[Manchester, city centre] Akbar's

[Harters]

A return visit to this Yorkshire-based mini-chain which has now spread its wings as far south as Birmingham. It's just over a year since we last ate here - nothing has changed...,it remains top notch.

As always, it’s a slick selling organisation. For example, you’re kept waiting to be shown to a table just long enough to ensure you’ve bought a drink at the bar – but you were going to order one anyway. Service is always good – not pushy but your guy always around to remove plates in good time or when you need to order more drinks.

It’s easy to be greedy at Akbar’s. So we were.

Poppadoms were light, crisp, non-greasy and seemed fairly freshly made. Not “fresh” as in made just for the table, of course, but not fresh as in been lying round since yesterday. A good chutney tray with them – a mango that looked the colour of mango and not some lurid orange; something fairly liquid – coriander, chilli and tamarind going on here – and a couple of others.

Chapli kebab was a couple of well spiced beef patties. Served on a “sizzling” metal hotplate with some fried onions. It was OK – nothing to shout from the rooftops about but a good enough start.

Chickpea and potato puri was given a good seeing to across the table. Generous portion of crisp bread and soft potato. Nice contrast. Good, if muted, spicing.

For mains, one chicken with spinach, one similar with lamb. Both of these from the desi-apna section of the menu where the best of Akbar’s is to be found, IMO. Almost dry, the sauce such as there was, coming more from the liquid coming out of the just wilted spinach than anything else.

Yes, Akbar’s is a little more expensive than the bargain basement places on the Curry Mile – but you’re getting a very generous portion of well cooked food. For carbs, rice and a couple of excellent tandoori roti.

We fancied dessert and it was a game of two halves. Ras malai was a disappointment – tasting of nothing but “sweet”. Kulfi was much better – and served in quite a cheffy way. Rich, sweet and with an unknown very pleasant flavouring, it came on a stick – like an ice lolly. But then drizzled with a little red fruit sauce.

[gembellina]

Sounds great. I never made it to Akbar's when I was living in Manchester but am determined to fit it in when I spend a weekend there later in the year. Would you say there's much to choose between here and EastZEast?

[Harters]

Slightly different styles but I like both of them. Food is just as good one to the other. Akbars is the big, brash place - perfect Manc venue if you will (anyone who has spent time in the city will know exactly what I mean). EastZEast is smaller (I hesitate to say more intimate cos we *are* talking Manc venues here!). Have to say, EastZEast has the most brilliant chutney/relish tray. Akbars goes in for the giant naan that hangs vertically from a, erm, hanger (flash, innit). Good food at both, of course.

If you only have chance for one in the city centre, go to Akbars (cos it;s classic Manc - even if they're from Bradford). But my fave in the metro area is Dilli in Altrincham (only a tram ride away) - best food by a mile.

[greedygirl]

I know exactly what you mean, and it's a favourite of one of Mr GG's friends, who is definitely on the flash side (his favourite London restaurant is Hakkasan). He lives in Mobberley, enough said.

[Harters]

Mobberley, eh?

That's yer posh Cheshire, innit. I have a pal who describes us Cestrians as "Lancastrians with jobs and BMWs". Do you think he means it as a compliment :-0

[gembellina]

I want the bf to get the proper Manchester experience for his first trip up there, so Akbar's it is! Thanks :)

[Harters]

Dust off the full bling then, gem.