For the food: 4 stars For service and menu availability: 2 stars
At about 3 pm on a Monday, all the indoor tables were full. Waiters were busy; it took a while to get a table cleared or get a waiter's attention so that I could even get a menu. That being said, since it was crowded I don't blame the wait staff, who were prompt and courteous once you got their attention.
I ordered tandoor roti (2 pieces), mutton rara punjabi (but received mutton rogan josh instead of what I had ordered), and paneer do pyaza.
Items such as brain curry and liver tarka were not available on this day. Even plain rice or peas pulao were not available for some reason, which is the first time I have been in a restaurant where even plain rice on the menu is not available... However, strangely, rice for biryani was available? I don't understand what the issue is. Prices were a bit high -- I have posted an updated menu picture. Plain rice for 120 Rs is quite steep.
Atmosphere and decorations were good. It is a bit noisy -- if you have a larger group than 4, you might have trouble finding a seat at this popular spot. I like the open kitchen with windows so you can see the food preparation.
The roti that came out was quite tough. It was hard but not crunchy, difficult to eat. However, the paneer do pyaza was the best I've ever had. Delicious, creamy, perfectly spiced. The mutton rogan josh came with several generous pieces of delicious mutton. The sauce was also great, though I think there was way too much oil in it.
I really wanted to like this place due to its high reviews but the lack of availability on its menu and flustered service put me off. The price was also on the expensive side. Overall I'm a bit...
Read moreBalle Balle Dhaba in Kolkata is an absolute gem for those seeking an authentic Punjabi dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, this vibrant restaurant captures the essence of a traditional roadside dhaba, offering a delightful culinary journey that leaves a lasting impression.
Upon stepping inside, one is greeted by a lively ambiance, adorned with colorful Punjabi decor. The rustic wooden furniture and vibrant wall art contribute to the restaurant's vibrant charm. The staff, dressed in traditional Punjabi attire, are warm, attentive, and go above and beyond to make your dining experience memorable.
Now let's talk about the food – it is simply outstanding! The menu boasts an extensive selection of Punjabi delicacies that cater to every palate. From the buttery and flavorsome Dal Makhani to the rich and aromatic Chicken Tikka Masala, every dish is prepared with precision and authentic Punjabi flavors. The tandoori kebabs are succulent, and the butter naans are soft and perfectly baked. Don't miss out on their signature Balle Balle Thali, a platter filled with a variety of mouthwatering dishes.
The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for money. The restaurant is also known for its quick service, ensuring you never have to wait long for your order.
Overall, Balle Balle Dhaba in Kolkata is a must-visit for anyone craving a truly Punjabi culinary experience. With its vibrant ambiance, impeccable service, and delectable dishes, this restaurant never fails to transport your taste buds to the colorful...
Read moreI must say the vibe and the food dont go hand in hand. They have managed to create that street side dhaba vibe however they lack providing lip smackin dishes, which one generally gets in those dhabas. This dhaba is located just next to the City Centre in Salt Lake, adjacent to the Bata Showroom!
We had ordered Chicken Tandoori - Half Portion: chicken was moist inside and crispy outside! Kudos to the chef for that! Paneer Tikka: The paneer was not at all marinated! All the taste one could bring in was with the chutney they served! Chicken Kassa: The gravy tasted just like any other gravy, it was not at all in reduced consistency, which the term “kassa” generally means! Navratna Korma: was just horrendous! Paneer mixed with some fruits and served! Naan: Was hard and was over the top oily!
Here are some improvement suggestions:
Kindly let you staff know what is available and what is not! I had initially ordered tawa ghost which the server said was not available then I went with saag chicken, after waiting for another 10 minutes the server again comes up and says that saag is also not available. I had to ask him what was available and chose one out of it!
Can literally work on the hygiene ! The place is a bit shabby with decors...
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