Buckingham Balti House

I went to the Buckingham Balti House with a group of friends this week. We'd been slightly disconcerted by the negative reviews on this site, but decided to trust the fact that the majority of reviews were highly complimentary. And it was excellent. Lovely food and very pleasant, friendly, helpful service. We just couldn't understand where the negative reviews had come from. And despite the review claiming that the prices are aimed at tourists, we didn't find that either: the prices are perfectly normal and as you'd expect.

So if you've been put off by the negative reviews, please don't be. All 8 of us in our group said we'd be very happy to go back another time.

Was dying to have some spicy food, and looked up resturants near Victoria and hey presto! Reading the last review, thought oh dear but all in all others were great so chanced it. Needn't have worried, upon seeing a picture of one of my musical heroes Mr none other than Jools Holland, all disappeared!!

Chicken & Lamb Tikka cooked to perfection with lovely naan bread. Biryani and an extra spicy lamb vindaloo rounded off the meal, and a brucy bonus of a kulfi ice cream just for the road :)

Thanx guys, especially the manager Mr Monzur who I chatted with at great length, will be back soon and expect more of the same!!

I visited this restaurant with my boyfriend yesterday evening after noticing it so close by to Victoria station, and being aware there were no other Indian restaurants in walking distance. The Prime Minister of Australia once apparently dined there so I was confident that we couldn't go too wrong with Buckingham Balti House.

... Apparently not though. I had a terrible experience here all-round and neither the staff nor the manager were interested in my complaint. Firstly the poppadoms, to their own admission had been cooked TWO to THREE days in advance, and this was apparently very reasonable of them... The manager told me that I should not expect the food in the restaurant to be comparable to food cooke dat home, and such was to be expected. Silly me for expecting fresh poppadoms at something like £1/piece.

Unfortunately my experienced was worsened when I asked for a portion of wholemeal rice and was instead served "pilau rice" which is completely different - but again who am I to expect to receive the same dish that I ordered, I am not eating at home... Furthermore, the curry which I asked for to be "extra spicy" was completely mild and bland.

I attempted to raise my complaint to the manager but he had none of it and then had the audacity to deserve a 10% service charge. I couldn't stand staying any longer in the grimy ghetto that is Buckingham Balti House so paid it and made a hasty exit, grabbing a handful of chocolate mints on the way out - the best part of the meal by far.

I had a very bad experience while visiting this place early this month. The food was tasty but not authentic. The service was discriminatory. I wish there was a place to add the video for you all to hear the person saying "you are a low life". I really did not expect to be so humiliated by your own fellow Indian in a developed country like the United Kingdom. I am sorry to say this but Indians should know better not to discriminate based on the color of skin.

It was about 1pm or so and away form home for almost a week. When I saw the restaurant and the went through the menu, I wanted to eat Samosa Chat. Went inside and found that the place looked clean. I ordered Samosa Chat. The waiter did not know what I was talking about. I explained what it was but failed. The person in the counter thought I was ordering "Chai", finally I settled asking him to give me Samosa and Aloo Chat separately. I could see my decision to have this offended him. Then he asked what is your main course. I said, I was only interested in having Aloo Chat. He responded saying that he would not serve me. I was surprised to discover later that the restaurant considered Aloo Chat and Samosa as Appetizer and they would not serve without the main course.

I certainly understand every business has their own rules and regulation, but a restaurant which has a big sign that says "Take Away Food Available" chooses not to serve over suggesting a take out, make me wonder if the Indian Cuisine is only interested in serving non-indians.

Finally I requested to give me a take out and discovered later that there was no spoon or napkins.

I really think this place is really good, since the owners have changed, well mannered and fast service, always try to go there with my friends and family, truley an outstanding place.

Name: goken31
Location: east london

i could only say one thing everything was great, me and my friends where thier last night, great service and food, truly a place to go for the people who love currys :)

Went for lunch yesterday, had a great meal, served quickly which is ideal for that 45min lunch break. highly recommend the place, superb food and great service. I will definitely come back for more. Thanks to everyone at the place.

Must start with a big THANK YOU to the staff at Buckingham Balti House. I work close to Victoria and have been here a few years ago and not had a very good experience. I went again last Sunday for dinner with my family after being told the place is under new ownership and a day out near Buckingham Palace (this place is literally 2 minutes away on same road!). I was met by extremely polite waiting staff upon entry (very different to the last time) and we had great seats near the window which was ideal for my 2 kids. We ordered various chicken and lamb dishes, mouthwatering and the spicyness perfect, washed down with plenty of wine and soft drinks. I would like to thank the staff for bending over backwards in accommodating my family and will definitely be back for more regularly. Thank you Buckingham Balti House and staff.

This place is designed for tourists who know no better. Tiny portions at tourist prices means that I will not be going back. The food itself, what there was of it, was very good but if your expectations go beyond a portion of curry that you can fit in your fist then think again before stepping through their door.

Never had a worse experience than this. First of all no one in the restaurant is an indian or understands the nuances of the indian food. the staff give those looks 'why are you here'. Had to wait for 20 minutes before the water comes for order and 40 more minutes for meals to arrive.

They arrogantly asked to place all orders together and would not come for orders again and again. The prices are inflated, cost us GBP 25 for half a meal for two of us. Never see a smile, but just those 'f*** off from here' looks. The bill was hand scribled and had items we never ordered.