Ambala – Glasgow – Scotland

Ambala (Pakistani Cuisine), formerly – Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Pollokshields, Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) has been in operation at this site since November 2014. The original Ambala was located on Maxwell Rd. around the corner, however the premises were demolished soon after the start of the Millennium. It took eleven years for Ahmed, Mein Host, and his Father to find suitable premises.

Forth St. is only two blocks from Pollokshields East Station and is bounded by Albert Drive and Maxwell Rd., the Heart of the Asian Community in Glasgow. Forth St. has its issues: the coarse grained urban texture may perplex the passer by. With traditional tenements on the west side, there is also new build housing, traditional cottages and shop units adjacent to industrial premises. The east side has a busy Cash& Carry and a recently constructed Mosque. This single block in Forth Street is a hub of activity, fear not, Ambala originally claimed to have its own Car Park to the rear, no sign of this currently.  In daylight hours, Forth St. is chaos.

In the summer of 2016 the new Ambala premises were revamped, Hector’s first visit was towards the end of the redecoration.  Ten years after, as is seen below, the garish colour scheme has been replaced, Ambala is a Curry Cafe no more, most certainly a restaurant.  The more formal setting still attracts families.

In 2018 the decor was further enhanced, becoming possibly more psychedelic and less like an ice-cream shop.   

In 2024, Ambala was totally redesigned. A new frontage, doorway, facilities,  and seating layout was installed. No more a – Curry Cafe, Ambala is very much a restaurant. 

Ambala is open seven days a week from Noon until Midnight. Bookings are taken, wi-fi is provided.

Ambala is primarily a Punjabi Restaurant, however, Desserts feature prominently, so there is something for everyone.

Chatting with Ahmed in August 2016, he was keen to tell me that at Ambala they grind all of their own Spices and that Curry and Dessert is not just their game. In addition to a full range of Kebabs, they also sell Burgers, Pizza and even Peri-Peri Chicken. The Curry is what brought The Hector here, that I have kept returning says it all. The Desi Karahi Gosht impressed on Visit #1. The Lamb Handi subsequently became established as their Signature Dish (IMHO) but disappeared from the Menu after a revamp. It is still available on demand – Hector has been told oft. However, in August 2020, the ghost of the – Handi – was laid to rest.

For some, Lahori Chaska Lamb Karahi may be the menu highlight.

The Staff in 2016

Starters

The Curry

 

 The Rice and Breads

The Menu is diverse and ever evolving.

2026 Menu

Desserts too

… not forgetting Milkshakes