CURRY: Five Glasgow restaurants named in the UK top 100

Ajay is excited to be representing Scotland in the Great British Menu
Ajay is excited to be representing Scotland in the Great British Menu© Angus Hyde

One of Scotland’s best loved nights out, heading for a curry has become a popular treat and if you’re looking for the best places to go, then one of the UK’s best loved food guides has just named the UK’s top 100, reports Glasgow Live.

As expected, Glasgow’s Indian restaurants have shone through with five of our best named on the list of the Top 100 Best Indian Restaurants as chosen by the British Indian Good Food Guide.

First up, Swadish in Merchant City was chosen thanks to its “innovative take on traditional Indian recipes”, while Chaakoo Bombay Café in the city centre was named thanks to being a “bustling venue inspired by the charm of Irani cafés”.
Happy staff at the ever popular Murphy's Pakora Bar pose with Scottish film star James McAvoy
Happy staff at the ever popular Murphy’s Pakora Bar pose with Scottish film star James McAvoy© Murphy’s Pakora Bar.

Dakhin, which “specialises in South Indian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere” and celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, casual eatery offering a range of Indian snacks and curries, Murphy’s Pakora Bar (which is also a favourite of celebrities), and Namaste by Delhi Darbar, “a vibrant restaurant known for its warm hospitality”, were also chosen. According to the guide, in a year that began with fears of a “curry crisis,” British Indian restaurants have not just survived—they have thrived, with bookings surging across the country.

From beloved local curry houses to Michelin-starred icons, diners have embraced the innovation, authenticity, and diversity that define the modern Indian dining experience.

Alan Brown, Marketing Manager of the British Indian Good Food Guide, said: “Local curry houses are cultural landmarks, cherished by their communities for generations. Supporting these establishments is about more than preserving history—it’s about ensuring their place in Britain’s culinary future.”

In 2020, reports warned of an “unprecedented decline” in the curry house sector, citing closures and shifting diner preferences. Millennials and health-conscious eaters began favouring lighter, regional, and street food-inspired dishes, challenging the traditional curry house model.

Alan added: “This is not just a recovery story—it’s a transformation. Indian restaurants have embraced change while staying true to their roots, creating experiences that are exciting, authentic, and relevant to modern diners.

“From your local curry house to the country’s finest Indian restaurants, there has never been a better time to explore the incredible depth and diversity of Indian dining in Britain.”

The Five Glasgow restaurants named in the UK top 100:

Swadish, Merchant City

Chaakoo Bombay Café, City Centre

Dakhin, Merchant City

Murphy’s Pakora Bar, West End

Namaste by Delhi Darbar, St Enoch Centre

To view the full Top 100 Best Indian Restaurants, Visit the websitehere.

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