Bantawala by Masala twist — Restaurant in Scotland

I went in at around lunchtime today and the food was absolutely delicious. I am really pleased with the flavours and portion sizes.

However, I am deducting three stars due to the unpleasant service I received from a particular waitress. When this waitress took my partner and I to our table, she did not even offer us the lunch menu when I noticed she gave a table near us the lunch menu after they were seated. Upon seating us, she immediately asked us what drinks we will be having. I asked for hot water as I was very cold from the weather outside, and she grabbed the drink menus and rolled her eyes as she walked away from our table.

At this point, I decided against asking for the lunch menu as I wanted to avoid interacting with her too much. My partner and I initially wanted to order drinks after warming up with the requested hot water, but we decided against it as we lost our enthusiasm. We also wanted to leave after she first rolled her eyes at us, but my partner and I were cold and hungry.

When she returned to my table, she brought the hot water, but the water was not even warm. It was cold. I asked her about the difference in spice levels between the Lamb Rogan Josh and the Railway Lamb Curry, and she just dismissively said that they were very similar and the same with no further explanation. We received the dishes and they were in fact, not at all similar.

In contrast, I was very pleased with the interaction I had with a different server (he looked like a manager) as he was conversational, upbeat and very friendly. I wish I had been welcomed by him upon entering, because then I would not have lost my appetite and needed to take a lot of leftovers to go.

I would have given five stars if the service by the waitress was more welcoming and her gestures not unfriendly. It’s a shame, really, as the food really was delicious. Because of the service I received, however, I will not be returning. I hope that this restaurant gives its employees more training in hospitality as I myself work in hospitality and realise the importance of it in...

I recently had the pleasure of eating here at the beginning of the year. Myself and my partner have always wondered what this place was with the bright yellow décor outside and finally decided one evening to investigate the place and booked a table in advance.

It was pretty busy but didn't take us long to get sat down as we had reserved and our order taken. I went for the Chicken Kolhapuree which was really nice tomato based curry that had nice flavours but wasn't too spicy and my partner had a vegetarian dish (I Can't remember which). There was a bit of a wait for our food it was maybe 30-40 minutes which is why I have taken a star off the review which was disappointing especially when you are hungry but the food itself was very tasty and in the end we were glad we ate there.

There is a bell at the front door which is to be rung when leaving the restaurant to show staff that you enjoyed your food, all through our meal that was ringing which was a good sign and in no way annoying. It added a bit of theatre to the leaving the restaurant so it was quite a nice little touch that certainly I have never experienced before.

Prices were very reasonable for an UK Indian, it was £8-10 per curry then you had your rice as an extra but the curry portions were large and we couldn't finish them, so compared to other Indian restaurants in the area the value for money was good.

Thank you Bantawala for...

A far cry from the standard Indian restaurant, this gem delivers on its promise of great food, authentic flavours, and a truly refreshing dive into South Indian cuisine. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear this isn’t your typical curry house. The ambiance is warm and understated, allowing the food to take center stage — and it absolutely does.

The menu is a delightful departure from the usual North Indian fare, offering a wide range of dishes that reflect the rich culinary diversity of South India. From perfectly crisp dosas and tangy tamarind rice to lesser-known regional specialties that burst with depth and spice, each plate is thoughtfully prepared and generously portioned.

What sets this place apart is its commitment to authenticity. The spices taste freshly ground, the sambar is deeply flavorful without being overpowering, and even the chutneys — often an afterthought elsewhere — are complex and vibrant.

For anyone looking to go beyond butter chicken and naan, this restaurant is a must-visit. Whether you’re South Indian yourself or simply a curious foodie, you’ll leave with a fuller stomach and a much broader appreciation for...