Bhaji Pala — Restaurant in Stockport

Been there before, had amazing food and amazing service, but this time the service was sadly lacking - and not just for us. We'd booked a table and after about 20 minutes we had to ask if we could have a drink as was no sign of the server coming over (there was only 8 tables - and one that came in the same time as us was having the same issue). I asked for a cocktail (it was my birthday), only to be told they weren't doing cocktails that night (although it looked like another table had mocktails - surely thats mostly the same?!). We both settled for a cobra then watched them get placed on the bar, then the server who poured them left the bar, walked past us empty handed to see to another table. So we then had to stop the other server and ask if she wouldn't mind passing us our drinks (it had been half an hour at that point). Then we had to grab the server on the way past to ask if we could have a menu! It got better from that point in, but to be honest we were pretty cheesed off by then. That all said, the food was still AMAZING. Can't fault the food at all. It just felt like a family restaurant that's normally run by the parents but they'd taken the night off and let the kids run it. I'd still go back because I value a bloody good vegan curry, but I doubt I could persuade my meat-eating other half to take a chance on all that waiting...

The best Indian

Where to start bhaja Pala has been on my go to since the start of the year after visiting sthanm1 in Manchester discovered this was a joint restaurant but the twist all vegan

After that I was sold as I’m vegan yet my family aren’t yet open to trying alternatives so finally visited for their Sunday buffet and I quote they said ‘we didn’t even miss meat’ high praise indeed and incredible to hear

Now onto the experience itself , on arriving made to feel welcome , a small cosy establishment that had a relaxing atmosphere

And for the food … faultless , the buffet was fresh , well presented and great variety , we were shown each dish and if any questions answered knowledgeably

From the accompanying chutney , pickles , Papad /poppadom and raita to start and incredible fresh salad , there were 3 starters (Mini Potato Vada ,Tandoori Pineapple And Tofu Mushroom Chilli)

Plus 3 main curries (Veg Harlyali ,jackfruit and Rajma Masala )

Paired with rice Peas Pulao and Butter Naan Not to mention as many dosas made fresh to order as your heart content (and stomach capacity of course) that was lovely dipped in Coconut Chutney and Sambar

For just over £15 each incredible value for the quality and concept a must try place vegan or not for an authentic Indian and hidden gem...

I want to start by saying that the food at Bhaji Pala was absolutely amazing at least, what we actually received from our order. However, the service was chaotic and disorganised.

We visited on February 14th, so we expected the restaurant to be busy, but given that most diners had likely pre-booked, it felt like they were severely underprepared. It took over an 45 minutes just for our order to be taken. Then another 90 minutes for only part of it to arrive. The biggest disappointment was that our mains were never served. After waiting for two hours, we were first told they were being prepared, only to later find out they had been delivered to another table.

I completely understand that service might not be perfect on such a busy night, but if they knew they were understaffed, they should have either limited online orders or reduced the number of dine-in reservations to ensure a better experience for guests.

Despite the frustration of driving an hour only to leave without eating our mains, I would still consider visiting again because the food itself was excellent. If the service improves, would keep visiting, else permanently black-list it from our places to eat. I’ll be happy to update my review...