Frankie's Sausage Pan Saturday!

Delicatessen. I can honestly say it is my favourite word in the English language, and not just because it’s a joy to say, but because of the promise and deliciousness it always delivers.

The Barbakan Delicatessen is somewhat of an institution amidst the new trendy eateries on Chorlton high street.

First setting up shop over 50 years ago, the Najduch family firmly planted its Eastern European Roots in the heart of suburban Manchester and has been attracting foodies far and wide who clamour to taste their famously fresh, daily baked breads and cakes week after week.



A deli with a difference, the Barbakan also offers a tantalising menu, comprising their selection of breads and deli counter offerings to make some of the most sumptuous sandwiches you could ever hope to chomp.



Whilst tempted by their daily menu, that was not the reason why I had braved driving the Chorlton strip, mouthing obscenities whilst smiling at fellow drivers and ultimately squeezing my car into a ‘space’ which turned out to in fact be a B&M trolley bay.

No, no I was here for the Saturday Sausage Pan, and this Frank had her heart set on a Frankfurter.



With a wide sausage selection from your classic Bratwurst to less commonly known Starapolska, we agonised before eventually deciding upon an order for two of Chorizo and De Pari (a French, garlic sausage). Both were of gigantic proportion and smelled fantastic; opting to go bun-less so we could effectively eat more, we ordered a side of potato and rice which cooked and sizzled enticingly in the juicy fat of the sausages.

Placing my order, I watched with glee as my lunch began to materialise in the large pan in front of me, the meaty and succulent smells making my leg jiggle in anticipation.



After paying up a grand total of £9 for two and sides, I gathered and stacked my feast in its take-out cartons, careful not to drop a morsel and hot-footed to our table. Being a relatively warm and dry Saturday, we felt it would be most appropriate to dine al fresco on the Barbakan terrace and enjoy the envious glares we received from native Chorltonites, most likely on their way to stock up on Organic Wheat bran from the Unicorn Grocery.

The portions are enormous and eye-rollingly delicious. Rich, aromatic and humbling flavours, we devoured our first few bites in silence before exclaiming our delight. We munched, traded and agreed both selections were as lip-smacking as the other.



My De Pari was subtly infused with soft garlic flavours, the meat supple but maintaining its shape. I had requested my dawg to be topped with caramelised onions which added a delicious sweet and delicate crunch, contrasting with the strong yet beautiful taste of the seedy Dijon mustard I had expertly dolloped on the side.

My co-diners chorizo was similarly delicate in flavour, whilst still packing the recognisably smokey and paprika-infused bite the Spanish soss is so famous for.

The new potatoes were hot and fluffy, slicing effortlessly like a sharp knife through butter, seasoned with a mixture of fresh and dried herbs in that marvellous and effortless way only true street chefs and mums can do.

The rice was a one-pot wonder; soft black eyed peas, end cuts of chorizo, green beans and who the heck knows what else. Hot, savoury flavours erupt with each forkful, a truly more-ish combination of scrummy flavours.

Perfect comfort food.

Whilst not technically a restaurant, I strongly urge you to pick the Barbakan for your next lunchtime destination, whether your opt for Frankfurter Fridays or Sausage Pan Saturdays you’re shoo in for a delectable dinner, whatever your wiener.

So trade your metal cutlery for plastic knives and forks and your average lunch special for a piping portion of soss and spuds... if you don’t? Well, you’re just the wurst.

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Posted: Tuesday 21st June 2016
ID: 11429 - 1716