The second half of January means the annual trip by The Company to Manchester. The arrival in Manchester corresponds with a visit to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England). Whilst more shall inevitably appear, today Marg and Hector had a rendezvous with Marting at 15.30, a quiet time to eat at Kabana.
For Hector, Karahi Lamb (£7.00) served on-the-bone of course, with Fried Rice (£2.00), astonishing value for money, and quality guaranteed. Marg, whose appetite had been sated en route, was not up for The Full Monty, Lamb Chops (£7.50), well fired, with Salad, would suffice.
That’s how it comes – I reminded Marg.
Her snack cost more than the Curry!
Martin, who arrived moments after 15.30, ordered boneless Karahi Lamb with Chapattis (£1.00). Having attempted to squeeze on to a table mid-room, Rizwan, Mein Host, beckoned us back to the table nearest the counter, more flexible, more space.
Rizwan asked if I wanted to wait until the Chops were cooked to have my Curry. I assured him that I would be the slowest eater, indeed, last finished.
Karahi Lamb on-the-bone
Rizwan had added the Foliage before bringing it over. Copious sliced Green Chillies, cubes of Ginger and fresh Coriander topped the mass of Meat and Masala. Beneath, as much Rice as a Hector could manage. On Day #1 in Manchester, confidence levels are high, whatever is set before me is manageable, the appetite tends to wain as the week progresses and the eating time becomes earlier. 15.30, the ideal time of day to have Curry.
Gosh! – my immediate reaction. The Flavour from the blended Masala is unique to Kabana. Clove-rich, although none were encountered today. Comfort eating, worth the trip to this city alone. The Green Chillies boosted the Spice within the Masala itself. The Seasoning was well pitched, hence, the fullness of Flavour was released. Loads of Tender Meat, the quality once again a stand out. Did the Hector actually question this last month? Sucky Bones, fun, and more added flavour.
The Desi credentials were in place: Cinnamon Bark and whole Black Peppercorns were set aside and enjoyed respectively.
A massive plateful, every mouthful a treat. To have this every visit, tempting, however, there is more on the Board to tempt. Already, Rice & Three (£9.00) is planned for tomorrow.
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Across the table, Martin was having a different experience. Chapattis with Karahi, as the Hector would have anywhere else, but is the Karahi served here not simply Curry? Wholemeal Chapattis, large, served whole, has Martin tried the Naan at Kabana?
Now there’s another treat.
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Karahi Lamb boneless
Served in a bowl, with even more Foliage added, obscuring any Chillies or Ginger. The peripheral Oil stands out, with Rice, this is absorbed. A different eating experience, especially when the big Black Cardamom was encountered and quickly set aside.
Where did all that the Bread go?
It was quickly devoured. Martin wiped his bowl with his last piece of Chapatti. He has eaten here oft, a certain allegiance has him in Manchester regularly. Martin:
After perusing what was on offer, I opted to go for the tried and tested old favourite lamb karahi with 2 chapattis. The rice and three had been tempting, but didn’t want to be too stuffed where I would not be enjoying my beer consumption afterwards. The bowl of curry was immediately dished up, and I added the accompanying foliage. As the coriander was almost finished, a fresh bag was opened and the bowl replenished. The curry itself was plentiful in meat chunks, and in good proportion to the accompanying sauce. The spice level was a little under what I’d have liked but the addition of the green chillies helped. The meat was tender with no gristle. The sauce did have a little shimmer of oil around the side which at first made picking up the meat with the chapattis difficult but that was soon eaten after a few mouthfuls. A clean plate ensued not long afterwards. Another enjoyable encounter, at a very reasonable price.
Lamb Chops
Four Chops, the best value in the country, and by that I mean the UK! Truly cremated, the Carbon adds so much Flavour. Too few places will serve Lamb Chops this well fired, even when specifically asked for. Who knows, Hector may be tempted to savour these later in the week. Marg:
I thoroughly enjoyed the very tender Lamb Chops, with plenty of soft meat and carbon-rich pieces near the bone. It was a meal eaten from the hands, and was exactly how I wanted to eat my Lamb Chops. Perfect.
As established last month, do not ignore the Salad at Kabana. Those Onions, oozing flavour, tremendous.
The Bill
£16.50 for two of us.
The Aftermath
It was Martin who spotted the chap with the big blender. That’s a mean machine.
16.38, the Cumin Seed dislodged itself, though it took a few minutes for the Liquorice blast to reveal itself.
As Martin has conveyed, other activities followed…