Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley have spent the weekend in Glasgow, hosted as ever by Marg and Hector. No visit would complete without Curry. A contemporary venue is always expected, today New Cafe Reeshah (455 Shields Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 1NP). Clive was here some twelve years ago in the early days of – Cafe Reeshah – when Keema Mutter and Aloo Gosht reigned supreme.
In the past year, the Hector has been championing Lamb Karahi Lahori (£11.00/£13.00), Clive was up for this, the ladies would make a last minute decision. Marg drove us to the Southside, arriving at New Cafe Reeshah just on 13.00.
As ever, the two tables were unoccupied, however chairs along the wall have been replaced by fixed seating. The wall covering has also seen an upgrade. One can conclude that people sitting-in is being further encouraged in what is essentially a Takeaway venue. Next, a toilet, then we’ll be talking.
The hoped for Lamb Karahi Lahori was on display and in sufficient quantity for the four of us. Maggie accepted she should have this, such was the level of recommendation. Marg considered her favoured Keema, here as Aloo Qeema (£7.00/£9.00), but on seeing it was Chicken Mince, decided otherwise. This would be her first full on experience of the Lamb Karahi Lahori at New Cafe Reeshah.
Four portions of Karahi Gosht.
With no sign of Arshad or Amjad, it was clear that the chap serving was another relative. Bread was added to the Order: for Marg, her customary Tandoori Roti (£1.00), for Hector – Tandoori Naan (£1.50), Clive was not missing out on the opperchancity to have a Lamb Mince Paratha (£5.00). Maggie enquired after Rice. Boiled (£2.00) and Chicken Biryani (£6.00) were on display. Mushroom Rice, her request, not possible. Boiled it would be – and not too much – was the plea.
The usual table was claimed, I arranged glasses of water, it’s help yourself at the counter. The Bread would be cooked to order, the reheat of the Karahi would not take long either.
Arshad appeared from the kitchen to greet us. That we were four was clearly appreciated. It was he who brought out the food, one portion of Karahi and the Keema Paratha first. Clive was invited to tuck in.
A Modest Salad and a bowl of Raita followed next.
The Wholemeal Paratha was large and well stuffed with Mince. I managed to peel back a section to confirm Keema grains, not the mass of – pink – which some places dish out. Clive would manage all but a sliver, I’ve no idea how he can put that amount of Bread away. Note to self, do not order this, no Wholemeal Flour please.
Hector’s Naan, made from the lovely White Flour, sat atop two Roti, the latter again were Wholemeal. One Bread more than we had ordered, wastage was unavoidable.
The Naan, although mostly pale, was suitably light and fluffy. One day I’ll communicate the need for the – Half-Naan.
Then there was the Boiled Rice, way more than Maggie required, Clive took some, but again, wastage. We were here for the Curry.
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Lamb Karahi Lahori
Approaching a Shorva, and so ideal for dipping, the Masala was packing the intensity of Flavour I have come to expect at New Cafe Reeshah. The Spice built slowly on the palate. With both Marg and Maggie present, it was not a matter of if, but when, the Spice Level would be discussed. The ladies were onside, and with enough of a kick to impress the Hector, satisfaction all round.
The plates were hot as were the contents, this meant the food was not going to cool rapidly as it has done in winter visits. The open door today was not an issue.
Eleven pieces of Meat were on the Hector’s plate, some on-the-bone. I couldn’t help but notice that Marg had acquired a disproportionate number of Sucky Bones. I had one piece of cartilage. Some you win.
Super-soft to chewy, quite an array of Textures, and with the Lamb having sat in the Masala, a good level of absorption. Peppery, with a hint of Citrus – was noted. Citrus takes the Hector towards the much sought after Desi Korma, Peppery towards Namkeen, Marg would surely enjoy this.
For once, four people, all having the same Curry, this simplifies the reporting.
Marg:
A large plate of meat, plenty of tender pieces of lamb with the expected sucky bones. A thin sauce, full of flavour with a decent kick. Enjoyed the large Roti and left a quarter of it. My first taste of the Lamb Karahi here.
Maggie:
Hot in heat, but medium hot in spice. Not too many bones, lots of big chunks of meat. I didn’t get any gristle, no fat. Not too much ghee, just enough to cook it and make it tasty. You can have whatever size of Rice you want. All round tasty Karahi.
Clive:
The Paratha was good, and rare. I wouldn’t call it Curry (indeed, it’s Karahi). Well balanced, temperature hot, not spicy hot. A good mix of bone bits and normal bits. No gristle, one piece of cartilage.
We each amassed our pile of Bones, all the Meat was devoured, a pity we would leave so much Bread.
The Bill
£55.00 Four people, suitably fed.
The Aftermath
Arshad was pleased that we had enjoyed our meal. He must know that the Karahi served here is something special. Are Mainstream venues just afraid to serve authentic Desi Fayre?