The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant

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What does this mean?

What’s it all about?

A relaxed, family-run restaurant serving freshly made and authentic African dishes from across the continent. 

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Taste the Place - don’t miss:

Nyama Choma – this barbeque grilled meat is popular in the Eastern, Western and Central regions of Africa and often considered a national dish or Elizabeth’s Mama’s Special, made with succulent portions of lamb in a rich tomato sauce.     

What's the inspiration behind The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant?

Co-owner Elizabeth was drawn to Glasgow in 2003 where she studied Hotel and Hospitality Management, alongside her husband, Matthew Ndungu – fondly known as Baba Nyax.   

Despite feeling settled in their newly adopted home, something was missing – a space where the local African community could hang out and enjoy authentic dishes from across the continent.  To fill the gap, Elizabeth and Matthew took out a lease on a run-down basement venue, and with the help of family and the wider African community, they transformed it into today’s much-loved restaurant, The Calabash. 

Since opening in May 2011, The Calabash remains unapologetically true to African culture, serving up bold and diverse dishes designed to be shared with family and friends.  Sadly, Matthew passed away in 2022, leaving Elizabeth and her team working hard to ensure cost is no barrier.  Sukuma Wiki, a rustic African dish enjoyed in many parts of East Africa is a great example of ways the venue provides affordable options for all.  We can guarantee that before you leave, you’ll be planning your next visit. 

If you’re not ready to finish your night there, why not check out The Calabash’s sister venue, 142b Lounge, where you can dance to African beats well into the wee hours. 

© Eoin Carey

Offer from this venue

Taste the Place – EXCLUSIVE APRIL OFFERS

This April, embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure as select venues showcase exclusive, full-priced dishes and drinks you won’t always find on their regular menus. This is your chance to experience the bold creativity, unique flavours, and heartfelt passion of small, independent businesses. For some specified venues, you can enjoy a Taste the Place discount instead. Don’t miss this chance to savour something special! Grab your friends, explore new flavours, and support our incredible local food scene.

 

How to Redeem:
It couldn’t be easier! Simply visit a participating venue and say the magic words: “I’m here for Taste the Place!”  No secret passwords, no complicated steps - just pure delicious discovery! 

 

Terms and conditions:
Offers are valid only at participating venues for the duration of April (Wednesday April 2 – Wednesday 30, 2025). Offers may be subject to availability and venue discretion. Venues reserve the right to modify or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. We recommend that you review our “Please bear in mind” before visiting your chosen venue.

T&Cs and redemption details

African Tapas  
£6 per tapas
£16 for 3 dishes 

Explore the vibrant flavours of Africa with a 7-dish tapas menu.  Take your pick from jollof rice, coconut rice, peri wings, jerk chicken, rice and peas, keema curry, Ugali, Plantain and Cream Spinach.  (For menu details visit The Calabash website)

What role does The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant play in creating a sense of community and belonging?

For Africans away from home, eating familiar dishes helps preserve and express cultural identity.  The Calabash is a social hub for hanging out, enjoying a bite with friends, and tapping into a wider African community network.  Wherever you’re from, rest assured you will be warmly welcomed. 

fun-fact

Fun fact – did you know?

The Calabash was a contender in Channel 4’s 2022, Come Dine With Me: The Professionals. 

Where to find them:

57 Union Street, Glasgow G1 3RB

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