Harden's survey result
Summary
This “buzzy, busy” subcontinental started out here as a tiny 28-seater, but its waistline has expanded over the years in sync with what is now a ten-strong national chain (the most recent offshoot of which, opened in early 2024, is the flagship of Blackburn’s £50m Cultural Quarter). The “seriously yummy food” (“always cheers us up!”) features epic naans, baltis and a special section of old-school classics; if you can’t get enough of it, try the ‘Chef’s Challenges’: the quantitative ‘For the Big Man’ and qualitative ‘For the Brave’ (you face a plate ‘hotter than a dragon’s breath’). Breaking news… RIP the founder of the chain, Shabir Hussain, who passed away aged 56 in October 2024.
Summary
“Just like going back to the 1970’s… but on a larger scale!” – this city-centre veteran has grown over the years as well as spawning a national chain. The “old school Indian food is very tasty with large portions and the biggest naans anywhere”. The menu features ‘Chef’s Challenges’ for the Big Man (quantity) and for the Brav (heat).
Summary
Shabir Hussain’s “fantastic” curry house prepares “Indian, Asian, Balti, Pakistani dishes to sort everyone’s taste buds”. Over three decades it has grown from a 28-seater in Bradford city centre into a national chain with spin-offs from Birmingham to Glasgow. The menu features two ‘challenges’ for the greedy or brave – on quantity and heat.
Summary
From a 28-seater in the town, Shabir Hussain’s curry house has grown into a 10-strong northern chain. Limited feedback this year, but still recommending it for a “cheap ’n’ cheerful” pit stop.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Akbar’s?
1276 Leeds Rd, Bradford, BD3 8LF
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.95 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £1.95 |
| Service | 10.00% |
1276 Leeds Rd, Bradford, BD3 8LF
Opening hours
| Monday | 5 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 5 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 5 pm‑11 pm |
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