Glasgow – Cafe Serena – Under New Management

What has become a systematic trawl of Glasgow’s Southside Curry Cafes, continues. Today, Cafe Serena (328-340 Maxwell Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 1PJ) last visited two years ago. In the week where we have lost Handi By Darbar, it was good to see this somewhat isolated venue still active.

The different layout and the addition of – Afghan Dishes – suggests a change of management/ownership. If anyone knows, please advise. Asking the solitary chap running the show today could have answered this question, however, he was kept busy throughout my stay dealing with Takeaway customers. Only in the – Afghan – section was it clear that Lamb on-the-bone was available as Lamb Doppiazza (£10.50). Lots of Onion then, maybe not.

The Curry had at Cafe Serena over the past thirteen years has generally been decent, the – wow! – has never been attained. Kofta (Anda) is what I had in mind when I entered the empty premises at 13.00. The menu was already on the table, and that is where it remained. I had to call my Order across the room. Was I meant to go up to the counter?

Kofte Karahi (£10.00) and one Chapati (£1.00) – was relayed.

And so the chap took Kofta from the display under the counter and went to the kitchen. The TV has been mentioned here previously, today, a rather loud prayer meeting was being broadcast. Having spent so much time in the Middle East, I have come to feel at home with – the call from the minaret. One does not have this in Pollokshields.

With minimal engagement, the chap brought the food. Having returned to his spot, Salad was offered, declined.

The Chapatti was a shocker. Wholemeal flour, not my preference, served in bits, why? The Chapatti, closer to a Roti, had already turned to crisp. I can produce Bread this poorly on my non-non-stick Tawa, so neither of us is a Bread Chef.

Kofte Karahi

No Egg (Anda), that has been a feature of this Dish as served at Cafe Serena. Five generous-sized Meatball sat in an Oily blended Masala. This had – Desi – written all over it. Each Meatball would be duly halved, then halved again, plenty of eating.

Whoa! – the Seasoning in the Masala was right in the face, or on Hector’s palate anyway. The Spice was no more than – medium. A decent start only hindered by the crispy Bread.

Previously, the Kofta were actually pieces of Seekh Kebab, as given away by the skewer marks.

Better grilled than fried – was the given explanation. Today, proper Kofta, i.e. Meatballs.

The comparatively dark interior of the Kofta proclaimed Lamb Mince over Chicken. Hopefully, the Hector is not fated to eat Chicken Curry again any time soon. A strong Herb presence in the Meatballs dominated more than the Spice. Methi, man.

The crispy Chapatti was a serious distraction. The abandonment of the Chapatti would lead, in part, to not all of the Masala being eaten. As has happened twice in recent weeks, I came to realise there was something in the Masala that was not sitting too well on the palate. Too much Methi may have been the cause of this. Can one have too much Methi? Indeed one can, too bitter. Was this meal actually – over-Seasoned?

It became a matter of – finish the Meatballs.

Not the best of experiences. The sixth review of Cafe Serena, five can qualify for addition to Glasgow’s Top Rated, not yet, if ever. Especially if there has been a change of management/ownership.

Last visit was cash only. I asked a waiting customer if that maintained, he advised otherwise.

The Bill

£8.00    Who was I to argue?

The Aftermath

On the smart walk east to Pollokshaws Road, did I see new – Vegas/Hollywood – signage at Ambala? Watch this space.

2024 Menu