Once, in any Manchester trip, there is usually an opperchancity to have some serious Curry. Lahori Badsha (140 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, England M8 8PZ) has been the favoured venue for some time, yet the cluster of Curry Cafes on this block continues to grow. Today, Lahori Nazara was seen for the first time, a venue offering Daily Specials, the usual Lahori Fayre, plus an array of – kilos, one for the future.
Lahori Badsha it would remain, Dr. Stan, Steve, Clive and Hector squeezed into an Uber, and it was a squeeze, arriving on Cheetham Hill Rd. by 13.20. Josh and Johnnie, the latter making his inaugural appearance in Curry-Heute, would arrive some fifteen minutes later.
The red chairs have gone, replaced with white ones, new tables, and more versatile too. Otherwise, nothing much has changed at these humble premises. A massive vat of Oil had something uncertain being cooked, whole Chickens possibly. Worryingly, I spotted the – cash only – sign. Whilst some of us certainly carry real money, what were the chances of all six? I went up to the counter, the young chap assured me that card payment would be accepted. With their pukka digital till, why even pretend?
The timeous four had time to peruse the menu. Two different kilos between six seemed enough: Chilli Lamb Karahi (£27.99) and Butter Lamb Karahi (£28.98).
In time gone by, there would have been no hesitation in ordering three kilos. I can only vouch for my own appetite, however, Dr. Stan said he would have a Starter if anyone else was. Steve nominated Chicken Wings (£4.99) five pieces, Dr. Stan Seekh Kebab, Lamb (£5.99) four pieces.
I asked for some water, a 2l bottle of still water was produced. Two plates of Modest Salad were presented along with two small pots of Raita. Starters had been ordered, these, presumably were the accompaniments.
What’s that? – asked Johnnie, pointing to the pile of Fish in the display counter.
Fish.
That can’t be Fish.
Steve joined in.
I can see big bones.
The two of them agreed, must be Chops.
Johnnie asked the waiter – what’s that?
Fish!
What bothered Johnnie more: that it was Fish, or that the Hector was right?
The Starters arrived. Hector aside, everyone took a piece of something. So no review of these from me apart from the observation that everything looked well cooked and was certainly value for money. Hector was keeping the edge on his appetite.
Chicken Wings
Seekh Kebab
At the point of ordering, I was advised that the Karahi would take twenty minutes to prepare. There was little surprise then when the chaps brought the Karahi just us my fellow diners were licking their lips in appreciation of their Starters. There was a quick rearrangement of the plates on the table to accommodate the two large, flat, karahi.
Chilli Lamb Karahi
Bullet Chillies sliced lengthwise, a threat of Coriander, strips of Ginger and Tomato, plus slices of Lemon topped the Karahi. The Thick Masala was everything one could hope for, there was but a glint of Oil on the periphery. Full marks for presentation.
Minimal bones, indeed, Johnnie had assumed this was all Boneless Lamb until he found one bone. For the Hector, a similar experience.
The pulp-like Masala was decidedly smooth on the palate. The Spice Level built as the Chillies were consumed, nothing nobody couldn’t manage.
There’s Soft Meat and there’s Tender Meat, this was melt in the mouth.
With the karahi in front of my nose, I was able to keep scraping the Masala remnants, great Flavours.
I had taken what I knew I could manage, a serving from each karahi. If eight pieces of Meat is a standard portion, then in effect, I had two portions on my plate. Well judged, there would certainly be enough, and given how quickly some stopped eating, nobody was leaving hungry.
The Naan were served whole in two baskets. This enabled access for all regardless of seating position. With multiple perforations, as is the Manchester way, they had not risen to their full extent. The edges were also more firm than they could have been otherwise. The offer of more was declined, we had enough Bread on the table.
Butter Lamb Karahi
A simpler presentation, Ginger Strips, sliced Bullet Chillies but probably more Coriander, here there was more of an oily, Buttery sheen.
My first piece of Meat was more chewy than anything taken from the other Karahi. I waited for a comparable statement, none came. A rogue piece, thereafter all was well.
There was but the subtlest difference in Masala Flavour, more Buttery we had been programmed to expect. The Seasoning here was a tad lower.
As we ate, I asked for a verdict: Chilli or Butter. Nobody was for committing, but as each statement arrived, then it becomes clear which Karahi was favoured.
The Bone collectors were sat to my left, quite an array had been amassed by the end of the meal. There were decidedly fewer in my vicinity. Not a piece of Meat left, the karahi were wiped clean, proof that the six appetites had ben sated.
Clive: Chilli Karahi, a Chilli taste in there, a bit of a kick.
Butter Karahi, a rich flavour.
I did not get many bones, that lamb was so tender.
Steve: Both curries were of a very high standard with tender chunks of lamb on the bone and a nice sauce, which was the perfect thickness for ‘mopping’ up with nan. The Chilli Karahi had a good level of spice and the Butter Karahi had just the right amount of creaminess to it.
The tandoori chicken wing starter was very tasty and not too filling.
Dr. Stan: Excellent curries full of spice flavours and really tender meat. The Butter Lamb was smoother than the Chilli which had a good bite.
Josh: I sampled both starters in today’s meal. The mini sausage type kebab was presented well, with a slight garnish on top. The first bite showed the spice that ran all the way though, I certainly wasn’t expecting it. A little chewy, but I’m not sure if that’s how it’s meant to be. The char-grilled chicken wing was delicious and for me, perfectly charred / cooked.
Sampling two different styles all at the same time was a first for me today.
The Butter style I felt was quite mild in the spice department but creamy and enjoyable nevertheless. A couple of meaty bones in my portion, unlike others. The Chilli style certainly gave more kick and a few sips of water were required over the course of that portion. That being said…I did have a second portion. Again I feel I got the luck of the spoon in meaty bones. Both curries offering succulent soft meat, just dropping off. Other pieces were in effect cubed, but were easy to slice through with a spoon let alone a knife.
The Naan, plain as was the preference to the table, soft in the middle but a bit tougher on the outer edges. Difficult to tear in half for even portions with the table, it tore more like random jigsaw pieces.
I feel today’s meal was…just right across the board
Johnnie: It was – expletive deleted – magnificent!
How did you find this place?
You got something right.
Twice in one sitting and Johnnie praises the Hector. That must have hurt, a lot.
Johnnie is well into his Curry but tends – to dine – at the high end of British Indian Restaurants (BIR). This could well have been his first exposure to Curry Cafe-style Lahori/Punjabi Fayre. I have tried to get him to cross the river (Clyde), perhaps now he shall.
About twenty a head?– asked Johnnie as we prepared to leave.
Nothing like it – I replied.
The Bill
£75.00 A mere 12.50 a head. Everyone knew just how much Curry, and how much pleasure, had been acquired for so little.
The Aftermath
Two Ubers to Track. Clive managed to organise one, how, only he knows. With three in each taxi, way more comfortable.