India Gate

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Located between the Queen's Park railway station and a pair of wee Irish pubs on Pollokshaws Road, India Gate could be mistaken for a handy little takeaway from the outside, with its small shop front and counter against the window. However, once you're inside, the friendly staff usher you down a couple of steps into a warm, friendly – if basically decorated – restaurant. The menu is a thick, dark red tome. Starters include the predictable deep-fried samosas and pakoras, with a haggis version of the latter being especially fun; the heavy, spicy filling encased in crisp, bright red batter. Main courses can be accompanied by India Gate's special fried rice, a steaming bowl of yellow rice with peas, onion and crisp green peppers. Chicken tikka Goanese offers tangy chunks of chicken and a liberal scattering of prawns in a simple sauce of cream, yoghurt and coconut, while lamb saag comes as a thick, meaty stew of tender lamb pieces and tinned spinach. For those on a budget, a three course pre-theatre menu (£7.95) is complemented by the reasonable set lunch (£3.95) and lunchtime buffet (£5.50).

• High point: Haggis pakora where East meets West!
• Low point: Service a little slow