There are a lot of funny things people say about Africans when they meet abroad – but all my experiences with fellow earthlings from Mother Africa have been positive. And the best reception came from drumroll…Kenyans! That’s not the topic for today. I’m going to let you in on a hidden African gem – The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant, Glasgow, Scotland.
If you’ve been away from home, whether overseas or across the border, there are times you feel homesick. And it’s never anything to do with the location you might be living or studying. Your mind, body, and soul miss the sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes of Africa.
The motherland could be calling, and most times, you have to heed the call and answer by video calling home, meeting up with a few friends, or enjoying some homemade African recipes.
They say food enriches the soul, and if you are anywhere near Glasgow and missing home, there’s a place where you can rejuvenate your body and soul with some homegrown African food at the Calabash African Bar and Restaurant Glasgow.
Calabash African Bar and Restaurant In Glasgow, Scotland
The first time I heard about the Calabash African Bar and Restaurant Glasgow was from my friend Pinky. She’s a travel buff and spends most of her free time hopping onto trains in Europe, checking out the magnificent landscapes Mother Earth gifted us. She was born and bred in Kenya but found a career, a new home, and a family in the U.K.
Well, the Calabash African Restaurant is Glasgow’s prevalent authentic African dining hole. It’s an African gem in the heart of Glasgow’s city center.
The Calabash African Restaurant in Glasgow originally served a mashup of Kenyan and Nigerian food. It later included dishes from all over Africa, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and the rest of the continent.
But there’s more. Even better than the food they make straight from Africa, they also serve special imported drinks from Africa, including beers, liqueurs, and spirits. The food is authentically prepared by professional staff and includes aroma, spices, and herbs, just like your mama would make it back home in Africa.
The Story of Calabash African Bar and Restaurant
Calabash African Restaurant Glasgow is a truly authentic African food hub that blends a unique, enticing atmosphere with a memorable experience in the heart of Scotland’s financial city.
Its story is unlike anything you’ve heard before. It’s the story of an African immigrant couple from Kenya, Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Ndung’u, who took a plunge into the unknown and decided to make a little African haven in a thriving city in Europe—and it was a success.
When the couple first arrived in Glasgow, they immediately noticed a gap. According to Mrs Ndungu, there was a need for a place where Africans could embrace and call their own. That’s not all. The couple also wanted to showcase the African culinary experience to the people of Scotland – something that had not been done before.
The moment they opened the doors to Calabash African Bar and Restaurant Glasgow, they discovered that they had opened a venture that was in great demand, and ever since – they have never looked back.
Assorted Foods From All Over Africa in Glasgow, Scotland
The restaurant began serving Kenyan and popular East African delicacies, but over time, their clientele demanded that the menu be expanded to greater Africa—they humbly obliged.
On the Calabash African Restaurant in Glasgow menu, you’ll find Boerewors and even Pap from South Africa, Murio Nidori from Zimbabwe, Nyama Choma and even Isi Ewu (goat head), Egusi, Banku, and Jollof rice, popular delicacies from our brothers and sisters from West Africa.
In an interview with a popular online media outlet some five years ago, Mr Ndungu recalled how they used to ferry local food in a suitcase from Kenya to Glasgow to keep the menu fresh. Fortunately, their fortunes changed, and they now have better suppliers to bring in fresher and more ingredients to serve their ever-growing clientele.
Calabash African Bar and Restaurant Glasgow Menu
Calabash African Restaurant Glasgow’s menu includes an assortment of African food from South Africa to the Horn of Africa – they serve and prepare all kinds of food from all over Africa.
Starters: Samosa (Vegetable and Lamb), Chicken Liver and Wings, Githeri, Nigerian Soups (Pepper, Vegetable, Peanut, and Okra).
Specials Menu: African Pizza, Jumbo Tapas, and Isi Ewu.
Main Dishes: Mchuzi wa Kuku, Khima Curry, Madodo, Lamb and Tomato Stew, Wali wa Nazi, Muriyo Wa Nyama, Katogo, Jollof Rice, Lamb Curry, and Caribbean Goat Curry.
Other foods on the Menu include Wraps, Burgers, African grills, Rice, and Side dishes.
Cost: Calabash African Restaurant Glasgow is fairly affordable, and the food on the menu is between £ 4.00 and £ 16.00.
PS: If you are in a hotel and don’t feel like venturing into the city center, they also offer online orders and deliveries for Glasgow City residents.
Calabash African Restaurant Glasgow Location
Location: The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant Glasgow is conveniently located in the heart of Glasgow city center on 57 Union Street, G1 3RB.
Contact: 0141 221 2711 Email: calabashrestaurants@gmail.com.