Balham Social — Restaurant in London

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Balham, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for the evening. The ambiance was a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional Indian charm, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

The menu offered an impressive variety of dishes, each reflecting the rich diversity of Indian cuisine. I opted for the classic butter chicken, which was perfectly cooked, with tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. The railway lamb curry was equally outstanding, with its deep, aromatic spices that left a lasting impression. The naan was fresh, fluffy, and the perfect accompaniment to the meal.

The service was top-notch, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who were more than happy to recommend dishes and explain the different flavors. They ensured that every detail was taken care of, making the dining experience seamless and enjoyable.

To end the meal, I indulged in the gulab jamun, which was warm, soft, and soaked in just the right amount of syrup. It was the perfect way to conclude an exceptional meal.

Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Balham Social delivers an authentic and delightful dining experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for delicious food, great ambiance, and excellent service. I can’t...

Good food, photo-worthy setting and attentive friendly service - we couldn’t have asked for more from this small but perfectly formed local eaterie for our silver wedding anniversary! Harry and Haritha looked after us well for the meal - including obliging us with our several photo requests! - and Harry had very kindly reserved generous seating in a corner we had pre-requested but the setting turned out to be even better than we’d expected. Great atmosphere - a modernised curry house with a post-flock wallpaper take on decor and non-intrusive but dynamic enough club soundtrack. I think it was Anoushka who was very kind in obliging us with our request for photos on the swing chairs near the bar despite the fact it was near closing time - those swings looked too dramatic not to document and were the icing on the cake for a celebratory outing. Food was good all round but particularly memorable were the seemingly humble bhel puri chaat dish (“social bhel”), which I’d happily have eaten as a main as the spicing and texture were so well balanced and the onion salad which was spiced with chaat masala rather than the standard lemon juice and green chilli. We pre-ordered our food the day before and it all arrived promptly and well spaced out so that we could truly relax and enjoy the evening. A surprise slice of cake with a sparkler for our anniversary was a lovely thoughtful touch to finish our meal. Thank you, Balham Social - I’m sure...

Don’t go! There are nicer Indian restaurants around! The staff is lovely, the food is ok, but the prices are way over the top. The portions are small, the prices are high. A main course of okra (bindhi) will set you back £9 and will come in a very small bowl (certainly not main course!). The same applies to all the dishes. A minuscule 5 teaspoons of raita will cost £3.50. Not even proper raita! It’s only strained yoghurt with a few pomegranate seeds sprinkled on! You usually get condiments free or at negligent prices. We mentioned this to the staff, who promptly invited the manger (we did not ask for one!) who could not do anything about it, but to suggest a refund of £3.50 (seriously? After a bill of £180?) It’s their choice how to price every spoonful of yoghurt. It’s my choice not to go there again.

PS. The manger insisted that we say what would make the incident right. It was difficult to quickly think of something, when we really expected some good will. Instead, without thinking, I said — a bottle of wine. Which he obviously refused (I would have too!). But the point was not in the bottle of wine or 3.50 refund — it is in the fact that they feel the need to change £3.50 for a few spoonfuls of yoghurt. The place was empty on a Thursday night — and I can understand why. No need to make a...