Another relatively new Southside venue was the intended port of call this afternoon. However, as Marg sped across the Kingston Bridge, so the Tradeston exit was deemed to be best avoided. And so a compromise, Marg dropped me off at New Cafe Reeshah (455 Shields Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 1NP), a pleasure denied since late November. The menu could now be updated to 2026.
Both Arshad and Chef Amjad were behind the counter. Arshad, head buried, was concentrating on something else, it was Amjad who greeted first:
Hello, my friend.
There was no Lamb Lahori Karahi (£11.00 / £13.00) on display. One tray aside, an array that could have a Vegetarian’s delight. Haleem Lahori Style (£7.00 / £9.00) stood out from the Spinach and Daal. Hector was not having this under any circumstances.
Amjad assured me that he had just finished cooking the wonderful Lamb creation which has me return to these modest premises. It was still in the pot. A Tandoori Naan ( £1.50) would accompany.
A chap was in my spot, finishing his meal. For the first time in a long time, I took a seat at the adjacent table. The kitchen chap I introduced myself to in November, came out to wipe down both tables. Any thoughts of reclaiming my spot were quickly dispersed, yet another chap moved in, and he was waiting for his mate. Meanwhile we chatted.
It’s worth waiting for – he advised – best in town – he added.
He quickly dismissed the Curry north of the river. A bit extreme perhaps, but he either has food from Cafe Reeshah or cooks for himself. No compromise. How the Hector came to be here was outlined in part, I wasn’t giving too much away, see how things pan out.
Alas, conversation came to an abrupt end when Amjad brought out my food, it had taken as long as it takes to prepare a Naan.
Served whole, a bit on the thin side, there was enough puffiness and a buttery sheen to keep it interesting. Unusually, I would manage all but a scrap.
*
Lamb Lahori Karahi
This was quite a departure from the reheat that I have come to expect. From which part of the pot had this been drawn? Way more Shorva than a recognisable Tomato-based Masala, this just needed some Potato to transform it into a classic Aloo Gosht. Karahi – as recognised in these pages, this was not.
The first dip of the Naan revealed an impressive intensity of Flavour, and all down to the Seasoning which was decidedly a la Hector. With a seeming abundance of Shorva, I kept going, pleasure and reticence, eventually the Meat had to be addressed.
After Monday’s unfortunate incident, today was very much a case of getting back into the saddle. Hector would face up to eating another mass of Lamb. Today, significantly sized pieces, I counted them into double figures. Lamb on-the-bone, three Sucky Bones, another delight.
The Meat was a bit more firm than I have come to expect here. Also, the Hector was taking no chances: chew, chew, and more chewing. The Meat went down, all was well. The moistness here certainly helped. Some Lamb can lose its juiciness on chewing, this was quality Lamb.
The Shorva dealt with, towards the end, some signs of the Tomato-based Masala. No Whole Spice, but Peppery flecks were highly visible. A good level of Spice, a suitable – kick – but nothing in the extreme. A new Curry experience at this venue, so markedly different was this Curry from anything had here under this moniker.
Whilst I ate, so – friend arrived and squeezed in beside his mate. Two Naan, and a share of one plate of Lamb Lahori Karahi, the Asian way. Meanwhile, another chap had taken the seat opposite. For him, Haleem with a Tarka topping.
A charming lady sporting a Labour Party rosette entered and engaged the chaps behind the counter in conversation. Hector was the only person in the house not following what was being said. As I took my debris up to the counter, so she, and her dining partner, who had appeared from nowhere, took my place. More Haleem.
As I prepared to pay, I told Arshad that Haleem is one Dish I will never order. He tried to convince me that theirs is particularly good. Maybe, one day, a Soupçon will come Hector’s way.
The Bill
£12.00 A special price. Arshad suggested that he shouldn’t be charging me at all.
You must – was the honourable reply
The Aftermath
Six diners in one hour, this had never been seen here before.
This is becoming a restaurant – I put to him.
Thanks to you.
No, it’s the food, and the Chef.
There was a big smile from Amjad as I took my leave.
It is a privilege to see such a business develop, humble chaps just serving quality Desi Fayre.