Bagaara — Restaurant in Leeds

I heard it's name a lot. Finally went a couple of days ago. It's quintessentially decorated in classical Indian design with a lot of tapestry, decor and overall theme cleverly set up in rustic colours. There is a vibrancy generated by fitting many colourful umbrellas facing outwards on the 1st floor verandah which give a really beautiful outlook and complement the look and feel of walls.

Coming to the food, it's proper Andhra food, through and through. The name may set your mind thinking it may borrow its cuisines from central part of India but it's from the land of Rayalaseema, which happens to be one of my favourite belt for cuisines and I was pleasantly surprised to experience that. It is not to say that the dishes are not subjected to any adjustments by the guests. It's just that if you're a Telugu or have been to Andhra or Telangana, and love the food from there, you'd love it as they haven't changed the spice palate too much what you get there. I feel that's the USP. It's the same hyderabadi taste I had experienced years ago with chicken irigu that I ordered there. And same with their special Bagaara Chicken. They hold their own with drinks too. You can't seriously go wrong with Virgin Mojito but theirs was exquisite. A so, they didn't go wrong at all with mango Lassi. A lot of so called Indian restaurants serve that with mango pulp or powdered flavour but theirs seemed quite different and real. The food wasn't hugely spectacular but was still very delicious and if you haven't experienced Hyderabadi food, I'd recommend to visit the place. One thing I noticed is that portion size is a bit less. But that is what you get in that kind of price.

We topped it off with gajar halwa which had ghee poring out and we were given shahi tukda on the house. I liked the service. And specially since it was Valentine's day, they kept a big yellow rose on Overy table along with candles to set the mood. I felt that was a nice touch.

Overall, I feel the food is very original and true to the roots. Anyone who hasn't tried Andhra food, this is a good place to start off. Just ensure to order rice as traditional Andhra dishes and curries that aren't too thick go best with rice. And their Bagaara Rice is also something to taste. Excellently mixed with spices. I'll go with 4 as I feel despite the quality of the food they serve, personally, it's not worth driving 45 minutes to come there. Its only a personal opinion though. Other than that,...

Booked Saturday night for 6.30pm for three of us - arrived at 6.25 and two tables in use. Excellent pleasing decor.

Placed order for drinks, starters, mains all at same time. Drinks slightly expensive for the Armley area (e.g. beer at £5 a pint and £6 - 8 for cocktails).

Food choice was very good South Indian but no guidance to “heat” and no apparent mild options for our grandchild. Starters typically £7 - 9 and mains at £9 -13 each. No option for old favourites such as Dopiaza, Bhuna etc. Cocktails very tiny at approx 50mls each.

After 20 mins we were told they’d ran out of all prawns, so we switched to Apollo Fish - said to be Crispy and Spicy. Starters took 35 mins to arrive overall, despite only two other tables in use. Th Apollo fish was large portions but soggy and greasy, with no sign of Crisp - guessing they had used a deep fat fryer at too low a temperature or cooked from frozen. Very spicy.

Tried to bring the mains to the table whilst still eating the starters - had to ask for 5 mins more time.

Mains arrived 30 seconds after eating the last mouthful, with plates being laid by one person as another cleared the table. Plates were clap cold. Food was good and tasty but soon went cold. Egg fried rice was excellent, though at £12 for two bowls was a bit expensive. Garlic Naan was thin and not doughy as often is.

At £96 for two adults and an 11-year old (incl 10% service charge) we won’t be going again, anytime soon.

Staff were quite attentive but seemed “timid” and we had to ask for the plates to be removed after finishing the mains 15...

⭐️My Chicken Tikka Breakup Story⭐️ Let me start by saying: I was in love. Not with a person—oh no, that’s too simple. I was in love with chicken tikka masala from this restaurant. Two visits, two heavenly plates of joy. I even told my friends, “You have to try this place. This curry? It’s what dreams taste like.” I practically became their unofficial brand ambassador.

Then came the betrayal. I ordered online, 30 minutes before closing. Should’ve been a cozy, comforting dinner. Instead, it felt like I opened a box of disappointment. The chicken tikka masala—my beloved—tasted like a chaotic mix of leftover sauces arguing in a pan. Like it was made by someone who used to care but gave up halfway through.

And the garlic chicken? Also not great. Just... there. No flavor punch, no warmth. Like the chef whispered "garlic" at it from across the room and called it a day.

To add salt to my curry wounds: both curries came in completely different quantities. One looked full, the other like someone took a bite out before sealing the lid. I stared at them like, "Are you two even from the same kitchen?"

In the UK, eating out isn’t cheap. We save up our calories and coins for these meals. We pick restaurants like we pick Netflix shows—based on trust, word of mouth, and Instagram. When that trust breaks... it hurts. This wasn't just food—it was a letdown with naan.

To the restaurant: You had me. You really had me. But now? I don’t know if we can...