Where to find great Indian food in Glasgow

Somewhat of an institution, Mother India has been in business since launching in Glasgow back in 1990, earning iconic status in the city over its decades of trade. Now the brand encompasses four separate establishments across greater Glasgow: Mother India, Mother India’s Cafe Glasgow, The Den and The Lansdowne, as well as a branch across in Edinburgh. Chef Amar Kumar Maurya is at the helm in the flagship restaurant, creating dishes like Green Herb Chicken Tikka Shashiq, Lamb Mussalam and Crispy Lady Fingers, Aloo Saag Dosa and Vegetable Karahi. Open Thursday through to Sunday, it’s found on the Kelvingrove side of Finnieston. Those preferring tapas-style dining can book a table at The Lansdowne, Mother India’s recently launched site in Kelvinbridge, or at Mother India’s Cafe, the chain’s more casual venue, on Argyle Street.

Another local mini-chain, Chaakoo recently expanded its operations from its city centre location on St Vincent Street to a second premise in the west end. It evokes the atmosphere of the kind of traditional Bombay Cafe that was prolific in the 19th century through to the mid 20th century. These laid back establishments were opened by Iranian immigrants in India and offered community inclusivity along with some top nosh. Chaakoo’s incarnation of the Bombay Cafe welcomes diners and drinkers alike; you don’t have to have a meal to come in and soak up the atmosphere. The original Chaakoo offers a tiffin (light lunch) menu, as well as the full a la carte. Roomali Roti, Irani kebabs, Indian salads and humble curries are some of the dishes available to order. A range of flavoured lassis, Eastern-influenced milkshakes, wines, teas and of course chai, is available on the exotic drinks menu.

Healthy may not be the word that comes to mind when you think of a late-night curry. However, Obsession of India is here to dispel any preconceptions you may have about this type of cuisine. The team painstakingly sources raw ingredients and fine spices to ensure the restaurant’s fare is not only tasty but nutritious too. Its ethos of simple, freshly made food has earned the venue multiple accolades and awards, including first place at the Scottish Curry Awards (2018), Diners’ Choice (Find a Table 2019) and TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2021. In addition to a la carte dishes, diners can opt for a great value two-course lunch menu from £10.95 or a two-course pre-theatre menu at £13.95. Order marinated tandoori dishes cooked in a big clay oven, classic favourites, the chef’s unique signature dishes and house specials. 

Balbir’s comprises a restaurant, deli and a gastropub. Exclusively an evening haunt, the main restaurant opens nightly Tuesday through to Sunday. Fine cuisine crafted from high-quality ingredients is the focus here, with recipes from across India incorporated into the food, with a contemporary twist. Chefs direct from India and Nepal help to create the menus that include the likes of Malai Kofta (North Indian dumplings made from paneer, potato and pistachio in a cashew sauce), South Indian fried street food, Bengali Macchi (monkfish tails with mustard seeds, tomato and green chilli) and Jhinga Achari (king prawns in yoghurt, tomato, green chilli, ground fenugreek and cumin seed). And if you just can’t decide between all the delicious options, there’s a customisable banquet tasting menu to take away the dilemma of what to choose. Gluten-free and wholemeal breads are available and the kitchen conjures its own unique must-try chutneys.

Located in the heart of Glasgow’s South Side, Anarkali is a bit of an institution. It opened in 1975 and has been serving up authentic, home-cooked meals ever since. There’s a real concentration at Anarkali on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, all prepared with careful precision. A set meal for two (which includes poppadom, pakora, bhoona, chicken curry, naan bread, as well as coffee and dessert) is just £24.95. The vegetarian options are varied, and the waiters are always on hand to give their expert recommendations.

Swadish has nailed the art of modern Indian cuisine. Here, chef Ajay artfully combines high-quality seasonal Scottish ingredients with traditional Indian cooking. The menu is full of usual suspects, but each dish is prepared with a unique twist. There’s an entire menu dedicated to vegan food, with highlights including the Beetroot Poori (served with fried Indian bread, chickpea curry, green chutney and pickled carrot) and Tofu Korma (prepared with a coconut sauce). The meat and fish dishes are equally pleasing — the braised Hydrabadi Lamb Korma is tender and warming, infused with cloves and cinnamon, and the Goan Monkfish has layers of flavour and depth. Not the cheapest restaurant in town, but it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for up-market Indian cookery.