City Indian opens kitchens to public
A CITY centre restaurant is working to change perceptions of Indian cooking – by opening up its kitchens to the public.
Café India, in Glasgow’s Merchant City, has seen a surge in popularity for its weekly cook school which sees chef Manoj lead a lesson on Asian cuisine.
The class is aimed at those who fancy themselves as a bit of a masterchef and, every Sunday, staff offer would-be cooks the chance – along with their friends – to learn how to create a three-course meal.
Set in a vibrant area of the city, the restaurant has long been regarded as “the crown jewel of the Merchant City,” as it represents constantly evolving menus and a carefully-matched wine list.
Café India is one of Glasgow’s oldest Indian restaurants. Originally based on North Street in Charing Cross, it was destroyed by fire before it moved into its home in the city centre.
Cook School – which takes place over two slots every Sunday – explores naan breadmaking, as well as the art of making the perfect pakora and curry, all the while learning all the necessary authentic Indian cooking skills so they can make a meal fit for a rajah.
Those who book up will learn to cook chicken or vegetable pakora for a starter, a chicken, lamb or vegetarian main, as well as rice or naan accompaniments.
After cooking the meal, goers also get to eat it as their own lunch, which is served with choice of drinks. Easy-to-follow instructions can be taken home so would-be cooks can wow their family and friends with their culinary skills.
Speaking to the Evening Times, Manoj said: “There’s a perception among the public that Indian food in restaurants comes out of jars or is pre-prepared. That’s what we want to change. We want customers to come into the kitchen for themselves and see just how wrong that is.
“Our classes are for those who have the desire to cook but don’t know where to begin. This is their chance to learn everything they need to know to create a delicious Indian meal under the instruction of experienced chefs.”
Café India bosses have also revealed possible plans to create a new section of the restaurant that will serve nothing but street food, a concept that is gaining popularity in the city.
As previously reported by the Evening Times, a local restaurateur predicted that Indian street food would take over traditional Scottish Indian dishes in 2018 – due to it being healthier, faster and lighter to eat.
Cook School runs on Sunday afternoons with two sessions up for grabs at 12.30pm and 3pm. The overall price includes the meal and a small glass of wine, a small beer or a soft drink.
To ensure cooks receive as much one-to-one time with the chefs as possible, staff keep the classes to a maximum of eight to 10 people per time. The cost is £50 per head, although discounted offers may be available on good voucher sites.
To book, contact Café India on 0141 552 5115, 0141 552 2118, or email cookschool@ cafeindiaglasgow.com.