Glasgow restaurant
Shish Mahal is a long-running West End Indian restaurant at 60–68 Park Road, Kelvinbridge — a short walk from Kelvinbridge subway. Ali Ahmed Aslam (“Mr Ali”) opened it on Gibson Street in 1964; after subsidence closed that building in the 1980s, the family moved to Park Road in 1990. Mr Ali died in December 2022; the restaurant remains family-run, with son Asif Ali among the directors. It is widely credited — including by Glasgow MPs, the BBC and the restaurant itself — as the birthplace of chicken tikka masala. The story goes that a customer found chicken tikka too dry in the 1970s, so Mr Ali added a mild yogurt-and-cream tomato sauce (sometimes said to have begun with condensed tomato soup). The restaurant’s own menu dates the masala to 1972. Whether or not it was the absolute first, Shish Mahal is inseparable from Glasgow’s claim on Britain’s favourite curry. In 2024 it received two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence (also marketed on the site as a 2025 accolade). Expect a broad classic and house-special curry menu: chicken tikka masala, bhoona, tandoori platters, pakoras and biryanis, with mains typically around £10–£19 and tandoori dishes about £10–£18 on the OpenTable menu. Open for lunch and dinner most days; book by phone on 0141 334 7899.
would like to thank Asif and the staff at the Shish Mahal for an excellent service and meal for my family and me last night, the food was fantastic, and the attention to detail was perfect! A great meal and a great night with my family., Well done Asif.
Read on Google MapsGreat service by all staff and Andleeb, he gave us a lot of tips as first time hikers in Glasgow. It’s apparently the place chicken tikka masala was invented! Food was delicious
Read on Google MapsThe food was okay, nothing special — but the staff were incredibly grumpy and unwelcoming. We were handed a written bill that didn’t match the prices on the menu — there was an unexplained extra £10 added. When we politely pointed it out, they didn’t even bother to apologise. Overall, a terrible experience. Won’t be returning.
Read on Google MapsWent with the family. Great service. Mr Ali(junior) was around and was extremely welcoming. Enjoyed hospitality very well! Very attentive and welcoming staff. Service was top notch. Tikka masala, jalfrezi, vegetable kadahi, malai kofta weee delicious! We asked for medium spice level which was perfect although my daughter thought the malai kofta could’ve been a little spicy. Visit if you’re around Glasgow Starters of mixed pakora, cauliflower and veg pakora and samosa chaat were very good!
Read on Google Maps15 of us for my son’s graduation dinner and we were all impressed with the food and the service, lovely staff. We had a range of starters, main meals and desserts which everyone enjoyed. Can’t say too much about the atmosphere as we were all chatting amongst ourselves most of the time. Will definitely be back 😊
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