Today’s Holden Tour took us Moorthorpe and Chin Chin Brewing. On realising that our train would go via Wakefield, it was decreed that Curry-Heute would be had at the always wonderful Syhiba Restaurant (17 George St, Wakefield WF1 1NE England). In essence, a satellite Bradford Curry House, and as we are currently resident in Bradford, further proof of the level of expectation.
Dr. Stan, Howard and Hector entered Syhiba at 18.45 this Sunday evening. The place was stowed, but then Syhiba always is. We should have booked, however, numbers were not known until we alighted at Westgate. Five years have passed since Hector’s last visit, in the interim, Marg and Hector have visited the mother shop: Syhiba – Sowerby Bridge, guess what, it was excellent too.
Habib, Mein Host, greeted us on entry. Five years and he still recognised Hector, but then we are in touch on a certain social medium.
Our allocated table was a bit of a squeeze, well for Howard in particular, who was backing on to the table behind leaving little room for the serving staff.
Poppadoms (£0.95)? – asked the waitress.
Declined as always, then a big pile arrived with two sets of Dips (£3.45).
We didn’t order these.
Courtesy of Habib.
This is how it should be.
Dr. Stan too had a moment of angst, as he tends to do when the Hector is recognised and good things follow.
Not again – he devoured the nibbles all the same, but only after we had been relocated to a more spacious table.
What to have?
Habib gave us time to consider our many options then took the Order.
After my disgraceful performances yesterday, it couldn’t be Meat: Karahi Fish (£14.95) a safe choice, but a well known and reliable Curry Blog reveals that back in 2019, Karahi Fish & Spinach was available here. Habib accepted the latter as Hector’s selection.
Howard, who also struggled to finish last night’s Curry, found King Prawn & Fish Achari (£16.95). I do not ever recall seeing an Achari with Fish, never mind Seafood. Interesting.
Dr. Stan, who had his customary Saag/Palak Gosht at Karachi Restaurant (Bradford) on Thursday, decided to abandon Spinach today. Gobi Gosht (£12.95) was duly ordered. Everything – Asian style
A single accompaniment should suffice: Family Naan (£5.95).
The Order relayed, Habib was back over to catch up. Photos of previous visits, masks and all, were produced. Gagan, the head waitress this evening, was also keen to see them. Curry-Heute had to be explained. Sufyan, who served me on previous visits was on vacation.
That Habib’s mother taught Sarina (Dawn), and everyone here, how to cook, was a story never previously told. Sarina was here last week, good to know she is better. Hopefully, one day she will cook for us again. Habib was only fifteen when Syhiba – Sowerby Bridge opened. I do not need to give away his current age, but that was back in 1995.
At one point I saw mountains of plain Basmati being taken towards two diners at the window. They must have been from Europe, nobody could eat that much Rice otherwise.
Hot plates were brought to the table at 19.26, the food arrived momentarily.
Family Naan has only previously been had at Akbar’s (Glasgow) and Omar’s Balti House (Bradford). Served whole, it has to be, risen, puffy, blisters, a fine example of the genre. In time, the tapered point would come Hector’s way. Yes!
*
Karahi Fish
A Lemon slice, Bullet Chillies, and almost sprigs of Coriander topped the mass of Fish Curry. The Spinach, having been a bespoke addition, prevented the presentation of a Herb Mash. With Tomato strewn through the Masala, such as it was, a most inviting Curry.
Hot food, minimal Oil – were my first tasting notes, followed by – big Spice, Seasoning might be more. However, with – Fishiness – to the fore, this was exactly what I sought. Even with the added Herb, this remained very much a Fish Karahi.
The Fish, Habib confirmed it was Haddock, firm enough, nothing rubbery here.
Having finished – yay!- and celebrated my Curry with Habib, I added:
In Scotland, nobody will serve you this.
Rehmat’s Restaurant (Aberdeen) and Curry Cottage (Glasgow) serve worthy Fish Karahi, but no Scottish venue on Hector’s radar will flake the Fish as in the Bradford style.
*
King Prawn & Fish Achari
In terms of appearance, almost indistinguishable from the Karahi Fish, the Prawns were well embedded. Larger pieces of Onion were the tell, Howard likes – Big Onions.
A Soupçon of the Fishy Masala crossed the table – wow! Tonight, Howard had won the watch.
Way more seasoning, and more than a sense of Pickle, not a blast as such, balanced. The intensity of Flavour here was significantly greater than the Karahi Fish, but let’s not detract from Hector’s Curry which was still top notch.
Howard had – A Fishy Tale – to relate:
Fish Curry features a few times when I go out. Over the years there have been good ones most notably Indian Mango in Munich. Equally some have disappointed.
I order Fish Curry when I’m looking for something lighter. Perhaps I’m kidding myself. At Syhiba I had an excellent one.
It was a combination of Fish (haddock) and King Prawn Achari in style. My initial taste didn’t get pickle but occasionally I would bite into something. As I ate more, the pickle level intensified to an excellent level. The fish was flaky and light the king prawns had taken on a little of the flavour. Combined with a shared family nan it reminded me how good curry can be.
On a final note I always try to do the right thing but have reached an age where I can no longer tolerate being uncomfortable without saying something. Initially the seating arrangements meant I felt cramped. The staff were brilliant and moved us to a better table. In addition their generosity was outstanding. Thank you. Hopefully I won’t leave it 5 years before another visit.
Gobi Gosht
The abundance of Meat then Minimal Masala, put this Karahi firmly in the Bradford style. Having had Karahi Gosht on previous visits, and the principal reason for coming back, I note that the 2026 menu encourages one to have Karahi with an 
Interesting Vegetable mixed in. As a fan of Aloo Gobi, I appreciate the extent to which Cauliflower can absorb Flavours from a Masala in addition to giving off its own. Dr. Stan was happy with his choice:
Slightly crunchy cauliflower and tender, melt in the mouth lamb served in a curry bursting with flavour from a beautiful blend of spices. A truly delicious meal.
Was it up to expectation? – asked Habib.
There was unanimous confirmation.
Some people come here from Bradford – he informed us. As a sign of appreciation for our visit, a jug of Mango Lassi (£7.95) was presented, on the house. After all, we three wise men had traversed afar.
The Bill
£50.80 Having brought cash, we used it. Since my last visit, there is now an alternative.
The Aftermath
The promise to return. If only Syhiba opened at noon, then coming here when in Sheffield would be an option.
Later, a solitary Cumin Seed dislodged itself from the gnashers, it has been a while.