Syhiba is a name that has appeared previously in Curry-Heute, a Curry House I have praised in Wakefield. I have described their Curry as being close in Flavour to that served in Bradford. Little did I know then that the mother shop was in Sowerby Bridge, a few kilometres outside Halifax. It is no wonder I was tasting Bradford Curry in South Yorkshire! Furthermore, Sarina of Sarina’s Kitchen (Queensbury-Bradford, and hopefully only temporarily closed) has an interest here.
Hector and Marg spent a pleasant afternoon in Hebden Bridge, how many coffee shops can Marg visit in one day? More than I can visit Curry Houses! We arrived at Syhiba Restaurant (57 Wharf St, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2AF England) at 19.10. The sheer size of the premises impressed, from the outside it was clear the place was stowed. There was a crowd at the door and screaming weans inside. Marg was happy to wait at the doorway, I gestured her to walk up the steps inside, here we spoke to a waiter who promised us a table. Two minutes later we were led to table 11 in the far right hand corner. What a viewpoint.
Cash only – was made clear at the doorway. This has been the case on visits to Wakefield, however, I believe they finally relented and now accept card payments. Many around us had Bier and Wine on the table yet I only saw waiters serving soft drinks. I captured a photo, a clear signal that BYOB is in operation at Syhiba.
At Syhiba (Wakefield) I have previously enjoyed both the Lamb Karahi and Lamb Handi. Tonight, we would cover both. Karahi Meat (£10.45) for Marg, Handi Gosht (£10.95) served on-the-bone, for Hector. Judging by the different shirt colour, I deduced we were being served by the manager. He took the Order, his deduction: You’re on holiday.
I mentioned that we knew the Wakefield shop and also dropped – Sarina – into the conversation. Thus our pedigree was established. The Handi Gosht was recorded as – Asian style. A Coriander Naan was agreed despite not being listed on the menu.
During the wait, I went walkabout. Large as the venue is, the premises are quite narrow. I counted some fifty diners. However, upstairs there was another large room, initially empty, Marg reported a large group there later. Was all of Sowerby Bridge at Syhiba?
We were prepared for a long wait, imagine the surprise when the food was served at 19.35. The Naan was spectacular. Served vertically, it was therefore whole, had risen, burnt blisters were present, and it proved to be light and fluffy. Hector’s Naan idyll, Marg was happy too. Unusually, we ate the lot! Marg then spotted that some had a larger Naan. The Family Naan (£4.95) would have been too much.
*
Handi Gosht
Topped with a threat of Coriander and featuring a Lemon Slice, this looked the part. Perhaps a bit more Oily than would be served a few kilometres away in Bradford. The Meat count in the karahi reached double figures, not too many bones.
The first dip of Naan in the Masala was one of those rare and special moments. The Flavours flooded out, wonderful! The Spice kept building, the Seasoning caught up, this was Curry.
The first pieces of Meat, whilst having maintained integrity in the karahi, required no chewing at all. One simply had to suck the Meat to make it swallowable. Later pieces did require a degree of chewing, however, this was something else. Chef is a genius – was noted.
A half Bullet Chilli, cut lengthwise, momentarily upped the – kick. Strangely, another came my way from across the table. Flavoursome as this Curry was, the particular Bradford Curry Taste was not immediately evident, but as I dug deeper, so this was revealed. The distinctive taste of – Lamb – was also given off. The bones were mostly ribs. Having stripped the flesh off the Lemon, so this added a Citrus blast. Maybe one should ask for more Lemon with such creations? Handi Gosht? Glorious!
Karahi Meat
Apart from being boneless, the Curry looked identical to the Handi: the threat of Coriander, the Lemon Slice and the embedded half Bullet Chilli. Bradford Curry was written all over it.
A Soupçon crossed the table, the Hector had been in two minds given the Wakefield experience, however, tonight, the Handi was more intense. We are comparing Curry at the highest standard, so even the lesser would be a standout in the Mainstream.
Zingy – said Marg at the start. I suspect the Lemon Slice was the cause of this. Adding a squirt of Lemon Juice in Curry, something to consider. Marg’s verdict:
A large dish of tender meat in a dry sauce. Full of flavour with traces of Cinnamon, Cardamom and the zest from a lemon slice. Most enjoyable with the Coriander Naan.
*
With just under an hour until the train back to Bradford, Marg ordered Coffee (£2.95). When the manager brought – The Bill – so two chocolates accompanied. He was amused when Marg purloined these. Our conversation continued. That this was my fourth Curry in three days was dropped in. Syhiba and International are definitely the highlights.
The Bill
£27.80 This cash thing, now I have to find an ATM to replenish my reserves.
The Coriander Naan was charged at £3.45, 50p less than expected. Usually a bespoke Naan is charged at more than what is on the menu.
The Aftermath
Waheed brought a Coffee refill, nice touch. He updated us on Sarina, who in turn, later informed us that the Chef’s name is Waheed. Not the same chap, surely?
Thereafter we walked down the canal locks, the largest drop on the planet, well maybe not.
2023 Menu
