My wife is the best cook in Glasgow – so a taxi driver told me one evening. The Hector is still waiting for an invitation to verify this.
I make it a point of establishing where taxi drivers eat in Glasgow, anywhere for that matter. They usually know the best places. It was Steve who mentioned New Cafe Reeshah (455 Shields Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 1NP) last week after he, Howard, and their ladies shared a taxi. For Takeaway only – was the given caveat.
Despite the minimal seating and lack of facilities, original Cafe Reeshah was becoming a favourite when it changed hands in 2018. New Cafe Reeshah did not impress, this venue then fell off the radar. Having decided to suspend my latest project and give The Wee Dhaaba a rest, I’ll try not to wait six years before returning there.
The Monday Curry, I arrived at New Cafe Reeshah bang on 13.00. A small queue stood at the counter, this venue is very much a Takeaway, however, the two tables remain. Seating for ten, cosy if anyone else joins. By removing my jacket, I made it clear I was here to sit in. The Dishes on display were duly captured.
The fayre was a la Glasgow Curry Cafe, an array of starters and ready-cooked mains. Given what I have eaten in the last few days, the Chicken Curry was almost tempting, but what was that top right, behind the Vegetable concoction? There wasn’t much of it. A comparatively Dry Curry, hint of Yoghurt/Cream, the Meat unfathomable at distance, not a trace of Oil.
I took my seat and studied the menu whilst those who had ordered pizza got their order. Pizza, it would fly out the door in the next half hour or so, and at the prices charged here, not surprising. I cannot believe what the big chains now charge.
The business end of the menu offered Curry in two sizes of portion, this I like. Haleem, that was the other Mash, as established when a later customer ordered this obliterated Lamb which is very much a matter of taste.
The only thing I knew for certain on arrival, I was having a Tandoori Naan (£1.50), enough Rice of late. Lamb Karahi Lahori (£11.00) was the obvious attraction on the menu.
We can do anything for you – was the proud claim back in 2018.
I had come early to allow waiting time if necessary. When one of the two chaps front of house was free, I asked what the mystery Curry was.
Lamb on-the-bone.
Done.
An impressive portion of the Lamb on-the-bone was taken to the kitchen for reheating.
I helped myself to tap water from the jug on the counter. I would count four members of staff, at some point or other, everyone was involved in slicing large pizzas. The delivery truck came with Spices, flour and more pizza boxes.
One of the kitchen chaps placed my Curry and Naan on the counter, came out front, and made a point of serving me himself. Having secured a spoon, all was set.
The round Tandoori Naan was served whole and was on the verge of forming blisters. Suitably, risen, this would prove to be light and fluffy, an excellent Naan.
*
*
*
Lamb Lahori Karahi
Jumping ahead here, the ensuing conversation confirmed the nomenclature.
The transformation from display Curry to what sat before me was marked. The Oil had separated, if one doesn’t appreciate an Oily Masala, then this is not for you. Herein lies Flavour, and maybe the heart attack. Tomato Seeds were prominent in the Masala, one piece of skin. This Masala oozed quality.
The Meat count reached double figures, two Big Bones were apparent, smaller ones attached elsewhere.
Dipping a piece of Naan into the Masala, a sharp blast of Spice hit the back of the throat. No prisoners being taken. The Flavours soon followed, how intense was this? The Seasoning was spot on, it was all happening here.
Having sat in the chilled Masala, the Meat was well marinated. Super-tender, a total delight. No Sucky Bones, behold the distinctive bone from a Lamb Chop, Meat slightly detached. Just how good was this Curry?
No Whole Spices, a subtle sense of Cloves, what a blend Chef had produced. This was Wow! – and beyond. The Flavours, the pleasure given, off the scale. Such depth, that which marks Desi/Apna from Mainstream Curry Houses.
One of the co-hosts engaged me. I firstly confirmed this was the Karahi.
We use bone, home style.
He then seem to suggest that this was not for Takeaway, so much for taxi drivers.
Desi! – I got it in, again.
Is bone bothering you?
I assured him this was my preference.
I ate on, eventually reaching the point where the very fine Naan had to be abandoned.
Just how good was this Karahi? The Seasoning was right up there, again, those who cannot handle – Salt – this is not for you.
Stunning, sensational, this is why the Hector tours these humble Southside venues. Authentic, a term abused by too many venues, but truly apposite. This was as good as Curry gets. Something wonderful has happened at New Cafe Reeshah since my first visit. I shall certainly be back to sample more.
The Bill
£12.50 Great value.
The Aftermath
Introductions over, I established that this glorious Lamb Karahi is available every day. As is the Curry Cafe norm, fresh Dishes are prepared every day, so until the pattern is established, it could be pot luck in terms of the other Dishes. Lovely people, I look forward to my future/immediate visits. (New) Cafe Reeshah is back.
2024 Menu
