This restaurant's cuisine is punjabi, from a region of India where the food is primarily vegetable based (they have the odd meaty dishes as specials, but not when I've been in), so it is a vegetarian's dream... and there are plenty of vegan options too!
Ranjit's Kitchen is a small, family run restaurant. So seating is at a premium! Luckily as we went for lunch on a Sunday, we were the first people there. All of the recipes are mama Ranjit's recipes, and mama Ranjit is in the back cooking them up for you (she is a very talented lady) while her son takes care of things out front. The feel of the place is homely and a little bit jazzy without trying too hard. When working on the décor, they worked with the exposed brickwork, hanging fairy lights and placing little plants at intervals along the walls. I get the feel of being in someone's groovy dining room.
I'm an oddity in that I don't much drink liquids while I eat... but I just can't resist having a lassi, especially a mango one! It's like a milkshake if it were made with natural yoghurt instead of ice cream. Tasty stuff, but pretty filling so you don't want to drink all of it before your food arrives! The paneer pakora is simply divine! The paneer is marinated and before being battered in gram flour, a wonderful filling made of tamarind, red onion and ginger. The homemade chutney that comes with it contains carrot, tamarind and mint. I am actually salivating even thinking about it. The sweet channa with paneer (can you tell I have a thing for paneer?) is also an amazing treat; chickpeas and paneer in a sweet and spicy sauce... and when coupled with a lovely, warm parantha it is the ultimate comfort food.
And let us not forget dessert! I love Indian sweets, and have done as long as I can remember finding out there were Indian sweet shops near my home. But my absolute favourite, which isn't very common, is gajrela. A sweet, warm carrot almost-pudding with almonds and pistachios... the closest comparison is with carrot cake, but I find it much better. It's one of those Indian desserts that is mostly home made, and few restaurants seem to carry it on their menu. So imagine my absolute delight when I first saw it on the menu in Ranjit's Kitchen! Ranjit's gajrela is among the best I've tasted, and served warm alongside a scoop of ice cream. Heaven.
If you haven't been in, stop thinking about it and GO! You...
Read moreI had a terrible experience at Ranjit’s Kitchen, and I feel compelled to share it. I was genuinely excited to try this place whilst being back in my hometown visiting my family, especially as someone of Indian descent. However, my visit left me feeling traumatized by the treatment I received from Ken, the acting manager.
I went in to collect an order on behalf of a dear friend due to a slight misunderstanding regarding her order. Instead of a warm welcome, I was met with hostility from Ken. He threw money down on the counter and refused to serve me, which was absolutely shocking. It seemed like he was on a power trip, as he was the only white member of staff and acted as if he owned the place, even though I knew he was not the owner.
When I tried to speak with his staff for clarification, he kept insisting he was the only one in charge and wouldn’t let me speak to the other members of staff, who also seemed quite shocked by his behavior. His conduct was not only rude but also intimidating. As someone with a petite frame, I felt small and overwhelmed as he towered over me with his crossed arms. I showed him my hands, which were shaking from the stress of the encounter.
Afterward, I sat in my car outside the restaurant, shaken up and in tears, so I decided to call my friend to understand the situation. She had asked for extra potato in her parata, as the ones she had ordered the day before seemed a lot less than usual. I really don’t think that was a reason to throw me out of the restaurant.
This kind of treatment is unacceptable, and I would not recommend anyone experience such disrespect. Ranjit’s Kitchen needs to seriously address their customer service issues, especially when handling misunderstandings. I was really looking forward to enjoying this place, but after this experience, I will definitely not...
Read moreRanjit's Kitchen: A Taste of Authentic Punjabi Cuisine
Ranjit's Kitchen is a hidden gem offering a truly authentic Punjabi dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the delicious food, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of India.
A Culinary Delight: BEST SAMOSAS IN SCOTLAND ! (Indian style)
Authentic Flavors: Every dish at Ranjit's Kitchen is a masterpiece of Punjabi cuisine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite. Vegetarian Paradise: While Ranjit's Kitchen specializes in vegetarian cuisine, they offer a wide variety of dishes to cater to all tastes. From hearty curries to delicate kebabs, there's something for everyone. A Unique Experience:
Scottish Hospitality: The friendly Scottish boys working the counter add a unique touch to the experience. It's a testament to the welcoming atmosphere that Ranjit's Kitchen has created. Cultural Fusion: The blend of traditional Punjabi cuisine with the cool jazz playing in the background is a delightful surprise. It's a testament to the versatility of Indian food and its ability to complement various musical genres. Overall:
Ranjit's Kitchen is a hidden gem that offers a truly authentic Punjabi dining experience. With its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and unique blend of cultures, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the flavors of India.
All good is freshly made pre...
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