can be measured. From wherever Rizwan sources his Meat, I congratulate the Butcher, again. One or two pieces were not – giving – the Monday top-up. The majority of pieces were bursting with Flavour, a veritable – Desi – experience.

Cloves are usually what makes a Manchester Desi Curry stand out. Today, I was less aware of this. Instead, the whole Black Peppercorns were to the fore. The crunch from the added Ginger, hit as and when. The Chillies gave more – kick. The Coriander worked its magic. The – foliage! Additionally, the Seasoning was well pitched, consistency, I doubt if I have ever had cause to criticise here. Manchester may have other attractions, but Karahi Lamb at Kabana has to be the starting point.

The Bill

£15.00     Yes, Doug! For the two of us.

The Aftermath

As Rizwan took payment, it was verified that Fish would be available tomorrow. Maybe – Hector’s Creation – should go on the board? With regards to the food, I had to mention – consistency. A Kabana Curry is always a Kabana Curry.

With half an hour to go before we could finesse an early check-in at t’Travelodge, Marg chose a new venue on Tibb Street for coffees and one dessert. Fourteen pounds, eighty three pence, seriously.