Discover Authentic Indian Food in Glasgow
Looking for authentic Indian food in Glasgow? The Dhabba brings the flavours of India to the heart of Merchant City, Glasgow. Since opening in 2002, our kitchen has focused on Indian dishes inspired by regional traditions, from Punjabi tandoori cooking and rich North Indian curries to biryani, Indian breads and Chettinad specialities.
A Taste of India in the Heart of Glasgow
Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, with different regions, cooking traditions and ingredients creating very different styles of food. At The Dhabba, our menu brings together a selection of these regional influences in one Glasgow restaurant.
From Punjabi tandoori dishes and North Indian favourites to Chettinad-inspired cooking from Tamil Nadu, our menu gives diners the chance to explore different flavours of India in the heart of Merchant City.
Punjabi and North Indian Food in Glasgow
Punjabi cuisine is known for its bold flavours, aromatic spices and traditional tandoor cooking. At The Dhabba, these influences can be found across the menu, from grilled tandoori dishes and rich curries to freshly baked Indian breads.
The tandoor plays an important role in many of the dishes served at The Dhabba. High-heat cooking gives meats and breads their distinctive char, while marinades and spice blends add layers of flavour.
Popular tandoori choices include Achari Tikka, Lehsuni Boti and Malai Murg.
Achari Tikka combines chicken with the bold, tangy flavours associated with traditional Indian pickling spices. Lehsuni Boti pairs lamb with garlic and yoghurt, while Malai Murg offers a milder combination of cream and cardamom.
For guests who want to sample several styles of tandoori cooking, Tandoori Sangam brings together Macchi Tikka monkfish, Lehsuni Boti lamb and Malai Murg chicken on one platter.
Chettinad and Regional Indian Flavours
Indian cuisine extends far beyond the dishes commonly associated with North India.
One of the regional influences featured at The Dhabba is Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu in South India. Chettinad cooking is known for its aromatic spice blends, roasted ingredients, curry leaves and distinctive depth of flavour.
At The Dhabba, Murg Chettinad features tender chicken cooked with a bold Chettinad masala and coconut milk gravy. Chettinad Maas brings the same style of cooking to lamb, creating a rich and deeply spiced dish.
For diners exploring Indian cuisine in Glasgow, regional dishes such as these offer an opportunity to experience flavours that go beyond the familiar.
Tandoori Food in Glasgow
The tandoor is central to many Indian cooking traditions and remains one of the defining features of The Dhabba menu.
Tandoori cooking uses a clay oven and high heat to create smoky flavours and distinctive char while keeping properly marinated ingredients tender.
At The Dhabba, our tandoori selection includes chicken, lamb and seafood dishes prepared with carefully chosen marinades and spices.
Achari Tikka brings tangy pickling spices to chicken, while Lehsuni Boti combines lamb with garlic and yoghurt. Malai Murg is a fragrant, milder option featuring cream and cardamom.
The result is a selection of tandoori dishes that showcase the flavour and character of cooking over fire.
Dal Makhani: A North Indian Classic
No exploration of North Indian food would be complete without Dal Makhani.
Made with black lentils and kidney beans, Dal Makhani is known for its rich, comforting texture and deep flavour. Traditionally, the dish is cooked slowly so that the lentils and spices develop a full-bodied taste.
At The Dhabba, Dal Makhani is prepared as a traditional North Indian favourite, with a vegan option available on request.
It is the kind of dish that works perfectly alongside freshly baked naan, rice or other dishes from the menu.
Biryani at The Dhabba
Biryani is one of India’s best-known rice dishes, combining fragrant basmati rice with spices, aromatics and carefully prepared meat or vegetables.
At The Dhabba, our biryani selection includes dishes influenced by different Indian cooking traditions.
Our Nihari Shahi Biryani combines slow-cooked lamb shank with fragrant basmati rice, herbs and warming spices. It brings together the deep flavour of slow-cooked Nihari with the layered character of biryani.
Our Murg Tikka Biryani combines boneless chicken tikka with aromatic rice, spices and fresh coriander, bringing together two much-loved Indian cooking traditions: tandoori cooking and biryani.
For vegetarian diners, we also offer Subzi aur Paneer Biryani with seasonal vegetables and homemade paneer.
Whether you are searching for biryani in Glasgow or simply want to try something new from our menu, our biryani dishes are made to be enjoyed as part of a full Indian dining experience.
Fresh Indian Breads from the Tandoor
Indian breads are an essential part of many meals, and at The Dhabba they are baked fresh to order.
Classic Naan is a versatile favourite that pairs naturally with curries and grilled dishes. Lehsuni Naan adds fresh garlic and herbs, while Peshawari Naan offers a sweeter filling with semolina, coconut and dates.
For something richer, Naan-e-Bhurani combines cheddar cheese and fresh garlic.
Lacchhedar Paratha is a layered whole-wheat bread with a distinctive texture that makes it an excellent accompaniment to curries and other Indian dishes.
Freshly baked bread can transform a meal, especially when paired with rich sauces and slow-cooked curries.
Indian Food for Different Dietary Requirements
Choosing a restaurant can be difficult when you’re dining with people who have different dietary requirements.
The Dhabba has a 100% nut-free kitchen, and the menu includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
Our team can also help guests understand the ingredients used in dishes and identify suitable options. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when making your booking so that we can help make your dining experience as comfortable as possible.
Indian Food in Merchant City, Glasgow
Merchant City is one of Glasgow’s best-known dining and entertainment areas, and The Dhabba is located at 44 Candleriggs in the heart of the neighbourhood.
For visitors exploring Glasgow, local residents looking for a restaurant in Merchant City, or diners searching for authentic Indian food in Glasgow, The Dhabba provides a convenient city-centre setting for lunch, dinner and group occasions.
From Punjabi tandoori dishes and North Indian favourites to biryani, Indian breads and regional specialities, our menu brings together a variety of Indian flavours under one roof.
Visit The Dhabba
If you’re searching for authentic Indian food in Glasgow, we’d love to welcome you to The Dhabba.
Visit us at:
The Dhabba
44 Candleriggs
Merchant City
Glasgow G1 1LD
