Best Indian restaurant / curry house in Sheffield - Megathread

[DerbyTup 10]

I would say Shapla at the bottom of the Moor, always nice food and the staff are really friendly.

 

Great when you're drunk.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:33 ----------

 

zeenats on the cliffe.

 

Used to be good if you wanted to lose weight very fast. Closed for some time now. Deservedly.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:33 ----------

 

Butlers Balti is very good.

 

Average at best - but seems to have a cult following.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:35 ----------

 

Only 1 answer to that - the Mangla on Spital Hill, the best indian i've ever had apart from in Bradford.

 

No, there are several answers actually. What you suggested here in Mangla isn't a bad shout to be fair - a lot of my Indian/Pakistani clients like this one because the food is closer to what they would cook at home than most "Westernised" places. However, it is a very basic, spit and sawdust, establishment and in a pretty dodgy area.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:36 ----------

 

Rajput on Commonside at Walkley. Just opened the restuarant after being the best takeaway for more years than i can remember! Gets really busy though all week so you'd need to book in advance.

 

I must admit, I was impressed by this place too. I think it does what it does very well - which is not absolutely "top end" Indian but a very nice range of food and not too expensive either.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:42 ----------

 

The Aagrah in Leopold Square is the best curry I have had the pleasure of sampling in sheffield and I have tried a few!

 

I was eating at Aagrah's 20 years ago before they opened in Sheffield. It's a West Yorkshire chain (a bit like Akbar's) and the food there was always amongst the best in the Leeds/Bradford area.

 

I've found Aagrah's in Leopold Square to be a disappointment tbh. The fish starters were very good but the curries had tiny little slithers of meat in them, about the size of a 5p piece, and then there's the service....oh dear! I don't know if the staff there are being held hostage or something but they sure aren't very cheerful (apart from the radiant girl in traditional dress on reception). But the thing I dislike most of all about this place is that they don't honour bookings. We've booked a table, say for 9pm, on a few occasions and when we've got there we've had to wait an hour or more to be seated - because whilever walk-ins turn up they'll keep filling up their tables regardless of whether someone has booked it. For this reason we NEVER go there now.

 

Their branch at Crystal Peaks does a rather good buffet 7 days a week though and I'd recommend that.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:47 ----------

 

Mangla for me, with Akbars coming a close second.

 

I'd second Akbar's - although I'm not so keen on the Sheffield city centre restaurant. The food there doesn't seem as good as the one on Meadow Bank Road (past Meadowhall) near Rotherham for some reason. It's the same menu exactly - but whether they think their clientele around West Street is a bit less "discerning" and they can take short cuts I don't know? I've eaten at Akbar's in Leeds and Manchester too and it's consistently good. Probably my number 1 I'd say - especially if your idea of a good Indian/Pakistani meal is something other than pappadoms, onion bhaji and bhuna with chips.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:48 ----------

 

Shapla beats them all hands down.

 

Said a man who has obviously tried them all?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:50 ----------

 

my dad would agree with that he says its the best he's ever had and he's been to india!

 

Blimey! That makes him an authority then!

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:51 ----------

 

Butlers do a good ruby

 

There's a clue in the chosen parlance here that tells you about the restaurant.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:52 ----------

 

Never really fancied the idea of Akbars, although I'd like to try it as I've hread good reports about the food, apparently if I'm right you can't bok a table - it's on a come in and see basis, which puts me off going. Don't want to get there and find I have to wait until a table becomes free. Otherwise I'd be there like a shot. Unless I'm wrong on this but that'swhat I've been told.

 

You are obviously a very busy person Sir. The longest I ever had to wait there has been about 15 minutes. Similar to what I'd expect to wait if I'd booked a table somewhere.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:54 ----------

 

it's got to be 'Cafe Masala' in Upperthorpe. They KNOW what they're doin!

 

Tried that based on several recommendations and left feeling somewhat underwhelmed by it. I think Rajput's down the road is better tbh.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:56 ----------

 

Jinnahs in Ecclesfield is great, with loads of variety on the menu, excellent waiters too.

 

Also recommend Akhtars in Killamarsh.

 

Love it! another one that's trying to copy Akbar's eh? A bit like the one on West Street that eventually closed down after trying to imitate the best Indian/Pakistani restaurant in town.

 

Tell me, how is a "night-out" in Killamarsh these-days?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:58 ----------

 

Iceland do good microwaveable ones

 

Oh dear! A deficit of understanding is upon us.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:00 ----------

 

My friends rave about this place! Say the cost is brilliant and food good.

 

I love Aagrah's but I always feel rushed!

 

Has anyone else been to, what was called Estikutum on Stainforth Road? It's a buffet but the food is, I think, cooked fresh and is beautiful.

 

I've tried Cutler's Spice and agree that it's a good "middle of the road" Indian.

 

I've also tried Eskimo Scrotum as well on Staniforth Road and was really underwhelmed by it. The food is more traditional than most, and I like that about it, but it's such a horrible dingy little place and it's empty even at peak times. Great if you like dining alone with no atmosphere I guess?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:03 ----------

 

Hi all just to let you all nkow we had a nice tasty indian meal at the shapla on cumberland street, I had a special with methi leaves and lentils in it and it was nice and spicey. I have got into the herb fenugreek lately and am growing this herb myself as well as taking it in capsule form it has many amazing health benefits for men and women. You can do a search on youtube or elsewhere. The leaves from the plant that go into indian cooking are called methi leaves which I have only just discovered. It is known for helping to control blood sugar levels so those who are diabetic may find it helpful.

Give it a go !

 

Don't need to grow it yourself mate or buy capsules. Just pop into any Asian grocer on London/Abbeydale road and buy a big bunch of it for next to nothing.

 

I agree with you that it's a nice herb btw. I'd also say, if you've got diabetes then see your GP and don't rely on any herbal medicines whatsoever. It's a serious condition that needs proper medical treatment.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:04 ----------

 

Without doubt the best Indian take away in Sheff has to be Taj in Middlewood Road, S6

 

You absolutely sure it's "without doubt"?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:05 ----------

 

Anyone eaten in the Vine at Mosborough ? Thinking of going for my 50th Next month ?

 

And pray what has this to do with the Best Indian restaurant/curry house in Sheffield?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:06 ----------

 

Ambars on Ecclesall road is nice been there a few times

 

This place has been going for donkey's years and was always a favourite of my Indian/Pakistani professional clients. I haven't tried it for years but I probably should give it another go. It's rather small inside though eh? But if the food is as good as I keep hearing then maybe it's worth another shot.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:07 ----------

 

Went to the Everest on Chesterfield Rd last night for the first time in a few years.

 

Absolutely superb. Faultless even.

 

A place I've not been to for years either tbh but it always used to be good for "basic" Indian food - like a good hot spicy madras with boiled rice and naan. Definitely not a "haute cuisine" experience though, but decent.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:12 ----------

 

THE BEST Indian restaurant in Sheffield is The House of Spice on Ecclesall Road next to Napoleons Casino, opposite St William's Church, and it has a car park opposite (in supermarket grounds - shared car park).

 

NOTE: The restaurant is closed for 2 to 4 weeks (July/Aug 2016) for kitchen refurbishment.

 

I am a foodie, having travelled the world for food. Everything they do there is simply superb. Never heard a bad word about it, and have introduced dozens of people to it and they still go there. I've gone there since it opened, and had birthday do's there too.

 

Plates and crockery a bit modern, not the usual scratched patterned crap. Very friendly staff. Great interior and ambiance. They don't use red food colouring, and everything is freshly cooked. VERY reasonable prices too.

 

Try it just once and you'll be hooked, as I am. I get twitchy if I miss a week!

 

You seem to know enough about it for you to have some vested interest in it? Right down to knowing the times it is closed and the reason for the same and their use of food colourings or not. Anyhow, regardless, I agree with you that I have never heard a bad word about it. In fact, I have never heard any words about it, good or bad, until I read your post.

 

It's in a prime location on Sheffield's Champs Elysee - so I expect it will be priced accordingly. If the food is as good as you say it's surprising it isn't developing a stronger reputation perhaps? But thanks for the tip and I may give this one a try - if only to be knowledgeable about yet another curry house in this city.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:13 ----------

 

i thought HOS was very average indeed... I am pleased to see that Urban Choola from London Road are relocating to the HOS site in October. Urban choola is a fab place, in the top 10 places in Sheffield for Indian style food...

 

I've also heard very good reports about this Urban Choola place - although it is a basic dining experience by all accounts.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:41 ----------

 

My choice would be this:

 

1 Akbar's - preferably the Meadow Bank Road branch rather than the city centre branch.

 

Upsides:

 

If you are looking for a very nice range of food and are not stuck in the "pappadom", "onion bhaji", "chicken tikka masala and chips" routine, then this could be for you. I'd urge anyone to try the tandoori starters especially. I'd recommend the masala fish, fish pakora, lamb chops, chicken tikka (not chicken tikka masala), seekh kebab. Try ordering a selection of these with maybe a side-dish of dall as an accompaniment. It could change your mind about what Indian/Pakistani food is really about.

 

The naan breads are freshly made and gigantic - brought to the table on spikes - absolutely delicious.

 

Downsides

 

The branch at Meadow Bank Road is as dark as a dungeon and not everyone will like that. At busy times you may have to wait 15/20 minutes to be seated. The branch at West One in the city centre has horrendous acoustics and it's difficult to hear yourself speak above the surrounding noise.

 

The curries are more like traditional Pakistani home-cooked dishes. They are rather dry in consistency - you don't get a big dish of curry sauce with bits of meat swimming in it - which is obviously what many people seem to have become used to as being a curry (thanks in no small way to the Bangladeshi style of curry house that has dominated for years). But you can always ask for it extra saucy if that's an issue for you.

 

Instead of your usual "chicken tikka masala" - here's a place you can try something very different. Chicken with lamb and mushrooms for example - or a "Handi" dish on the bone.

 

If you appreciate trying different things then Akbar is probably your best choice in this city in my opinion - and I genuinely have tried many of the ones suggested here.

 

2 Aagrah at Crystal Peaks

 

Extensive buffet 7 nights a week and nice quality food in rather a nice modern restaurant.

 

3 Mangla/Rajput

 

Mangla if you don't mind the rough area and basic surroundings - the food is good.

 

Rajput if you want something a little nicer to sit in and are happy to have more "mainstream" Indian fare.

 

The two places I use most in Sheffield are Akbar's and Takdir takeway at Parkhead (top of Ecclesall Road South). The Takdir takeway is as good or better than most restaurants in Sheffield.

 

For those willing to venture further afield -

 

Mem Saab

and

4550 Miles from Bombay

 

are both very good. But they are in Nottingham.

 

And my favourite Indian restaurant of all?

 

Zaika

 

on High Street, Kensington, London.

Edited September 7, 2016 by DerbyTup

[Nekatom 10]

Informative nice one. If ever you are Rotherham way try Cafe Naz at Wath, very good.

[allwednesday 11]

Great when you're drunk.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:33 ----------

 

 

Used to be good if you wanted to lose weight very fast. Closed for some time now. Deservedly.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:33 ----------

 

 

Average at best - but seems to have a cult following.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:35 ----------

 

 

No, there are several answers actually. What you suggested here in Mangla isn't a bad shout to be fair - a lot of my Indian/Pakistani clients like this one because the food is closer to what they would cook at home than most "Westernised" places. However, it is a very basic, spit and sawdust, establishment and in a pretty dodgy area.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:36 ----------

 

 

I must admit, I was impressed by this place too. I think it does what it does very well - which is not absolutely "top end" Indian but a very nice range of food and not too expensive either.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:42 ----------

 

 

I was eating at Aagrah's 20 years ago before they opened in Sheffield. It's a West Yorkshire chain (a bit like Akbar's) and the food there was always amongst the best in the Leeds/Bradford area.

 

I've found Aagrah's in Leopold Square to be a disappointment tbh. The fish starters were very good but the curries had tiny little slithers of meat in them, about the size of a 5p piece, and then there's the service....oh dear! I don't know if the staff there are being held hostage or something but they sure aren't very cheerful (apart from the radiant girl in traditional dress on reception). But the thing I dislike most of all about this place is that they don't honour bookings. We've booked a table, say for 9pm, on a few occasions and when we've got there we've had to wait an hour or more to be seated - because whilever walk-ins turn up they'll keep filling up their tables regardless of whether someone has booked it. For this reason we NEVER go there now.

 

Their branch at Crystal Peaks does a rather good buffet 7 days a week though and I'd recommend that.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:47 ----------

 

 

I'd second Akbar's - although I'm not so keen on the Sheffield city centre restaurant. The food there doesn't seem as good as the one on Meadow Bank Road (past Meadowhall) near Rotherham for some reason. It's the same menu exactly - but whether they think their clientele around West Street is a bit less "discerning" and they can take short cuts I don't know? I've eaten at Akbar's in Leeds and Manchester too and it's consistently good. Probably my number 1 I'd say - especially if your idea of a good Indian/Pakistani meal is something other than pappadoms, onion bhaji and bhuna with chips.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:48 ----------

 

 

Said a man who has obviously tried them all?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:50 ----------

 

 

Blimey! That makes him an authority then!

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:51 ----------

 

 

There's a clue in the chosen parlance here that tells you about the restaurant.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:52 ----------

 

 

You are obviously a very busy person Sir. The longest I ever had to wait there has been about 15 minutes. Similar to what I'd expect to wait if I'd booked a table somewhere.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:54 ----------

 

 

Tried that based on several recommendations and left feeling somewhat underwhelmed by it. I think Rajput's down the road is better tbh.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:56 ----------

 

 

Love it! another one that's trying to copy Akbar's eh? A bit like the one on West Street that eventually closed down after trying to imitate the best Indian/Pakistani restaurant in town.

 

Tell me, how is a "night-out" in Killamarsh these-days?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 06:58 ----------

 

 

Oh dear! A deficit of understanding is upon us.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:00 ----------

 

 

I've tried Cutler's Spice and agree that it's a good "middle of the road" Indian.

 

I've also tried Eskimo Scrotum as well on Staniforth Road and was really underwhelmed by it. The food is more traditional than most, and I like that about it, but it's such a horrible dingy little place and it's empty even at peak times. Great if you like dining alone with no atmosphere I guess?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:03 ----------

 

 

Don't need to grow it yourself mate or buy capsules. Just pop into any Asian grocer on London/Abbeydale road and buy a big bunch of it for next to nothing.

 

I agree with you that it's a nice herb btw. I'd also say, if you've got diabetes then see your GP and don't rely on any herbal medicines whatsoever. It's a serious condition that needs proper medical treatment.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:04 ----------

 

 

You absolutely sure it's "without doubt"?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:05 ----------

 

 

And pray what has this to do with the Best Indian restaurant/curry house in Sheffield?

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:06 ----------

 

 

This place has been going for donkey's years and was always a favourite of my Indian/Pakistani professional clients. I haven't tried it for years but I probably should give it another go. It's rather small inside though eh? But if the food is as good as I keep hearing then maybe it's worth another shot.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:07 ----------

 

 

A place I've not been to for years either tbh but it always used to be good for "basic" Indian food - like a good hot spicy madras with boiled rice and naan. Definitely not a "haute cuisine" experience though, but decent.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:12 ----------

 

 

You seem to know enough about it for you to have some vested interest in it? Right down to knowing the times it is closed and the reason for the same and their use of food colourings or not. Anyhow, regardless, I agree with you that I have never heard a bad word about it. In fact, I have never heard any words about it, good or bad, until I read your post.

 

It's in a prime location on Sheffield's Champs Elysee - so I expect it will be priced accordingly. If the food is as good as you say it's surprising it isn't developing a stronger reputation perhaps? But thanks for the tip and I may give this one a try - if only to be knowledgeable about yet another curry house in this city.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:13 ----------

 

 

I've also heard very good reports about this Urban Choola place - although it is a basic dining experience by all accounts.

 

---------- Post added 07-09-2016 at 07:41 ----------

 

My choice would be this:

 

1 Akbar's - preferably the Meadow Bank Road branch rather than the city centre branch.

 

Upsides:

 

If you are looking for a very nice range of food and are not stuck in the "pappadom", "onion bhaji", "chicken tikka masala and chips" routine, then this could be for you. I'd urge anyone to try the tandoori starters especially. I'd recommend the masala fish, fish pakora, lamb chops, chicken tikka (not chicken tikka masala), seekh kebab. Try ordering a selection of these with maybe a side-dish of dall as an accompaniment. It could change your mind about what Indian/Pakistani food is really about.

 

The naan breads are freshly made and gigantic - brought to the table on spikes - absolutely delicious.

 

Downsides

 

The branch at Meadow Bank Road is as dark as a dungeon and not everyone will like that. At busy times you may have to wait 15/20 minutes to be seated. The branch at West One in the city centre has horrendous acoustics and it's difficult to hear yourself speak above the surrounding noise.

 

The curries are more like traditional Pakistani home-cooked dishes. They are rather dry in consistency - you don't get a big dish of curry sauce with bits of meat swimming in it - which is obviously what many people seem to have become used to as being a curry (thanks in no small way to the Bangladeshi style of curry house that has dominated for years). But you can always ask for it extra saucy if that's an issue for you.

 

Instead of your usual "chicken tikka masala" - here's a place you can try something very different. Chicken with lamb and mushrooms for example - or a "Handi" dish on the bone.

 

If you appreciate trying different things then Akbar is probably your best choice in this city in my opinion - and I genuinely have tried many of the ones suggested here.

 

2 Aagrah at Crystal Peaks

 

Extensive buffet 7 nights a week and nice quality food in rather a nice modern restaurant.

 

3 Mangla/Rajput

 

Mangla if you don't mind the rough area and basic surroundings - the food is good.

 

Rajput if you want something a little nicer to sit in and are happy to have more "mainstream" Indian fare.

 

The two places I use most in Sheffield are Akbar's and Takdir takeway at Parkhead (top of Ecclesall Road South). The Takdir takeway is as good or better than most restaurants in Sheffield.

 

For those willing to venture further afield -

 

Mem Saab

and

4550 Miles from Bombay

 

are both very good. But they are in Nottingham.

 

And my favourite Indian restaurant of all?

 

Zaika

 

on High Street, Kensington, London.

 

Yes I've tried most of the local ones that are mentioned in the above post over the last 35 + years and I would mostly agree with your opinion and accurate description

I would also add to this the Indus at attercliffe & the ambar ecclesall road both very similar to shapla with a large band of loyal customers

[Goooooogle 10]

Great post DerbyTup

 

Have you tried Zaras in Crookes ? That is my personal favourite (and I have tried quite a few on the west side of the city as well as others further afield)

 

Always good quality and taste regardless of the day you go (some places I find can be very variable depending on which chef is in the kitchen...).

 

And its great value for takeaway if you collect (as they knock off 20 %).

 

http://www.zarasrestaurant.com/

 

I also do like the Ashoka on Ecclesall road for a slightly more upmarket meal.

[andy-thomson 10]

I really enjoy Ramas Bridge up in Crookes

[GOLDEN OLDIE 15]

Just been to The Front Room on Langsett Road at Hillsborough. This is Hillsborough meets New Delhi. The food is superb, the place is small but stylish and the food is beautifully presented. The staff are attentive and the manager Nadim, charming and helpful. Most of all the food is authentically Indian and delicious. Whats not to like? Park on the road at the back of the Rawson Spring and go in there for a pre-dinner drink!! Or the tram stop is outside the door!!

[JackK0 10]

Ambars on Ecclesall Road do nice currys

[top4718 838]

Great post DerbyTup

 

Have you tried Zaras in Crookes ? That is my personal favourite (and I have tried quite a few on the west side of the city as well as others further afield)

 

Always good quality and taste regardless of the day you go (some places I find can be very variable depending on which chef is in the kitchen...).

 

And its great value for takeaway if you collect (as they knock off 20 %).

 

http://www.zarasrestaurant.com/

 

I also do like the Ashoka on Ecclesall road for a slightly more upmarket meal.

 

Its a good post if a little holier than thou, just do not get this Akbars thing, average at best and horrid dark place where you feel rushed.

 

The food at Zara's and Ashoka is far better.

[Colmanspig 10]

Very entertaining post. No point sitting on the fence, no place for your pickle tray.

 

Have not been back to mangla since a selection of poor , currys 14 years ago. and inch of oil , all i could taste was chilli and salt. other than this your list is a good guide

 

Agree with the other poster here Zara's is very nice.

 

feel the thread needs a SOUTH Indian annex as its hard to compare with north indian and bengalli places.

Anyway

For South indian Mavellis on Glossop rd in town; the best cooks.

Sai Navas is the best for value, food very good. although the place its self is run down, and some times empty , untill it fills with homesick NHS medics.

 

Ramas bridge is good , but i find it overpriced compared to sai navas and not as good. Better at the frills and the restuarant is better kitted out and cleaner, servie can be mixed and it can be cold when not full.

 

Urban choola is okay, what i had .

Have not been to Anusavai, (spelling on london rd) or that new dosa cafe on eccie rd.

 

In summary quick bite when shopping in town Sai navas, Birthday treat Mavelli

Edited September 10, 2016 by Colmanspig

[JohnBook 10]

Just to add, I would say Butler's Balti is excellent and so is Zara's in Crookes. Arusavai is also nice and different from the norm.

[I1L2T3 10]

Hats off to DerbyTup.

 

The best food related post I've ever read on here.

 

---------- Post added 10-09-2016 at 23:32 ----------

 

I love a good pathia. Dil Shad on Woodseats used to do a very good pathia but the restaurant is closed now.

 

I know it isn't for everyone (heavy on tomatoes, no ginger, limes, fresh chilli and cane sugar in a proper one make it very distinctive) and not considered particularly traditional but if people have tried it which place does the best one in your opinion?

[lesn8 10]

Butler's Balti is definitely my favourite!