Cafe Salma

Hitlisted
Cafe Salma
523 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ
  • Telephone 0141 221 7636
  • Food served Mon–Sat noon–midnight; Sun 2pm–midnight.
  • Average price £5.95 (set lunch); £16 (evening meal)
  • Website www.cafesalma.com

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Eating & Drinking Guide

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This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

This charming neighbourhood joint is the answer to the age-old couples' dilemma: what'll it be tonight, darling, Indian or Moroccan? If you can't decide, this is the only place offering two menus, from two separate kitchens, with choices from both so each partner can have their way or mix and match. It's not a gimmick and most customers, especially regulars from the Asian community, rightly consider it a curryhouse, and come for the quality desi-style cooking. Yet the North African cuisine is just as strong, thanks to welcoming owner Hassan Melloul's Moroccan heritage, combined with his experience in the city's Indian eateries. Specialities include rich, juicy tajines like chicken fassi, melding a light onion sauce with dried fruits around a tender joint, or generous salad platters (best for sharing) with roasted peppers and tomatoes or orange-flavoured carrot. From the Indian menu spicy, tender lamb chops are not to be missed, or try the house-speciality koftas. There are also biryanis and various kormas, plus dishes such as shahi bhuna, adding boiled egg to mild tikka lamb or succulent chicken on the bone. In an attempt to cater for everybody, they even do burgers, pizzas and fish and chips, although there's no alcohol allowed in this halal favourite.

Takeaway review
It’s a case of 2-in-1 at Café Salma –- Moroccan or Indian? Halal meat is used in both menus and there are also some herbs and spices in common. On the Indian menu, pakora makes up the bulk of starters – aubergine has a pleasing consistency as a vegetable, but in this popular snack, it is trumped by the more classic mushroom. The flavour is much louder in the garlic and coriander naan, good value too. The grilled spicy lamb chops are best straight of the smoky grill in Salma's bustling ground floor. A little excessive oil does not however take the sheen off a good Punjabi karahi curry, while various kofta dishes are something of a house specialty. Their delivery drivers, often clad in shirt and tie, could be the smartest in town.

  • High point: Generous portions
  • Low point: Choice is a bit overwhelming
  • Delivery: £1.50-£3
  • Private dining: 55-65
  • Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
  • Music on stereo: Asian and Arab Pop
  • Capacity: 90
  • Largest group: 65
  • Open since: 2007

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Comments & ratings

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15. Razwan19 Jun 2011, 11:26pm3 stars Cafe Salma Report

food was ok, portions were alsook. Service was fine although could've been better.
Was shocked to find that the prices of soft drinks were not on the menu. And that I was charged 9 pounds for five cans of juice. Thats £1.80 for a normal can of juice.
I only went after reading some good reviews but it wasnt all that!

14. Aly McNeal5 Feb 2011, 7:27pm1 star Cafe Salma Report

Went to cafe salma with the misses couple of nights ago was dissapointed
First of all the food was not all that it's the same I have ordered before was not the same also a few times I've been and the prices are different then I took a good look at the menu prices and then when the bill arrived it was a quite a diffrence so I left and came back next day I spoke to the owner he said he is sorry he made a mistake it's not first time it happend to me I'm well disspointed £15.00 it's alot of money to be over charged

13. Djangoplankspanker30 Jul 2010, 12:25pm5 stars Cafe Salma Report

Arrived at this place last night with some work colleagues. First impression was one that reeked, come in and have a great meal. A well decorated and brightly lit restaurant which looked spotlessly clean. We were quickly shown to our table and two menus arrived. One which could be described as typical Indian and another with Moroccan dishes. Looking about at the other diners I could see several dishes that were simply stunning looking. Must have a glass of Coke to quench my expectations. We ordered from the Indian menu on our first visit, perhaps to test the standard. Garlic Okra,Chicken Chatt and Fish Pakora soon arrived and we were very surprised. The main course of Lamb Garam Masala was one of the best that I have ever had,not too salty and not at all over powering or claggy, which can often be the case. One friend had the mince and pea Madras and if hit the spot without hesitation. Chicken Tikka also was succulent and satisfying. No room for desert. The waiting staff were attentive and friendly with a good sense of humour when one of them asked a member of our group if he would refrain from texting as it was interfering with the Chefs frying Pan.

Overall a great new find for me and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I will be back soon.

12. alex &jackie14 Mar 2010, 9:13pm Report

CAFE SALMA,
my self and my wife have been going here since it opened in 2007.we have always been made very welcome at cafe salma as all the staff are very polite and make sure everything is at a high standard.
the food from both the indian & morrocan menu is the best we have ever tasted and we have eaten in some of the best curry houses both here and abroad.there isnt any thing we have orderd that we wouldnt eat again each dish being cooked to perfection.
we would highly recomment cafe salma to anybody who enjoys indian and morrocan food.this is were we take our friend.s and family as we have never been disappionted.thanks to all the staff and Hassan for giving us the best food by far in this multi cultural country

11. local1 Feb 2010, 12:06pm Report

Great news! The Moroccan menu is now up and running. Tried it out on Friday and thought it was excellent, there were 5 of us dining and we all enjoyed our meals. Really enjoyed the fresh salads and the different flavours and textures. The food is quite different to the indian menu but is really flavoursome and excellent value, the welcome is still as warm and I love the new uniforms! Will definately be back soon.

10. gerry the taxi26 Jan 2010, 5:10pm5 stars Cafe Salma Report

My favourite Eastern food venue in Glasgow. The Owner, Hassan, and all the other staff are always very friendly and welcoming. The food is exceptional. The chicken pakora, and veg pakora are the best I've ever tasted. I've also had two sit down meals, and the service and cuisine were second to none. Real nice peiople and real nice food. Highly recommended

9. Chris3031 Aug 2009, 9:23pm Report

Used to go to Cafe Salma every friday (sometimes other days if I got the urge for a curry) when I worked up in Charing Cross and the owner Hassan was nothing but helpful and friendly every time I was in. When I moved jobs further down to the city centre I had not been able to get up for lunch any more due to distance and time, and when I found time to get back up again a few weeks later Hassan was genuinely concerned that I might have had a bad experience or a problem which had stopped me coming back. There are not many places that care at that level.

I recommend the Chicken Karaha (on the bone of course as Hassan recommended) :)

8. Johnny Dee13 Jun 2009, 12:59am5 stars Cafe Salma Report

I have a lot of Pakistani friends. These guys know and have collectively tried all the curry houses in Glasgow. I used to go to "The Village" an excellent place in the South side and my previous Glasgow favourite for a long time.

However, when I tried Cafe Salma (I always feel the "cafe" branding doesn't do the place justice as it really is a quality resteraunt) I knew I would never go back.

As the above reviews say, Hassan is the friendliest guy in the world, even delivering to me personally and remembering me by name after only 2 or 3 visits....

The food? Well, unless you're a journo/critic who has tried every place in the country, I can assure you that this will be the best curry you will ever have had in Scotland! Big claim I know. But try it, sit in or take away, you wont be disappointed!

7. Office worker10 Jun 2009, 3:44pm5 stars Cafe Salma Report

The friendliest place in Charing Cross.
We go here regularly for lunch. The service is quick and the food is great.
We are made to feel welcome ever time.
Would definately recommend Cafe Salma

6. local14 Apr 2009, 11:18am Report

Cafe Salma is one of the best restaurants in the city. The food is always great and the welcome always warm. The Tandoori Chicken is freshly cooked, wonderfully spiced and with no artificial colours. The Lamb Chops are delicious (family in Durham regularly come up to take some home!) As a regular I have never had a disappointing meal or take away and the prices are very reasonable.

5. Doc Martin31 Mar 2009, 11:16pm5 stars Cafe Salma Report

Simply the best asian food in Glasgow! Authentic and fresh food in a great atmosphere. Love the casual dining setting. Also, I was recently shown round downstairs which has been brilliantly redecorated in a Moroccan style for a more formal setting (and a Moroccan menu in the future!) A hidden gem!

4. Millreef30 Mar 2009, 9:27am5 stars Cafe Salma Report

Sorry I missed out my rating. A five easily...

3. Millreef30 Mar 2009, 8:49am Report

I am surprised at Ronald's comments on March 22.

My colleagues and I (usually about 10 of us) lunch at Cafe Salma every Friday and feel that the quality of service and food is unequalled in the Charing Cross area of Glasgow (which is quite a feat in itself).

Looking forward to my Tandoori Chicken on a Friday is the high spot of the week. The owner Hassan and all the staff couldn't be more accommodating and friendly and the quality and range of the fresh food available is well worth trying out. The Shaslik and mixed kebabs served on an open naan with salad and sauce are also great as the quality of the barbecued meat is superb. Most Tandoori chicken is just coloured meat these days but this stuff is well marinaded and fresh.

Salma is undoubtedly already one of the best places for eating in Glasgow in our humble opinion (that's why we go every Friday), and I would urge you to give it a try.

2. Ronald22 Mar 2009, 1:45pm1 star Cafe Salma Report

Went to Cafe Salma last night for a takeaway and I was very disappointed.

We ordered two different curries, one from the their 'speciality' section and one from the regular list of common curries. It literally took less than 5 minutes for it to be ready, which is never a good sign.

When we arrived home we found both curries were the same, with the only difference being one had an obnoxiously large amount of fresh corriander added.

If they have gone to the bother to create a takeaway menu, it would of been nice if they had treated us with the same respect as sitting in customers, especially as surrounding them is an excellent stock of other Indian restaurants who are far more intrested in their customers and repeat custom.

Will not be going back.

1. Scanbran1 Dec 2008, 3:24pm4 stars Cafe Salma Report

I have to agree with this review.

I ate there last night, as I was looking for somewhere that would be open after 11pm on a Sunday night.

The welcome I received was warm and friendly, and we were shown to our seat while given a small heater to beat off the sub-zero temperatures from outside.

First impressions were that it was a takeaway with a cafe tacked on, but once the food arrived, this perception changed - it was simply superb, worthy of much fancier and more expensive restaurants.
Beautifully flavoured, tender pieces of lamb, crisp, fragrant naan and fluffy rice. All throughout the meal, the proprietor/managers were over to politely ask if everything was okay - very helpful, and not overdone.

The only downside was the temperature and frequent draughts from the entrance door, which although mainly the fault of the dire Glasgow weather, could probably be sorted using an overdoor warm air curtain or something. Not a problem during the summer, though.

Great wee place to eat!

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Average rating 4/5 from 10 reviews of Cafe Salma.

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