A reason for the Curry-Heute coverage of Sheffield being so limited is down to the discovery of Syhiba Restaurant (17 George St, Wakefield WF1 1NE England).
When this meandering trip north was conceived, today in Wakefield was carved in stone, so much so that The Rickmeister arranged for his Bradford cohort to come here and set up camp in Harry’s Bar for the afternoon. In addition to these Yorkshiremen we had Dr. Stan, Neil, John and Judith present, but only four of us headed for Curry soon after the 17.00 opening time.
As the first diners of the day to arrive, the staff were lined up to greet, all wearing masks, so nobody looked familiar. The place is now decidedly plush, a new carpet was laid only thirteen days ago, comfort underfoot.
With the QR code check-in complete we took a choice of any table, fifty five does not exist to keep another theme going.
Fridays and Saturdays excepted, there is an interesting – Early Bird – menu (£12.95) which, assuming portion sizes maintain, is excellent value.
Our waiter brought the Menu, my choice of Main Course was already made, additionally, Lamb Chops flashed through the consciousness. Chops (£4.95) there would be. Howard was the only person to order a drink. Soft drinks are paid for, however, one can bring one’s own booze with zero corkage. After the disappointment of 7 Spices Balti (Sheffield) last night, Howard was still willing to give Fish another chance. Masti Fish (£5.50) was something new on a menu. Clive, whom I’m convinced does not know the difference between a Seekh Kebab and a Shami, ordered Shami Kebab (£3.50). Marg, who knows she cannot eat a Starter and finish a Main would insist on a Poppadom (£0.60). Rather than ask for the Pickle Tray (£1.95) she asked if she could have Mango Chutney only, that is her preference.
The Karahi Gosht (£8.45) served – Asian style – is why Hector was back, Howard would follow the lead, Marg would have it – as it comes. Clive returned to the Fish option – Karahi Fish – (£9.95) again served – Asian style.
The Bread order had to include one of the magnificent Naans, Chilli & Coriander (not on the menu as such) for Hector and a Keema Naan (£3.20) for Clive. Yes, he’s doing it again, Mince with Fish! Marg would stick with her model, a solitary Chapatti (£0.70), Howard decided this would suffice also.
No sooner had the Order been taken by our very efficient waiter when a pile of Poppadoms and two sets of Pickle Trays were presented. Complimentary of course, this is how it should surely be, especially when four decide to bring this amount of business?
I asked our waiter if Sufiyan was here tonight. What followed was fitting for a scene from ‘Allo ‘Allo.
It is I!
Three visits, each a year apart, and now face masks, what chance did I have? Poppadoms taken care of I went up to chat with Sufiyan and commend the new décor. In turn he took me over to his boss, Habib, the conversation continued. This was the third time we have met also, today I noted his name, and because of the masks, I probably will not recognise him next time. I asked if people had still turned up to eat in their cars outside Syhiba during Lockdown. Indeed, and he once again mentioned the reason why Takeaway is never as good as dining in, the condensation in the containers changes the Curry.
The Starters arrived along with an extra Poppadom for Marg:
… because you ordered it.
Touches like this can make a meal memorable for the right reasons. Marg would not be left to spectate.
Shami Kebab
These were chunky and well fired. I still prefer Seekh, less mushy.
Masti Fish
Four big pieces of Fish sat in a Buttery Masala. This was a winner as soon as it was presented. Howard insisted we try a piece of the white Fish and the sauce. For Hector this was much more acceptable than the now ubiquitous Butter Chicken.
The translation of – masti – eludes me.
Chops
Three large Lamb Chops, well fired, this is what the Hector seeks, though four is better, as is five. Cancel the Main Course! Maybe, one day.
The sizzling Onions attracted Marg’s attention, she also took care of the Salad which accompanied the Chops on a separate plate. This let the Hector focus on the business end of the order.
The Lamb Chops were a delight, the burnt extremities and the succulence of the meaty parts. One could binge on these. Perhaps it’s about time I had Lamb Chops Achari in Glasgow?
The young waiter cleared the table and asked if we required a gap before the Mains. Ten minutes was agreed. Sufiyan came over to check after ten minutes, we agreed on an extension before deciding it was time to – bring the food!
Again, in addition to the excellent food being served at Syhiba, it is this level of thoughtfulness which makes the evening. It also gives the diner more chance of finishing the food ordered, apart from the Naan, of course.
Behold the Chilli & Coriander Naan! I’ve had nothing like this during Lockdown. A proper Tandoori Naan, covered in my choice of Herbs, soft where it should be, puffy also. I would have to be careful not to overdose on Bread, the Karahi Gosht had to be addressed.
Karahi Gosht – Asian style
The flat karahi was heaving with Curry. Coriander, Ginger Strips and Lemon topped the mass of Meat and Minimal Masala. With only a hint of Oil separating, the Masala had – Desi – written all over it. How much was here, more than the half kilo probably, nobody was going to leave Syhiba feeling hungry.
Dry, Thick, Earthy, with Cloves at the root of the Flavours, as happens in the outstanding venues, there was something else here too which again the Hector cannot fathom. The Ginger Strips added a crunch, the Meat was delightfully soft and was a giver of Flavour. Varied Textures, a complexity of Flavours, Umami. The Seasoning was a tad below the Hector idyll to give the – wow! – in that parameter, however, the Spice and Flavours confirmed that this was a Karahi Gosht to savour. There are so few venues across the UK which can produce a Curry of this quality.
Karahi Gosht
Served in a bowl shaped karahi and with only a sprinkling of Coriander on top, the Masala was just as inviting. One presumes the Spice here was below the – Asian style.
Loads of succulent and tender meat in a rich and flavoursome sauce – was Marg’s verdict.
Howard offered a few more words as he is prone to do:
The starter was interesting, something I’ve never had before. It was difficult to identify the the main flavours in the butter sauce, it was a good combination.
The main course was stunning, the lamb had flavour, and it was an excellent size of portion. Overall, very impressed.
I had promised Howard a memorable meal, that it would be delivered was never in doubt.
Fish Karahi
Oh no, look at this, truly amazing!
In addition to the Coriander and Ginger, here were Tomatoes and large Green Chillies, what a presentation, what a mass of Fish!
Hector continually searches for Fish Curry other than the – Goan – apology which most venues attempt. Syhiba’s Fish Karahi could well what is sought and is so hard to locate. Being too busy with my own Karahi and never ending Naan, I decided not to try the Fish, this means next time, there must be a next time.
Not bad at all – began Clive – certainly one of the best Fish Karahi I’ve ever had.
The Bill
£61.75 Outstanding value, and not much more than the Early Bird would have been.
Cash only – is how Syhiba operate, though Habib assured me that this may be changing due to the current climate. Anyway, there are now Scottish notes in circulation in Wakefield.
The Aftermath
Sufiyan had apologised for not being able to chat as he normally would during our meal. A prolonged presence at a table has been discouraged. He and his staff were superb throughout our visit. I reminded him that I don’t do numbers to rate a venue, I use words to describe the experience, and I keep coming back to outstanding venues. Until next time, meanwhile back to Sheffield.
2021 Menu
