Balwant Singh Dhaba — Restaurant in Kolkata

I've been to Balwan Singh Dhaba multiple times, and unfortunately, my experience has been getting worse each time. Initially, this was my favorite place, but now I’ve decided I’ll never go back. I’m specifically talking about the AC seating on the top floor. The service there is extremely poor and slow. They often ignore customers, and at times, there’s only one or two waiters serving the entire floor. The waiters display a lot of attitude and don’t seem interested in serving you. There's no sense of hospitality, which makes the experience even more frustrating.

As for the food, it has become very inconsistent. I like the Dal Tarka very much, but I don't get the same taste every time. Out of the multiple times I’ve been there, I’ve only experienced good taste twice. If you visit five to seven times, you might get good food once. This inconsistency has been really disappointing. Earlier, this was my go-to spot, but I don’t understand why they’ve let their service quality drop so drastically.

Update: If you’re planning to sit upstairs in the AC section, be prepared for some really bad service. There’s also a strange smell in the AC area, which adds to the discomfort. I’ve heard that if you sit downstairs, where there's no AC, the service is much faster and the prices are lower too. But upstairs, they operate with a different kitchen, and the experience is far from pleasant. They often refuse to serve regular chapatis and instead insist on giving you Tandoori Roti, which isn’t that good.

Latest Update: The last time we visited, we were treated very rudely by the staff. We had brought some special guests, and the poor service was embarrassing. We complained to the owner and walked out without even eating. This experience sealed the deal for me—I've decided I’ll never go back to this place again. If you’re considering dining here, especially in the AC section, you might...

So after hearing a lot about this place, finally yesterday I went to this food joint located near PG Hospital /Elgin Bus stop/ Golmandir. There was no problem to find out this place since it is on proper main roadside. I and my friend went to this place after checking photos and reviews on Zomato. So first thing after entering, we realized this was a non-ac place. Moreover, if all the tables are full,the place becomes very much suffocating. We ordered - Rice Thali- Rs.70 Paneer Paratha- Rs.60 Chana Masala- Rs.140 Veg Pulao- Rs.100. Coming to all the items one by one: Rice thali had two very ordinary sabzi and salads and a lot of rice. Rice quality was good and quantity of the rice was much more for a single person. Paneer paratha was really thick,both the stuffing and coating. Stuffing was mixture of paneer and potato with sizzling of Jeera. It tasted good. One single paratha was kind of a full lunch for me. Paneer paratha was served with Pickle and curd. Quantity of fried rice was good and it was with full of veggies. Chana masala was the best among all the dishes I had tried here. It looked spicy but it didn’t taste too spicy. Overall the taste of food was good as well as quantity. BUT,if you are expecting to have some Punjabi food and flavours over there,then stop expecting. This place basically serve very much local food,the rice thali was exactly like what we Bengalis eat Daily at our Home,nothing special. Fried rice and chana Masala were just like the food we get in local shops and caterars. So if you are planning to visit here to have Punjabi cuisine as for their name, then you are wrong and this place is not...

Balwant Singh Dhaba in Kolkata stands out as a beloved destination, particularly for vegetarians seeking culinary delights. Renowned for its flavorful chaat and irresistible tea, this eatery holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and visitors alike.

The chaat offered at Balwant Singh Dhaba is undoubtedly a highlight, boasting a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that leave taste buds tingling with delight. Additionally, the tea served here is a must-try, renowned for its aromatic richness and refreshing qualities.

For those craving a more substantial meal, the Kulchas at Balwant Singh Dhaba are highly recommended, offering a fulfilling and satisfying dining experience.

However, despite its culinary prowess, the dining area at Balwant Singh Dhaba can be a bit cramped, especially during peak hours. Securing a seating may prove challenging, but patrons can still enjoy their tea and snacks while standing amidst the bustling atmosphere.

One noteworthy aspect of Balwant Singh Dhaba is its enduring popularity, evident in the constant stream of patrons, even late into the night. This lively ambiance adds to the charm of the place, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.

In essence, Balwant Singh Dhaba is a culinary gem in Kolkata, celebrated for its delectable vegetarian offerings, particularly its chaat and tea. While seating may be limited, the bustling ambiance and flavorful delights make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts...