Newcastle United striker Papiss Cissé became one of the most talked-about footballers on Tyneside after his remarkable arrival at the club in 2012.
That same year, an unusual food story connected the Newcastle United star with Raval when the restaurant created a goat curry inspired by one of Cissé’s favourite dishes.
Papiss Cissé, Newcastle United and Goat Curry
The story was originally reported by the Sunday Sun in 2012, during Cissé’s first months as Newcastle United’s famous Number 9.
Goat curry was highlighted as a favourite of Cissé and his Newcastle United teammate Demba Ba.
Raval’s chefs subsequently created their own version of the dish, bringing together a memorable moment in Newcastle football history and the restaurant’s passion for Indian cooking.
At the time, the special dish was associated with the Newcastle United players rather than becoming part of Raval’s regular menu.
A Memorable Time for Newcastle United
Cissé had arrived at Newcastle United in January 2012 and quickly became a hugely popular figure among supporters.
His goals during those first months made him one of the most recognisable players in the city, while his partnership with Demba Ba became part of a memorable period for Newcastle United.
For Raval, located beside the Tyne Bridge and just minutes from Newcastle city centre, the goat curry story became another small but memorable connection between the restaurant and Newcastle football.
Raval’s Connection with Newcastle Football
Football has long formed part of Raval’s relationship with Newcastle.
Over the years, the restaurant has welcomed figures associated with Newcastle United and has become a convenient dining destination for supporters and visitors spending time in the city.
Its location on the Gateshead side of the Tyne Bridge places Raval within easy reach of Newcastle city centre and St James’ Park, while offering views towards the Newcastle skyline.
The Papiss Cissé goat curry story remains one of the more unusual moments in Raval’s archive.
Indian Dining Beside the Tyne Bridge
Raval’s food has evolved considerably since 2012.
Today, the restaurant takes guests on a journey through India’s regional and coastal cuisine, with cooking centred around fire, charcoal and the tandoor.
Signature dishes include Maska Chicken Tikka Masala, Darjeeling Lamb Cutlets and Assam King Prawn, alongside seafood and vegetarian dishes inspired by different regions of India.
In 2025, Raval was named National Champion by the British Indian Good Food Guide, followed in 2026 by the Fine Dining Indian Restaurant of the Year honour at the Indian Restaurant Summit & Honours.
More than a decade later, the story of Papiss Cissé and his favourite goat curry remains part of Raval’s history and its longstanding connection with Newcastle and Newcastle United.
Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar — award-winning Indian dining beside the Tyne Bridge, minutes from Newcastle city centre.
Source: Sunday Sun.
