Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine - GLEBE

We were eager to visit this Indian restaurant located in Glebe and were pleased with the customer service upon arrival around 6pm. No doubt that they were friendly. However, things changed when we had the entrees (Quail-which cannot be seen on their website’s menu and Dabar Chaat). The quail was hard to eat as it was served with bones. Meanwhile, as said on the menu, “Crisped spinach tossed together with potato and chickpeas topped with ‘tongue twisting’ sauce”, we got a colorful and sweet chaat with heaps of onions and chickpea “skin”. There was no potatoes rather just moong daal. The waitress was so friendly and kept asking about our food and so we complained that there was no chickpeas and was insisting that it has always been presented as sweet in the restaurant but will talk the chef regarding this matter and even offered in a sarcastic manner that we can have more chickpeas which I refused. Few minutes later, another waitress came and told us the same thing and we felt like they don’t listen to our side rather they argue that, it is how it is.  Anyway, with our mains, we had Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani and their famous Chicken Chat Pat which was just an average food. The Chat Pat was supposed to have that “tickly taste and amazing flavour on the pallet” rather we had a dominant taste of cumin and a bit of heat instead. Lastly, we had mango kulfi and carrot halwa for dessert. The kulfi was served like a scoop of ice cream and the halwa had an unpleasant smell and was mushy.   Upon paying our bill, I just gave the waitress a heads up that the halwa was a bit off and was a bit smelly and again, she argued that it was fresh and was made in the morning.  I told her that I am Pakistani and I know how it should taste and smell like and she just said “I will let the chef know”. Anyway, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to anyone. Lesson learned, read the reviews first before visiting.

Darbar is a sub-level restaurant space, contributing heavily to its dark, underground vibe. There's several defined dining areas great for visiting in groups. Darbar's menu is relatively extensive so sports a good range of options beyond your local takeaway. Darbar's rendition of Papri Chaat - the Darbar Chaat ($13) presents like a a pretty, patterned soup, and rather than large crisps, these are actually buried below the yoghurt and tamarind mix, not unlike a savoury cereal. It's sweet and tangy, but not great for eating with your hands. The Masala Dosai ($15) is one of the better versions around the city. Its a savoury yet flavourful potato mix. The sambhar is the same, and to my preference not as watery as some others available elsewhere. The Railway Goat Curry ($23) is a little too rich but quite flavoursome. The tenderness of goat is varied, and we enjoyed some beautifully tender portions yet others a little tough and chewy to get to. The Biryani ($23) is served traditionally, served and cooked within a pastry topped dish. Whilst the flavours were complex and present, the rice was overcooked from potentially a little too much sauce. I must admit whilst the staff can seem a little stretched, their nature and friendliness are forgiving. There's genuine interest in hosting a great experience and makes for a generally lovely experience. crumbs-au.com

It is a sub-level restaurant room that contributes hard to its dark, underground atmosphere. There are several defined dining areas that can be visited in groups. Albar's menu is relatively extensive so that there is a good spectrum of options that go beyond your local TakeAway. Albar's playback of Papri Chaat - the Darbar Chaat ($ 13) presents like a pretty, patterned soup and instead of large chips, these are actually buried below the yogurt and tamarind mix, not unlike a hearty cereal. It's sweet and tangy, but not great to eat with your hands. The Masala Dosai ($ 15) is one of the better versions in the city. It's a hearty but tasty potato mix. The Sambhar is the same and my preference is not as aqueous how some other elsewhere are available. Grief Grief The railway web curry ($ 23) is a bit too rich, but pretty flavesome. The tenderness of the goat is varied, and we enjoyed some beautifully tender portions, others a bit hard and tough to come. The Biryani ($ 23) is ... read more

I've been here often, actually surprised that I had not checked it yet. Unnecessarily to say, it is constantly good. The beautiful sandstone building creates such a large ambience. Only matched by the beautiful dishes on the menu. We went with the chef recommended and all were absolutely delicious. Beginned with the Jal Pari Hariyali - crispy skin salmon on a bed of sweet potato porridge and spiced potatoes. The net was Chick Chukka and Palak Paneer, both were outstanding. And I think the Naan is one of the best in Sydney. It is thin, crispy, but just enough dough-like body to wipe the delicious curry juices. The service was friendly, but the food took a little longer than expected that it came out, but it was worth waiting. And the great wine recommendations have really helped time - some really good options and well cheaper. Fantastic experience, highly recommended this hidden jewel in Glebe.

Tuesday evening 1/2 Price Main meals is very good value. ???? Grief The aromas of food were very good. Grief The Koftas in the Malai Kofta were a bit dry (reminded me of Felafel!) The Dal was delicious. Grief Grief Unfortunately, the pages did not come simultaneously with the main meal. But when they come, they were pretty delicious - great hot cucumber !! Grief Cost: 2 Pax + bottle wine for $ 67. (Remember that Tuesday, 1/2 Main Meal Deal) Grief Overall: This is a good value for a mid-week meal with reliable food.