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Balbir's
- Food served: Sun–Thu 5–10.30pm; Fri/Sat 5–11pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 7
- Delivery: £2-3 in local area
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access
- Music on stereo: Jazz
- Capacity: 130
- Largest group: 80
- Open since: 2005
- Average price:
£20 (evening meal) - House wine: £12.95 white, £11.95 red per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
Balbir Sumal is a stalwart of the Glasgow Indian dining scene and can still be found using his experience to oversee matters at his eponymous West End branch of his restaurant group. Attention to detail and a determination to keep Indian cuisine evolving shines through in the menu – both on the page and on the plate. Those worried about juggling Indian cuisine with a healthy lifestyle can be reassured by the use of cholesterol-free oil in the recipes, and Balbir’s being the recipient of a Healthy Living Award for its cuisine. The bhatura chana starter blends exquisitely crisped bread with chickpeas cooked perfectly to retain their texture in a sweet but light sauce. Those craving pakora can opt for a more experimental twist in the delicious aubergine version on offer. The mains continue the innovative theme with dishes featuring monkfish, halibut, and salmon. Even the chicken curries offer up more unusual dishes such as the Persian-inspired chicken parsi, a glorious combination of tanginess and spice. Balbir’s offers elegant surroundings, excellent service, and a real feeling of food artistry. Highly recommended.
- High point: Truly creative menu
- Low point: Not open at lunchtimes
Reviews of Balbir's (7 Church Street, Glasgow)
- 6. weeminou, Balbir's Church Street Glasgow – 22 April 2011, 4:37pm
Balbir'sReport -
When I was in Glasgow last month, I made my usual pilgrimage to Balbir's. The food was better than ever. we were a medium sized group and everyone enjoyed everything. Balbir's trick of not using ghee is so clever. The food is full of flavour, and yet so light. Can't wait to get back next month
- 5. wills, glasgow – 24 March 2011, 2:52pmBalbir'sReport
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very good servise and no problems with online reservation
- 4. Andy W, Glasgow – 1 September 2010, 1:20am
Balbir'sReport -
I thoroughly enjoyed Balbir's when it 1st opened in the West End. It offered innovative food, comfortable surroundings and excellent service. I stopped going about a year ago because I felt that the standard of food had dropped to the merely average.
I revisited it today and really wished I hadn't. The decor is early Co-op
funeral parlour and gives you a real flavour of where your relatives are liable to have your post funeral do, if they don't like you.
The service remains excellent ,if you don't deviate from the script i.e. enquire about something that isn't on the menu.
The menu itself has reverted to what you could order in the 70's. Specials have disappeared- there is a tasting menu but unless this is your first experience of Indian dining ,there's little on it to excite.
Portions are small. Generally the food is ok (one up from Pataks Sauce) but hugely overpriced .This is a restaurant to be avoided unless all of those surrounding it are closed.
- 3. BigMc, Glasgow – 12 December 2009, 3:16amBalbir'sReport
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I was never a lover of Indian restaurants until Balbirs appeared on the scene. Virtually pressganged into a night out with boys in 2006 I went againt my wishes. It is now December 2009 and I / We have been in Balbirs not less than monthly since then.
I / We just love the place and sadly we have introduced others there making it more crowded as they have repeated bookings.
The meals are fantastic and the staff are great.
The banquet is an experience so dont have a quick "Greggs" just to fill a "space" mid afternoon. Nothing wrong with Greggs but not advisable before the banquet.
The negative side is Nickies' ties he really needs a lady in his life to sort him out. Know what I mean Nick !
The Bhel Puri and Tandoori Salmon is a must.
Overall 11 /10 for this restaurant. IS THAT POSSIBLE ?
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