Alishan Tandoori
- Food served: Sun–Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu–Sat noon–2pm, 5pm–midnight.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Delivery: £1 locally
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Takeaway
- Music on stereo: Indian popular music
- Capacity: 44
- Largest group: 44
- Open since: 1987
- Average price 2 courses: £14
- House wine: £16.90 (1L carafe) per bottle
Nominate this restaurant forThe List Reader Award 2010
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.
A friendly, neighbourhood Indian eatery popular with diners even mid-week, Alishan Tandoori’s menu is twice the size of their rivals’, and takes a few risks. Co-owners Muzahir Ali Shan and Chico Qureishi agreed in 1987 that all sauces, spices, and herbs would be freshly prepared on site, but tasting the benefits depends on what you order. The starters include the ubiquitous samosas, bhajis, and slightly greasy pakoras – the Bombay pakora turns out to be just deep fried potato, depending entirely on its bizarre accompaniment of mint sauce for flavour. The spicy chicken chaat is certainly spicy, but so bright red it takes a day or two to wash the colour from your fingertips. The main courses are much better – the rich king prawn jaipuri, with chunky mushrooms and green peppers, gains great subtlety from the chef’s knowledge of spices, and the lamb tikka basanti is served with a delicious achaari masala. Some options have rather unusual ingredients like sweetcorn, pineapple, bananas and eggs, but there’s no doubting the nuanced flavours and the quality of cooking. The dated décor clashes with the menu’s ambition, but the atmosphere is informal and welcoming, and the service good-natured and efficient.
- High point: The vast range of options on the menu.
- Low point: The fish tank, circa 1987.
Comments for Alishan Tandoori (250 Battlefield Road, Glasgow)
- 1. Tips, Glasgow – 4 June 2009, 7:22pmReport
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The pakora I had were the least greasy I have ever had. No detectable grease at all.
- 2. Tips, Glasgow – 4 June 2009, 7:47pm
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Surroundings are slightly tired, but the table cloths are clean and the service is friendly. Starters were pakora, often greasy, but not here. The karahi lamb was tasty, but not too hot - I had chosen not to have the extra chillies added. There wasn't the mountain of rice you can get, but there was sufficient and it left room for the nan bread, which needed the spare place at the table. Try the pardesi chicken with its glorious flavours. The chef can make it mild if hot curries are not your thing; that's the benefit of sauces made in the restaurant. After that you can choose a sweet from the standard menu that can be found in so many places or you can have som gulab jamin if you have a sweet tooth. Nobody was hurrying outwhen we finally left late in the evening having had a pleasurable evening. Good value for money.
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