What does a Hector do when he finds himself in Leeds and wants a Curry? He goes to Wakefield! A return trip to Syhiba Restaurant (17 George St, Wakefield WF1 1NE England) was planned for the middle of April, we all know what happened. Today’s opperchancity was very much the first.
Marg and Hector took the train to Kirkgate, a short hop of some ten minutes from Leeds, the first time Marg has worn her face mask on a train. As expected, there were only a handful of passengers at what would normally be peak travel time. I phoned Syhiba as we passed through Westgate, just to confirm there would be space for us at their advertised opening time of 17.00. Sorted.
On entering, our temperatures were checked, all was well, but Marg was described as being – cool. Being the first customers of the shift, we were permitted to choose any table. It was clear that some had been removed and others spaced out to comply with social distancing. As with the Sheesh Mahal in Halifax on Thursday, the staff were all wearing gloves and masks.
Once sat, I recognised Sufiyan, the Head Waiter, who had looked after Steve and I so well last November. He once again engaged us, I was addressed by name. The ongoing Covid-19 problem was of course a major part of the conversation. We were given paper menus, disposable, they had five thousand printed and so will be using them, regardless. I have seen some Interesting Vegetables in my time, these must be unique.
Sufiyan told us that he was so glad to get back to work he has no plans to take holidays for years.
It was time to get down to making our choices, for Hector this was straightforward. Last time I had the Handi Gosht (£8.95) served on-the-bone, I note the typo has been corrected on the new Menu. This time it had to be Karahi Gosht (£8.45). The Garlic and Coriander Naan (£3.50) was a standout last time, and so another was in order. Marg surprised me one again by also opting for Karahi Gosht. Sufiyan knew that I would require mine – Asian Spicy. It was agreed that Marg would have the more standard version. As always, a single Chapati (£0.70) was Marg’s choice of Bread. Two 330ml bottles of Scottish Sparkling Water (£2.25) completed the Order.
As before Poppadoms etc were declined, however, they came, to keep us amused whilst we waited. The three Poppadoms, Dips and Spicy Onions were a welcomed surprise and eaten with vigour. Thank you.
We would be the only diners on the premises until five minutes before our departure when three more sets of diners arrived. That the majority are staying in and ordering Takeaway is actually making going out all the more appealing for those of us who take the plunge.
The huge Naan is a feature of dining at Syhiba. That Hector even considered having Garlic is down to the fact that I already knew this would be subtle. They could not present a Naan on a stand with Garlic Butter dripping all over the place. The Naan was cooked to a variety of Textures, a truly excellent accompaniment to the Main Course. Marg’s Chapatti paled in comparison, she managed to eat this quickly and move on to the Naan.
Karahi Gosht – Asian style
Just look at this!
Presented on a flat karahi, the Richness of this Curry surely oozes from the page. Cooked in a very dry sauce – says the Menu. Indeed, for Hector this is the perfect Curry. A modest sprinkling of Fresh Coriander and Ginger strips topped the Karahi. Marg squeezed my Lemon, thank you, Marg. Slices of the large Green Chillies were spotted in the mix. I didn’t bother counting the pieces of Meat, cut Bradford-small, there was an amount that I knew would be challenging. All this Curry, and the huge Naan, here we go, but first let’s look at the other version.
Karahi Gosht
This was served in a standard karahi. The Coriander was there, but no Ginger Strips. A somewhat foreboding large Chilli sat atop. This came Hector’s way very quickly. The Masala was of the same Thick pedigree.
Chewy Meat! – was Marg’s initial observation.
Wonderful! The Flavours were amazing. Last time I registered the sense of what makes a Bradford Curry so distinctive, tonight it was Cloves taking it nearer to Manchester. This blend of Spices was unique, a new – Wakefield taste. As was hoped for, the Naan complemented the Flavours rather than dominated.
The Meat required chewing, this prevented speed eating which is good for Hector who can get carried away at times. Every mouthful was savoured, an absolute joy. The Chillies turned out to be fierce, the extra one courtesy of Marg, did not seem like a good idea by the time I had tackled my own. We had Spice, we had Seasoning, we had a truly immense and Flavoursome Curry.
Another chap came over to chat as we neared the end of our meal. This was presumably the Manager who I had spoken to last year, and also the one who responds to my Social Media comments. Once more I was addressed by name, and he confirmed that he has been following my Blog entries. It’s always appreciated when people tell me.
The resurrection of business was discussed. Takeaways have been all, when I remarked that a Takeaway is never as good as dining in, he mentioned – condensation – in the containers being the issue. This I had never considered. Some customers have parked outside and had meals brought to their cars. Drive-in Curry, there’s a thought.
Marg was finished long before me. My need to eat more slowly these days being paramount. Marg gave her verdict:
I liked all the dips. A small Chapatti which sufficed. Small pieces of Lamb in a tasty sauce. I felt I had to chew it carefully.
The Bill
£27.60 Still – cash only – operates here.
The Aftermath
Our exit was quick and formal the staff had other customers to deal with. Back to Leeds on another empty train.
Syhiba Restaurant, Wakefield, it’s between Leeds and Sheffield, and with Fernandes Brewery (still closed) around the corner, well worth the visit.
