The first trip of 2025 sees Hector, Marg, and a fair representation of – The Company – in Manchester. This year, a week earlier than our norm as fans of The Famous may be invading Manchester next week.
Whilst the others congregated in a hostelry, Marg and Hector headed straight for Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England), Curry first.
Rizwan, Mein Host, had been forewarned, our 16.00 arrival was very much at the end of the day. The Specials Board, as always, featured Karahi Lamb (£6.50), their signature Curry. Fried Rice (£2.00) remains my preferred accompaniment despite the quality of Bread at Kabana being outstanding.
Marg had already declared – I don’t want a big meal – and so limited her order to Lamb Chops Tikka (£6.50). Oh, Indian Tea (£3.00) was not to be missed. The Indian Tea shows the only price increase since last time.
Rizwan led us to the side tables, more space, we spent some ten minutes catching up. Whilst the Curry could have been served in an instant, we agreed to have it arrive with the Chops.
Karahi Lamb (on Fried Rice)
Rizwan brought the Karahi, my choice being – on-the-bone – already arranged on the substantial portion of Fried Rice. Being Day 1, and this late in the afternoon, I knew that every grain would be managed. Rizwan also brought the three tubs of – foliage. Ginger Bits, Coriander and Sliced Chillies, help yourself, create the Spice Level one desires, add the varied Textures. A winning formula.
The so distinctive Kabana Flavour hit the palate, comfort eating. The Seasoning, the Spice, even before the Chillies were taken in, both spot on. Cloves, always a feature of Manchester’s Desi Curry, may only have been present here in their ground form, nevertheless, their presence was apparent.
The Rice had absorbed a fair amount of the Blended Masala, this meant the Rice was packed with Flavour. Additionally, this retained a level of moistness in the Fried Rice.
The Lamb, as impressive as always. The Meat at Kabana basically defines what – quality – is. One Sucky Bone, in a not too high a bone count. Add to this, the foliage, there was so much happening here. The thought of coming to Manchester and not having this creation, never enters the mind.
Lamb Chops Tikka
Marg had made a point of asking for Salad at the point of ordering. Lamb Chops at Kabana comes with Spiced Onions and a Modest Salad on the plate. Four Chops, large ones, and suitably – cremated.
Make sure you try a Chop – advised Rizwan at the point of serving.
I will.
A Soupçon was made available. Biting into the carbonised Meat was a definite – Wow! – moment. The slight grittiness, the moist, juicy Meat. I have to have this. For volume, quality, level of cooking and quantity, these must be the best Lamb Chops served, well, anywhere.
I think I have more meat than you – observed Marg as she tore in.
Four big Lamb Chops – began Marg – I asked for them well done and they were. Full of spice and enough carbon to keep mum happy. I was able to gnaw every chop after I had enjoyed the soft meat.
A Salad on the side with Raita, helped to cool my mouth from all the wonderful flavours.
A messy dish but well worth the effort.
Marg visited the facilities to wash the soot from her hands.
Masala Tea afterwards was a full mug with sugar and a great way to finish a meal.
The Bill
£18.00 A lot of food, outstanding food.
The Aftermath
Kabana was almost empty as we departed.
I confirmed that Fish would be available tomorrow. I promised to return at 13.30, mob handed.