Last year Hector was invited by the Proprietor of the then Cafe Sizzler to appraise the Cuisine. This locus had fond memories – The Clachan Bar. Cafe Sizzler did not last, we now have New Cafe Naseeb (351 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LX) which Hector has been trying to access for months. It has never been open when Hector was in the Cessnock area, which is not that often.
Marg dropped Hector of at Cessnock Subway Station today en route to meet The Company in town, better have a look. New Cafe Naseeb was open! Two customers sat in one of three window booths, a Lady sitting in the interior acknowledged me as I took my seat, she would turn out to be the wife of The Chef.
Traditional Desi Homestyle Cooking
The young waiter brought the Menu, a folded A4 sheet, the Takeaway Menu in effect.
The display at the counter had no Main Courses as is the norm in the Glasgow Curry Cafes. The Menu was given a cursory glance, better to negotiate.
I’ve been trying to visit here for ages, you are never open. It was suggested this is an illusion caused by the shutters on the adjacent grocer. Has there been a new exterior paint job to differentiate? Open every day at 14.00 I was assured. Neil may have more to say on this as he visits this area regularly. New Cafe Naseeb (?), Neil has already remarked before this write-up.
A Lamb Curry, Desi-style, with Minimal Masala, …… and no Capsicum.
What’s that? – was the reply. Do I take this to be a good sign, twice in eight days Capsicum has been unknown, both in Southside Venues?
I asked for an alternative Vegetable, Okra was suggested, fine. Anything but….
I’ll get the Chef to do you something. Bespoke Curry, this was encouraging. A Plain Paratha (£1.70) would accompany.
The layout and décor of this Venue has changed since the days of Cafe Sizzler. The entrance is very much Takeaway Kebab House, the interior has a more formal Restaurant layout. Quite tasteful even. Studying the Menu closely, Hector spotted six significant words – Opening First In Glasgow From Bradford. More Bradford Curry in Glasgow! This changed everything. I called over the Waiter and pointed to The Magic Words.
Can I have my Curry in the Bradford Stye please?
Trying to find Cafe Naseeb in Bradford was not straightforward. Naseeb was eventually found. Texts were fired off to John, The Bradford Curry Blogger, and of course Mr. Holden, The Man from Bradford. More information on the Bradford origins may emerge, at present, this does not sound like a large operation.
Lamb Methi Gosht appears twice in the Menu, at £6.50 under Popular dishes, and at £7.50 in Naseeb’s Traditional Desi Dishes. One cannot have too much Lamb Methi Gosht! I shall be back to try the Desi version, maybe on-the-bone?
Lamb and Lady Fingers
The Curry was brought, the first impression was that of a small Karahi. Fortunately, this proved to be deceptive. The Masala was Thick, Chopped Onions were highly visible, the Okra? Expecting Large Pieces of Okra I had to verify its presence. The Okra had been chopped Small too. It was also cooked beyond the level I prefer creating a Slimy Texture. Hector prefers his Okra – al dente. This was the last negative. The Paratha was Large, Fresh and Flaky.
The Tender Lamb was sufficient in Quantity and well cooked, but not cut – Bradford Small. The Levels of Spice and Seasoning were initially unremarkable which is a positive. Both crept up on the Hector Palate as the Meal was digested. Very Pleasant. The Waiter came over to check on the progress. Your Paratha is Perfect. The Curry is not Glasgow Curry, but I’m not getting the distinctive Bradford Curry Experience either. I ate on. Only crumbs of the Paratha were left, that’s how Wonderful it was. The Curry was Very Enjoyable, though next time I will avoid the Okra.
The Bill
£10.70. This included the Sparkling Water. Venues with tablecloths, take note.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to The Waiter and the Curry-Heute Website shown quickly on the Semi-Trusty Samsung. The List of Bradford Curry Houses visited was shown. The Young Man mentioned – Leeds! Curry-Heute does not feature Curry in L666s, deliberately! Introductions over, Hector was determined to get to the root of what was happening here.
How long have you been here?
Three and a half months. So, it did take an appreciable time to make the internal conversions possibly explaining the – Closed – for so long. Neil and Hector have been waiting all year for the opening of New Cafe Naseeb. I questioned the opening times and was told they have been opening later in the afternoon during the school holidays. The Glasgow Schools went back today, they were open at their normal time. Ah, the school holidays…
I asked if I could meet The Chef?
My Father! He has been a Chef for thirty years.
Chef came out from the Kitchen, I stood to shake his hand, he gestured for me to sit back down, he sat opposite. Hector was in the zone, talking – Curry.
I asked about the Bradford connection first and was told of the franchise. Chef has worked at The Village for – X years – before setting himself up here. The aim is for The Son to takeover, to this effect he is in training. The Family are related, closely, to the Baig Dynasty of The Village.
This prompted Hector to mention the inconsistency of Village Curry, the same meal could be ordered on three successive visits and none would resemble its predecessor. Too many Chefs, or not close enough control?
Green Peppers had to be mentioned, The Curry-Heute Campaign. No Capsicum are served here unless they are specifically asked for. I did spot them listed in the Menu – Turka Daal and Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi.
Chef listed the large parties and functions he has catered for over the years. I mentioned my retiral dinner and the serving of Curry by the Akash Staff (Helensburgh) and how difficult it is to satisfy the needs of the many simultaneously. He mentioned – Tawa – one of the stalwart Village Desi Dishes before the renovations. This was on a par with the fabled Village Desi Korma. Was this his? Chef has promised to cook Something Special for me with one hour’s notice. Karahi was then discussed, the Signature Curry? the need for Lamb being served on-the-bone was delivered with conviction. I was even told how to recognise when Lamb is at its best. I had to mention Fish Curry and the lack of Quality Fish Curry being served in Glasgow. (Yadgar do a mean Fish Karahi, when asked.)
So, why the Bradford connection? A Village Chef surely does not need this, unless the Mother Shop has paid for the renovations and infrastructure. Hector has unearthed what could become The Discovery of 2015. This will mean many visits, and the inevitable neglect pro tem for some favourite places…
Hari, I promise to visit the Punjabi Charing Cross, soonest!
So now there are two Desi curry venues within two minutes of my mother’s place. Could come in useful.
Hector replies:
I will appreciate reports on your visits.