Glasgow is host to a huge variety of Indian restaurants. Yet there is still not many I would frequent. A strong favourite used to be Akbars of Glasgow, but ever since they went under new management a couple of years ago, I can't say I visit it as often now as their service and quality of food has since went downhill. My friends and I are regulars of Kebabish on Victoria road, however as we were celebrating a special occasion we opted for Balbir's, located on Church Street in Glasgow's west end.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff who showed us to our table amidst a very vibrant atmosphere in the restaurant. It was really busy for a Thursday night, which is always a good sign. With modern decor and spacious dining, the restaurant looks stylish with gorgeous chandeliers for lighting creating a relaxed and fun ambience.
Balbir's offer two different menus, one for street food which is for the walk in restaurant near the front, and the other is an a la carte menu for table bookings at the back. They were very kind to allow two of us to order from the street food menu (on until 9pm). I instantly knew what I wanted for starters after one skim of the menu, which is a long time favourite of mine called Chicken Dosa. My friend chose Pani Poori (or Gol Guppe) which a few of us shared.
These were so tasty! Pani Poori is essentially small round crackers which you stuff with spiced chickpeas and potatoes, and then pour cold tamarind water into. The crunchy, sour and mild spicy mix gives you a delectable rush in your mouth as you eat it whole.
All of our starters were quick to arrive, service was 10/10. My dosa, (a south indian pancake made from lentils and rice) was light, soft and wrapped around delicious cubes of chicken in a medium spicy and creamy sauce. Served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney and sambar daal (lentil curry). A bonus is that it wasn't too heavy which meant I wasn't stuffed for the main meal, it was delectable.
For my main dish I ordered the Chicken Tikka Karahi, with naan bread. As a group we ordered a fair amount, and as always portions of masala chips to share. The chips were finger licking good!
What I loved about the Karahi, and from what my friends commented on about their dishes too - the curries were not oily, or too spicy. Neither were they bland, which I feel most Indian restaurants tend to do with their dishes due to a majority of their clientele being non-indian. The spice was just right, so you could still enjoy the dish and taste it without burning your tongue. Portion size was more than enough, I wasn't able to finish it all and took the rest home, it was that good.
For dessert, we had a Ferrero Rocher birthday cake (the only person I order cakes from, she is that good- from Sweettooth cakes in Glasgow) as it was two of my friends birthday- so I've yet to try a Balbir's dessert.
Balbir's is definitely one of my top favourite indian restaurants in Glasgow just now, serving delicious food with excellent service it's definitely one to check out. I've been a few times now and I plan on visiting it again!
S.K.
Shareen K
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