Shaha Indian in Carlisle

We called here after attending Carlisle United; it was recommended to us as a great Indian restaurant but we all came away EXTREMELY disappointed. The place itself is fine - very clean and tidy etc but the food was beyond bland! We ordered 4 different types of curry and I swear they were all the same sauce. My Pathia was supposed to be hot, sweet and sour and I asked for it to be Madras hot but it was insipid and very lacking in heat or flavour. The naans were dry and absolutely no taste of garlic on mine. And as for my unfortunate vegetarian friend; his vegetable curry was so obviously frozen mixed veg thrown in a sauce! Who on earth puts broccoli in a curry??? Just lazy and uninspired cooking. Definitely won’t go back and cannot recommend it from a food quality perspective.

Me and the hubby turned up at 5:40pm just as opening for a meal. The meals arrived and were very flavoursome , staff were attentive, I felt a little like staff were tierd or something. Very pleasant on way out to pay when we got a handful a mint chocolate.

I had a lovely curry here. Will definitely be going back.

Food is ok but you'll see by my other reviews it's not up there with the best, a little bit bland and not got enough spice. The building is also in dire need of modernising and the atmosphere was a bit dead!

Waiters were as bland as the food. Thursday night and we were staying at a nearby hotel and fancied an Indian meal. We were perusing the menu when our drinks order was taken and we were pushed into ordering our mains before we actually decided what we wanted. The food came out quickly and was well presented but it had that ‘cornstarch’ gloss and was quite tasteless. There are many other Indian restaurants in Carlisle. Do yourself a favour and try one of these.

First visit to this restaurant. Like others before me, I found the staff to be a little off. Like they didn’t really want me there. Other than that, the food was very tasty. Fast service and reasonably priced. Very empty on Wednesday night. As you’d expect. Would imagine the weekend atmosphere to be better. Give it a try 👍

Delicious food can not fault it. However, the price increases every time we visit.

Customer service by waiters generally good, but they are constantly waiting for you to finish, and it feels rushed. You can ask for a break but it feels like a major imposition. Only took cash the night we visited (31.08.2024) but no forewarning call by phone that their card system was not working, and no apology for inconvenience. Restaurant manager quite abrupt and a little rude in his manner. No basic customer skills or any sense that you were welcome. Food OK. Not sure we would return as atmosphere not relaxed. Please eat and go seemed to be the ethos?

Amazing food and great service Thanks Murad

The Shara Tandoori is just a 5 minute walk from the railway station and is well worth the trip. The food is outstanding. I have eaten at Indian restaurants all over the UK and cook my own Indian food, I guarantee you will not be disappointed with the quality on offer here. A good menu hints at the quality that your are about to receive, and as soon as you place your order your attentive server will make sure that you receive exactly what you want. We received our starters within 5 minutes and they were superb, well presented and full of flavour. The mains were ready almost as soon as our plates were cleared, piping hot and full of fragrance to make your mouth water. The portion size was pretty good too and it was incredibly flavourful and full of Indian pride. You will not be disappointed at this restaurant. We will definitely be returning.

Very bad food, waiters are very arrogant and have a lot of attitude and food has barely and flavour disgusting

Everything was perfect during our visit today 🙂

Great quality food. Very fair Price. Good value Really nice service.

No lights, no camera, no action! Behold the mighty Shaha, miserable, rude and sulky waiters who rush you out the place and are very pushy to get you in and out as quick as possible. The food was poor. Chicken tasted and had the texture of a packet of Chicken Fridge Raiders smothered in a tasteless, bland and boring curry sauce. The tastebuds were far from being satisfied. Much like the dated decor that hangs around the stiff and lifeless atmosphere, the meals arrived luke warm edging on the side of cold. A lifeless concoction of boredom and mediocrity. The head waiter, who I assume held this position due to his aura of Tony Soprano behind the not so fizzy Cobra Lager Pump. Switched off the lights and knocked off the strange yet comforting music. The not so subtle cue to vacate the premises now and immediately. The card machine appeared quicker at the finish line than the demanding waiter’s notepad, when we first arrived. Another win at the Shaha Grand Prix. We made our payments, and solemnly meandered down the stairways back to 2024. We took a small comfort from the camaraderie we shared and the sharp exit from the poor experience we had endured. They need to seriously up their game

Best in Carlisle and my favourite Indian to go to. Always consistent and delicious, good friendly service from waiters.

When we arrived it was very quiet, so seated quickly. The menu I was given was dirty and obviously had something sticky spilled down the inside. We both asked for diet coke, which when it arrived was already flat. Had poppadoms as a starter which were nice, then we ordered our mains. Ordered a Chicken Tikka Masala and a Chicken Asar with rice and naan breads. The rice, naans and Tikka Masala were nice but the Asar, which was meant to be fairly hot was just sweet! A lot of little things that added up to making a very average experience, we'll think carefully before coming back. Easily sorted with just a little more attention to detail

Never been treated so badly by waiters in all my life. It really is on another level. Please go somewhere else if you want Indian, there are plenty of other places in the area where you won’t get treated like a complete inconvenience

The rudeness of the staff is on another level- has to be experienced to be believed. I’ve been several times with different groups over the past year or so and it has always been the same - they treat you like you’re a total inconvenience. Food’s not great either unfortunately. Won’t be going back again.

No flavour whatsoever you could have put a microwave meal in front of me and I wouldn’t have been able to taste the diffrence. Soggy naan aswell really bad experience my 3rd time there and my last

Very unfriendly service, food was like that. But I felt uncomfortable and unwelcome in the restaurant.

Food was decent as usual... Tuesday evening so the restaurant was quiet (7 customers in total) 3 members of staff were continuously circling the 2 tables like sharks smelling blood in the water. Before finishing my poppadoms I was asked if I was ready for my starter... Then before finishing my starter I was asked if I was ready for my main course. I said I wasn't so was snarled at!! Most places would realise that if you were still eating then you probably wouldn't be ready for the next course! Have eaten here many times whilst working 'up north' but this has really tarnished my experience so unfortunately won't be rushing back...

The dishes we ordered did not meet our expectations or resemble the authentic recipes they were supposed to represent. We felt we could have prepared better meals at home. Chef, I recommend revising the recipes. Here are some specific suggestions: For the Chilli Paneer, avoid using the paneer sabji gravy and strive to eliminate the sweetness that is not characteristic of this dish. The Vegetable Karhai should more closely resemble the dish shown in the second photo I attached( downloaded from internet), not the first. For the Dal Tadka, try this method: Heat two teaspoons of oil and add one teaspoon of cumin seeds, some curry leaves, one red chili, and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add the precooked dal to this mixture and season with salt. Bring to a boil and it's ready to serve. This should help achieve a more authentic flavor.

There are much better options if you are looking for an Indian meal out. Although because it’s not great you will get a table booked at short notice. Staff are have poor general communication. The couple on the table next to us refused to pay given the service and food quality. Ours wasn’t good either. They got our drinks order wrong. Masala souse and korma sauce taste the same. Coke was warm and flat. My son knocked over his lemonade by accident and you could tell they were much more concerned with us paying for another one than helping to clean up the spill. The waiters don’t smile, mumble, and there service actions are abrupt. Food is on the blander side of Indian meals. Recent ASDA ready meal was actually nicer. and 15% of the price.

Visited Carlisle for the weekend with my four sons. Fancied a curry. Saw the reviews on this place and wasn’t sure when I read things about the food being thrown at you by the waiters. In our experience they kind of do actually do this! Yes maybe a little bit of training wouldn’t go array, but we absolutely loved it, and let’s face it, if you wanted fine dining you would be unlikely to book this place. Food was good. Was excellent value. We weren’t letting waiting too long at any point, it was a good sound meal. Would definitely return. And it was full of locals. Always a great sign.

Food OK but rude miserable waiters with no manners. Plates and food were thrown down on the table like they were feeding dogs. The staff have clearly had no training in hospitality. Food was OK, service was the worst of anywhere I have ever been. The most unfriendly, miserable place I have ever eaten. Every single member of staff seemed like they were in a bad mood and didn't want to be there. I see other reviews have had similar experience of unpleasant staff. The restaurant also desperately needs refurbishment, it is grubby and dated. AVOID.

Food was great, staff members customer service was not. Very rude and belittling

Couldn't fault the curry. 6 of us with all different curries, everyone enjoyed theirs. Poppadoms to start and chicken tandoori balti for main with rice. Really tasty. I thought the staff were a bit miserable and didn't look or sound like they wanted to be there.

Bravo Bravo! Party of 5 and all impressed with their individual dishes From pathia, saag to phall . Great from poppadoms to starters and mains. 5⭐️

Been coming here since I was a child, but rest assured I won't be coming back again. Rang up this evening to reserve a table and was told bluntly to ring back tomorrow. I won't be ringing back at all, shocking service.

I’ve been here before and the food was lovely, although the service was poor we decided to return. We was seated and ordered our food which was fine. Popadoms came and were burnt but we didn’t say anything and ate, starters were lovely no fault with them apart from the service. The waiter just dropped my plate infront of me and me and my partner just looked at eachother like what the hell. Cleared and mains came, naan bread was gritty like it had sand in it and my curry had a black hair in it! When I mentioned this to the waiter he informed me it was from the brush for the naan breads which was not the case as my naan hadn’t even touched the plate! Inspecting my plate as if I’m a liar, I have blonde hair and so does my partner! We will never be returning and I will not recommend this place to anyone else. Absolutely disappointing and no apology given.

This a pretty poor restaurant and I think Two stars is generous. From the low quality high water content meat and generic sauces to the extremely gruff, seemingly senior, waiter my visit was not very enjoyable. I’d avoid it if I were you. * Note also they do not provide itemised printed bills which are often needed for purposes of expenses

I have been there many times in the past, never had a bad meal. They are always consistent with the quality of food and service. Just ignore the old decor of the whole restaurant.

Poor night last night service shocking as really not that busy,shame as normally great

Go elsewhere, unbelievably rude staff.

The restaurant is overpriced. Food and service both are pathetic. Staff is rude and needs training in hospitality.

Cheap place you pay for what you get

Very very good curry. Staff were friendly and accommodating, would definitely go back again

Food was terrible and service was very rude. I never leave a bad review but this called for it. If your thinking of visiting....Don't!

Starters were fine. Mains were abysmal. Tried to raise issues with the staff and just got laughed at. Up there with the worst service I've ever had at a restaurant. Unnecessarily rude.

Don’t be perturbed by the latest not so good reviews! Still thee best curry house in Carlisle. 3 of us chose to eat here as our restaurant of choice and it’s good to know Shaha is still our go to place for a top notch Indian meal in Carlisle. From the warm poppadoms & dips, lush smooth cold Cobra to the not on the menu but gladly catered for red hot phaal curry, it was all 5star. Plenty of folk in and greeted warmly and friendly by all staff. Well done all, can’t wait for our next visit!

Pre booked a table for 9pm. Arrived at 6 minutes past 9 and apologised for the 6 minute late arrival only to be told harshly that we needed to get to our table and order as they were closing at 10pm. If I had been advised of the closing time when I booked then I would have asked for an earlier time….we literally had our order taken , our drinks brought and finished and bill paid within 1 hour. Everything was very rushed and the waiters were taking plates etc as soon as they could while other people at our table were still eating! A terrible experience that I will not be repeating as I will never return.

The staff need some lessons in manners I have never been anywhere else where the staff are downright rude. Before we even sat down told us they closed at 10pm and we needed to sit down and order. Food came which was really good however they started clearing the table of dishes condiments when we were still eating. They came and said the bar is closing get another drink now. Then the staff constantly walked passed the table staring at us. We spent £160 between 6 of us not a smile or a civil word from any of the waiting staff. They followed us downstairs to lock the door turned all the stair lights off when one of our party had gone to the ladies and we had to tell him to put the lights back on. Unbelievable rude from the minute we walked in.

Probably the most tasteless tikka masala dish I've ever had

This is my 2nd visit to this restaurant and I feel that the restaurant people don't respect everyone,they are not polite,they show a difference when they talk to Asians,like kinda rude, arrogant. Food is ok, however it doesn't reach the Indian taste to perfection. Gave a rating of one cause there's no 0 star option.

We enjoyed our meal immensely! We are a family of 3 vegetarians staying at the Travelodge Carlisle Central while finishing our walk on Hadrians Wall. This meal ticked all the boxes after a 15 mi walk.

Clean and food well made good table service

Oldest curry house in Carlisle recommended by locals. Food good, service good. Dish altered to my perference.

This is rated on our first visit about 6 months ago very friendly helpful. We enjoyed it so much we went back in February 2023 this time the did not give tome very unfriendly and seemed very rude we are going back in May 2023 to see if it was just a one off

Friendly staff, quick service and tasty food with plenty of options.

Sullen and rude service, only 2 pleasant staff. Bland chicken. Too pricey for what we got. The restaurant wasn't particularly appealing either, but that doesn't always reflect the food.

Great service food was lovely and very good value.

Rude service from the minute we entered, and the main meal was unbelievably bland. When the waiter eventually came to us, I asked about drinks he said to order food first. The curry I ordered which was a more expensive special, had absolutely no taste to it and when I paid the front of house commented well. It's too late now, isn't it. Shocking place AVOID!!!!!! I'm not able to post zero stars. However, that's how the staff made me feel

Having read good reviews we booked this by phone the week before.We were told when we arrived that our booking did not exist The place was full and we were not allowed to even wait for a table-we were not allowed to dine. We were spoken to rudely and our Scottish accents were mimicked by the staff. We will not be going back. Only put one star as nil is not an option. We dined at nearby masala bizarre and had a truly amazing meal.

Yesterday I had an experience with this restaurant, Their Manager is very very rude and not customer friendly. I never refer to anyone to this restaurant based on my experience.

Absolutely beautiful food, great service & lovely friendly atmosphere

Beautiful food however service not great, let it slip the first time thinking it was maybe just a one off, but 2nd visit was just as bad, if not worse, waited 30 minutes just to place an order, had to ask for drinks twice and chase them each time, staff quite abrupt as if they just didn't want to be there and it really spoils it.

The best curry house in Carlisle

Could not have asked for a better place for my Dad's birthday meal. Greeted beautifully, given every courtesy we could have wanted and had a beautiful, top quality meal served. The House wines were fantastic and its served 7 of us incredibly well.

Food was OK, could have been slightly hotter. Tasted nice. The chap who took our order and money was quite abrupt. Questioned me for not wanting rice. I paid the bill with my card and was sorting out a cash tip, the chap leaned over the table and snatched the tip and bill from in front of me. Very disappointed as this was the first curry house I'd been to many years ago.

1st time back to this restaurant in a while and every bit as good as the last time we went. Attentive hosts, and food was excellent, many thanks 👍

Best Indian in Carlisle food is always up to standard tasty every time and good service

Ordered the ‘chefs special’ sizzling king prawns, the sizzling plate come far from sizzling, it was just warm & unlike the spice rating which said ‘hot’ on the menu, it was as hot as a korma! The prawns were not ‘king’ either, not even large, 1st time I have ever left an Indian feeling hungry! After various visits over 30 years, I won’t be back , it’s the same standard as supermarket micro meals.

Absolutely horrific customer service. The manager at the front desk is extremely unprofessional, impolite and arrogant. Avoid this place like the plague!

Came for an evening meal, don’t mind waiting for a table but was rudely told we couldn’t have a drink while waiting 30 mins for a table! Went elsewhere and won’t be back! 0/10 for customer service

Has been a favourite for nearly 40 years. Unlikely to be the same chef but still amazing 🤤

Just a bove average food,quite expensive for a takeaway

Food is great. The service is a bit slow

We had 3 starters. All 3 came with the same side salad. The Panner chilli contains 4 pieces of panner and the chicken pakora was just 4 small pieces of tandoori chicken in a flavourless batter. Driest Pakora we have ever had. 2 onion barjis were good. Chilli chicken massala was mild at best. Disappointing but we've tried it now so now we know not to bother again. Wasn't cheap either.

Staff rude. All of us that had chicken were poorly the next day. We have been going there annually for last 3 year and had good service, not this time. Shame to say we won't be going there again.

Lovely food need to book if you turn up you could have a long wait

Very nice meal and reasonably priced

Absolutely dreadful meal from the restaurant. 13 pounds for a plate full of sauce and rice is treating customers with contempt. Would expect much more than 2 prawns for this. Wouldn’t normally write this but there are times when things need to be said. Please don’t expect a paying customer using there hard earned money to accept this a value for money- not good enough at all and not acceptable!!

Nice decor. Well priced. Great meal.

Another fabulous meal. Thank you

We were a table of 8. There are plenty of choices for starters, mains, rice etc. We had poppadoms, mains and shared rice and naans. Took a little while for the drinks to arrive both times we ordered them, but food came in a timely manner. It was good food, very little and leftover. Reasonable prices too.

Best curry in town lovely staff great meal

Fantastic food as ever. 100% recommended 👌

We ate here about 5 years ago when we were last in Carlisle. We enjoyed it and decided to visit again. Friendly staff, especially the older gentlemen. We had chicken shaslik, chicken Balti, mushroom bhaji and rice. All were excellent and good value for money.

Curry was amazing. Staff were really nice. Would definitely go back.

We ate here last night and have to say the food was delicious. It tasted fresh and flavoursome with a great balance of spices. The portion sizes just enough to satisfy without making me feel like I had stuffed myself. There seems to be a few negative comments re: Customer Service. Whilst our experience was spot on we did witness an incident whereas the waiter seemingly said something derogatory to a customer and so feel this is something they need to address.

Highly recommended food was amazing also close to pubs

always top quality food not to be missed

Good food, good portions, very yummy and tasty BUT one of the waiters (the one who ‘greeted us’ at the bar) has no vocation for customer service. After we had finished our meal, I went to the toilet and as I came out I was told my boyfriend “had already left”, so I went outside, at night, to wait for him only to realise that I had been mislead. I don’t understand why lie to me and expose me at night, looking for my boyfriend in the street when we has still in the toilet. I did not like his attitude, nor do I like liars.

The meal was fabulous so cudos to the chef! Five stars to him and also the elderly gentleman that served us. This "one star" is for the lying deceiver of a waiter who took our money (and tip, promptly), and who deceived each of us in turn as we exited the toilets, telling us that "the others told me to tell you that they are outside waiting for you". Of course, they weren't! 10pm, cold and dark, and outside on her own in a strange city was my daughter-in-law, who had been the first to be lied to by this character, looking for the rest of us. Dispicable behaviour! He should be ashamed of himself for treating a young girl in this manner! Wrong trade to be in!

The guy at the bar, who I assume is the manager, should consider a different career. He was not very welcoming from the beginning, but overall I could have overlooked his attitude as the food was good, and the other gentleman who served us was very kind and attentive. What we found most upsetting was what happened after the meal. Having paid our bill, and tipping, my father, my girlfriend, and I all went to use the restrooms. My girlfriend finished first, and as she came out to the lobby she was immediately told her that we both had left the building and she was ushered out onto the street, on her own. I don't understand why lie, and put my girlfriend in that position, alone, at night. When I came out I waited for her in the lobby, as you would, infront of this guy who never even glanced at me. They still had new diners arriving, and still had about an hour left before closing time. What's wrong with him?

Standard curry selection. Friendly service.

This place never fails to impress. I've never ever been disappointed in Shaha.

The most unfriendly right at the first instance of entering the restaurant.. was welcomed a fat person... I guess he was the waiter. 4 Families went into to have a nice warm Indian meal but was literally shunted out even when we mentioned to treat us as 4 different families seated in separate table. He told us to out as if we had gone there to have free food. He could have excused by saying sorry he did not have any space or come back in a while as we went there quite early around 1845hrs. So that we avoid the rush as there were 3kids below 4 years and 3 around 13years. And it felt so insulted at the behaviour upon entering. Never had any experience of this kind specially when the industry is trying to recover after Covid-19 and people moving out and about.

Fantastic meal and excellent service. Would definitely recommend it. 👌

Friendly service but I must be hard to please, got spoilt living in london. Have'nt had a decent authentic indian since.

Not recommended !!! No good test and restaurant manager was very unwelcoming.

Stayed in Carlisle for a week in January, its awful staying away from home during lockdown. Found this gem on the 4th night, wandered in, ordered, had a pint while waiting and trudged back to the hotel to eat. Did this for the following 2 nights as well. Maybe I should have varied the meals more than I did but I love a Naga and they do a great Naga. Chicken on Wednesday/Thursday and Monkfish on Friday which wasn't on the menu but they recognised me by then and offered the choice. Also tried Mushroom rice for the first time, really good, glad I tried it. Very good value as well.

Just had a takeaway from here tonight and it was absolutely delicious. I recommend the Chef’s Special King Prawn dish especially, the prawns were so soft and cooked to perfection and they even gave me my extra lemon. The food was ready at the requested time, the staff are very friendly and all Covid requirements were followed. It is my preferred restaurant in the whole of Carlisle.

The food is excellent. The place is very cosy..and the staff very,very professional. I will certainly eat there again. Top!

Favourite local Indian, great food, great price, spot on staff

A large group of us were booked in here. When we arrived, table had been prepared for us and the service was great. Good quality food and drink.

Such a rude person to start your dinner with. Full of arrogance. Food quality was average. The person who serves you is still good . Ambiance and atmosphere is enough to make you sleep. A 10 times better Indian restaurant just 50 yards away from this place should be preferred. Do not go to Shaha..

Slow service and the food was bland, actually close to tasteless. Our mains tasted identical and without flavour and one was supposedly the chef’s signature dish! None of the table staff were wearing masks and we weren’t asked for contact details. Avoid!

Great food great service. What more could you want.

We got a takeaway as we where getting 20% discount, it was only a 10 min drive home and it needed to go in microwave to get it hot enough but after saying that it was actually tasty when we eventually ate it.