Lal Qila

I keep going to Indian restaurants and asking, «what’s the spiciest thing you’ve got?»
I always leave disappointed.
Blame it on the years of Mexican food I’ve been grubbing on, or the jalapeño-​stuffed goodies I had as a kid. Blame the various salsas and dips filled to the brim with delicious chiles. I love spicy food. I want to sweat, I want to tear up just a bit — but I want delicious flavour as well. I’m on a journey to find the best spicy food Manchester has to offer.
I walked into Lal Qila and asked my normal question. The response was, «the vindaloo, of course.» Yes, of course… but this was something I’ve heard before and it’s never been spicy enough for me. I turned to our waiter, «this is something I’ve heard before and it’s never been spicy enough for me,» repeating my inner monologue. I could see his eyes turn from friendly to judgemental. What’s this white boy thinking? Judgemental turned to vengeful. If he wants spicy, I’ll give him spicy! «Our vindaloo is spicier than what a lot of places make,» his smile and friendly demeanour covering his obvious disdain. «We make vindaloo the right way here, but I can make it spicier for you if you’d like.» His challenge stung through the air. I was with friends, I was tipsy, and there was no turning back.
Challenge accepted.
I waited a few minutes, half worried that I was going to be brought a glowing radioactive dish filled with nothing but habaneros and ghost chiles. Fortunately, when the vindaloo arrived, I could see that there were loads of chiles in it, but it wasn’t overdone. A bite in — wow, there’s the flavour! Spicy, hot, but a background of delicious vindaloo and tenderly cooked meat. Now THIS is the vindaloo I’ve been searching for!
I scarfed down every last bite, soaking up all the leftover goodness I could with some rice. I’m very happy I came here and gave it a try — their spicy vindaloo is finally the prefect dish that I’ve been looking for all this time!
Oh, the atmosphere is nice, and the staff are friendly, sure… but c’mon, you’re coming here for the spice, right? That’s not just me, I’m sure!

3.5 stars from me. I used to be a regular here, before I moved into town. Last Saturday I was back for the first time in years.
It’s much the same. Very busy, very popular. This is the «classic» Rusholme experience, vimto lollies, dodgy décor, and all. But it remains one of the better choices along a strip whose fame far outstrips its gastronomic quality.
The Gosht Puri was a nicely tasty starter, and none of the dishes were too troubled by the grease that plagues much of the curry mile.

Lal Qila is one of those curry houses which is rather hard to miss, with its bright red and yellow signage emblazoned on the front and bright, gaudy interior shining out like a beacon through the windows. My memories of it are all derived from medic’s curry nights, which bends them in a rather unique perspective, but are nonetheless pleasant ones.
The interior design is nice and polished, if a little over-​the-​top, and from my experience the waiters seem eager to please. The medic’s nights would always take place on the top floor, where we would invariably run out of room and end up pushing an unlucky few back down with the oiks below. They would also tend to devolve into raucous affairs of dancing on the tables, chairs, and anything else within easy reach. The fact that the waiters stoically stood by and let this happen is pretty cool really.
As I remember it, the food was excellent, and well worth the visit. I’m not sure about the pricing, since we got a group package cost made up for us each time. I’d certainly visit again though, without the horde this time.

There’s something to be said about a restaurant that is successful enough to advertise on the Manchester bus fleet. I’m not sure about their recent refurbishment as it kind of looks like a Disney theme palace now, but that doesn’t detract from the quality of the food.
The great thing about Lal Qila is that it stays true to traditional Pakistani cuisine, it’s drier and hotter and less Anglo-​sized for which it’s won a legion of accolades. The last time I went I tried the Machli Masala Dupiaza (salmon marinated with ginger, garlic, spices, deep fried then cooked with onions, tomatoes and coriander in a bhuna style sauce) which was heaven on a plate. My friend went for the full Lobster in spices for a very reasonable £15. That’s what I love about this place, they haven’t got your run of the mill ingredients and they make fish taste delectable.
I feel bad for Sophie, she obviously caught a waiter on an off night, I’ve had only good experiences. Perhaps they were particularly busy that night but I guess that isn’t an excuse.