
Bombay Bicycle Chef
Quick info
About Bombay Bicycle Chef
On Balham High Rd in London, Bombay Bicycle Chef is an Indian restaurant with a modern, bright dining room. The menu covers curries such as lamb bhuna and butter paneer, and the curries come with naans. Biryani is on the list too, including a chicken biryani. Starters include vegetable pakoras and onion bhajis, so a meal can begin with something light before the mains. Vegetarian diners have plenty to choose from, with Kadai paneer sitting alongside the butter paneer.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance
- Good for kidsFamily-friendly
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention butter chicken, lamb bhuna, biryani and butter paneer.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention butter chicken, lamb bhuna, biryani and butter paneer.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the curries for depth of flavour and spice, naming butter paneer, a tender lamb bhuna and an authentic chicken biryani. Close behind are the naans, lacha paratha and onion bhajis, with plenty of vegetarian options, generous portions and friendly service also mentioned. The decor draws mixed comments, one calling it too brash and bright. Delivery brings the sharpest complaints. One diner found butter chicken and lamb madras ridiculously sweet, another received cold, damaged food with a bitter Dal Makhani, and a third found the butter chicken dry and the tandoor roti chewy. One table waited for a late paneer dish. The most detailed complaint describes a wrong Uber Eats order, then promised callbacks from the restaurant and manager that never came.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the curries for depth of flavour and spice, naming butter paneer, a tender lamb bhuna and an authentic chicken biryani. Close behind are the naans, lacha paratha and onion bhajis, with plenty of vegetarian options, generous portions and friendly service also mentioned. The decor draws mixed comments, one calling it too brash and bright. Delivery brings the sharpest complaints. One diner found butter chicken and lamb madras ridiculously sweet, another received cold, damaged food with a bitter Dal Makhani, and a third found the butter chicken dry and the tandoor roti chewy. One table waited for a late paneer dish. The most detailed complaint describes a wrong Uber Eats order, then promised callbacks from the restaurant and manager that never came.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I had ordered too many time with this restaurant and Biryani’s is really authentic and perfectly cooked, delicious. Staff are very polite and helpful. Always choose to Bombay Bicycle Chef.”
- Google user
“The food was very yummy with great flavours - would recommend the lacha paratha, Manchurian, noodles. We ordered chicken bhuna and Kadai paneer along with the above food. The paneer sabji came out much later than the other food when most of the food was finished which wasn’t great. Restaurant’s ambience was good. Strangely wasn’t that busy for a weekend.”
- Google user
“Food arrived cold and damaged. The Dal Makhani was very bitter tasting and completely inedible - you could see actual garlic bits so it had not been cooked through properly. The chicken biryani was ok, not the best I’ve had. Chicken masala was good. All in all, I would not eat from here again.”
- Google user
“Generous portions, friendly service, delicious food. Would highly recommend!”
- Google user
“We ordered a delivery - butter chicken and lamb madras. The food delivered was ridiculously sweet. The branch in Battersea is a million times better. The Balham one is rubbish in comparison.”
Highlights
“Bombay Bicycle Chef is a fine Indian cuisine restaurant that brings the vibrant flavors of India to your table. With a perfect blend of traditional recipes and contemporary twists, our menu features rich curries, aromatic biryanis, sizzling tandoori dishes, and freshly baked naan. Every dish is crafted using high-quality ingredients and authentic spices, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or an adventurous new taste, Bombay Bicycle Chef delivers bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a cozy ambiance that transports you straight to the heart of India.”
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Family-friendly
Show more amenities
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
- Casual
- Beer
- Coffee
- Late-night food
- Offerings· 5
- Alcohol
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Planning· 1
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Dining options· 5
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Service options· 1
- Delivery
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Facilities· 2
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
Location
Indian restaurants near Bombay Bicycle Chef
- Bombay Bicycle Chef4.33091.5 mi£10–20
biryani, garlic naan, chicken korma
- Dishoom Battersea4.98,3082.3 mi£15–30
chicken ruby, pav bhaji, okra fries
- Chokhi Dhani4.21,3792.5 mi£30–80
maharani thali, gatte curry, lassi
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bombay Bicycle Chef | 4.4248 | — | £10–30 | butter chicken, lamb bhuna, biryani |
| Bombay Bicycle Chef | 4.3309 | 1.5 mi | £10–20 | biryani, garlic naan, chicken korma |
| Dishoom Battersea | 4.98,308 | 2.3 mi | £15–30 | chicken ruby, pav bhaji, okra fries |
| Chokhi Dhani | 4.21,379 | 2.5 mi | £30–80 | maharani thali, gatte curry, lassi |
The 3 nearest indian restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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