Tharas Takeaway (55 Woodlands Rd., Glasgow G3 6ED) opened in 2025, it was Curryspondent Stewart who informed Hector that there are two tables. As with the comparable New Cafe Reeshah across the river, one can sit-in at this primarily – Takeaway. Where Tharas differs, being north of the river, there is no surprise to discover that the fayre served here is South Indian. Lahori/Punjabi fayre on the Southside, South Indian in the north, this is how the Glasgow Curry scene is evolving.
Hector will admit to having to be in the mood for the distinctive, Flavours of South Indian Cuisine. And after last weekend’s indulgence in Lamb Karahi, the presence of Fish Curry (£9.99) on the menu at Tharas Takeaway was enough to have me cross their threshold this afternoon. It was 14.30 when I entered the modest premises.
Fish Curry was confirmed, but what to have with it? Anticipating a Curry way more Soupy than Desi-Punjabi fayre, I enquired about the Masala. The serving chap seemed to suggest that there was a degree of flexibility, however, the Hector was keen to establish the Tharas norm. Boiled Rice (£3.00) was deemed to be the better option.
Spice Level was discussed.
Above medium, not crazy – was accepted.
The Bill
£12.99 Paid in advance
I was given a glass and returned to my seat. Water was on the table already, so unlike Cafe Reeshah, this suggests they genuinely do expect people to dine here.
Two tables accommodating eight diners, the décor was simple, bright, spotless. The serving chap disappeared into the kitchen, a one man show. Presumably, later in the day, this must change.
I spotted cold drinks in the small fridge behind the counter. Being a Takeaway, there are no facilities other than a sink at the counter. This I would use later.
A full twenty minutes plus had passed before I was summoned to the counter. No table service.
With the Rice bowl distinctly larger than the Curry, here was a classic Euro Curry scenario. What is a man meant to do with all this Rice apart from take what one might manage, and abandon the rest for the bin.
Fish Curry
Two bits of Fish were decanted from the dark, somewhat viscous, Masala. The interior of the Fish would be revealed as white. Rohu/Carp was my best guess. The bone content would prove to be significant, this would not be easy eating.
As I spooned the Masala over the Fish I could not help but think back to my first visit to Biryani House, and the massive quantity of Fish served. Today’s portion was paltry in comparison. To be fair, Ahmed’s business did not last that long.
Both Onion strips and larger blobs of Onion had a major presence in the Masala. Whole Green Chillies, Onion Seeds and Curry Leaves were in there too. Quite a busy Masala.
The Spice made its presence known from the first mouthful. The Seasoning was a la Hector, brave. The Smoky Flavour associated with South Indian Curry was certainly present. On taking the first soupçon of Fish, a big, intense Flavour. This was proper Fish Curry.
Ah, a Bone, stuck in the soft palate, danger Hector. Water to the rescue. Hector never takes on water whilst eating Curry, the consequence was immediate. The Spice Level rose to – screaming hot. This is what happens to beginners, fortunately, one knew this should subside. Alas no, more Chillies were taken in, no mercy. Hector-the-masochist can bear it, when required.
Four new sit-in customers arrived, of South Asian heritage. They appeared to know what they were about. Despite understanding next to nothing of their subsequent conversation, I believe I picked up their preference for establishments such as this, as opposed to The Big Boys.
The lady had ordered Chicken Curry (£8.49), she too would abandon much Rice. Her meal had arrived well ahead of the rest, whose food I would never see. Such was the time of preparation, no Curry-ding here.
Meanwhile, my pile of Bones grew. Never had so many in a Fish. My next Bateera at Shahi Mahal will be a walk in the park. Quail bones, way more manageable.
So little Fish, so much Rice. Having eked out the Fish for as long as possible, Masala and Rice became the meal. Eventually, just Rice. Time to stop. Overall, I realised just how little I had actually eaten. I would happily have paid more for a bigger Fish content.
Had I ordered Takeaway and found this volume of Fish in the container, I would have been far from happy.
With still no sign of the Chef-server, how to announce Curry-Heute. I decided to do so by proxy. I left one Calling Card at my spot then introduced myself to the other diners. Hector is not well known in the Indian community, maybe this would be another step in that direction.
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The Aftermath
The Flavours of the Fish Curry lingered long. Quite an afterglow.
2026 Menu
