Latest reviews for Restaurants in Aldgate, London, United Kingdom

S & M Cafe - Juicy sausages and creamy mash... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:00:41 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 2252

Website: http://www.sandmcafe.co.uk

I love the concept of this place... The sausages juicy and mash creamy, just like it should be. S&M are also doing their bit for the â¬ÜGreat British Grubâ¬" industry by supporting local and sustainable food sources. Specialising in the obivious, doesn't mean that's all they serve but the menu can be confusing and a much needed reworked version will lauch in a couple of weeks.

DÃ©cor is reminiscent of old English diners and thereâ¬"s a pleasant, buzzing vibe in the evening. Only criticism on appearance, is that the upmarket cafe could do with a spruce, a lick of paint and a bit more thought put into what goes on the walls.

I love the concept of this place... The sausages juicy and mash creamy, just like it should be. S&M are also doing their bit for the â¬ÜGreat British Grubâ¬" industry by supporting local and sustainable food sources. Specialising in the obivious, doesn't mean that's all they serve but the menu can be confusing and a much needed reworked version will lauch in a couple of weeks.

DÃ©cor is reminiscent of old English diners and thereâ¬"s a pleasant, buzzing vibe in the evening. Only criticism on appearance, is that the upmarket cafe could do with a spruce, a lick of paint and a bit more thought put into what goes on the walls.

The Shampan - Nice food...sh*t service by bakerga1

bakerga1 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:00:48 +0000

Review by bakerga1

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7375 0475

Website: http://www.shampan.co.uk

Tags: indian, takeaway, crowded

I took my girlfriend there on Saturday night and has a nice meal. HOWEVER I was so so shocked that we were rushed out onto the street.

One chap came over and said..."not being rude but can you hurry up and leave" I have NEVER been told to hurry up EVER.I took my girlfriend there on Saturday night and has a nice meal. HOWEVER I was so so shocked that we were rushed out onto the street.

One chap came over and said..."not being rude but can you hurry up and leave" I have NEVER been told to hurry up EVER.

Nando's Chickenland - mmm chicken by eatmeat

eatmeat — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:46:42 +0000

Review by eatmeat

Rating: 4.00

Tags: portuguese, cheap eat, lively

I really really like Nandos generally. I love chicken so this is the perfect place for me. Especially the grilled type. In this Aldgate branch, the food was to the same high quality that I am used to with other Nandos in London. The rice was fluffy, and had good taste, and the chicken was cooked through (I have on occasion had some not coked properly). In fact it was a bit over cooked, which happens quite often in Nandos, but is better over than under. Overall I would recommend this Nandos, the service was also pretty good, fast and friendly just what I expect.I really really like Nandos generally. I love chicken so this is the perfect place for me. Especially the grilled type. In this Aldgate branch, the food was to the same high quality that I am used to with other Nandos in London. The rice was fluffy, and had good taste, and the chicken was cooked through (I have on occasion had some not coked properly). In fact it was a bit over cooked, which happens quite often in Nandos, but is better over than under. Overall I would recommend this Nandos, the service was also pretty good, fast and friendly just what I expect.

Hawksmoor - When you need a more than decent steak by sue

sue — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:19:35 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 7392

Website: http://www.thehawksmoor.com

Tags: american, expensive, steak

When the birthday boy (BB) requested a meal at a nice restaurant where he could have a decent martini and a more than decent steak, Hawksmoor sprang to mind. From what I had read, it sounded like the perfect place for both. And it sure was.

We arrived early evening and slipped onto a comfy stool at the bar. Cocktails decided on, we relaxed at the end of a hectic week, really enjoying our perfectly mixed beverages. The place was fairly quiet at that stage, but the restaurant filled up as the night continued.

After drinks we moved to our table and had to decide just how big a piece of meat we could eat. We laughed (a little nervously) when we read on the menu - "Some people have mentioned that our cuts are on the big side - we hope you can forgive us."

I opted for the 400g Rib-eye, while BB went for the 600g Bone-in Sirloin. The steak just comes by itself, so sides are required - we ordered the Triple Cooked chips, the Honey-roasted vegetables, and the Macaroni Cheese. The steak was pretty expensive but so worth it. Lovely char-grilled flavour, rare and flavoursome. Very excellent pieces of meat. The sides were tasty too, though I did think that the Macaroni Cheese was over-priced. A big, full bodied bottle of Australian red wine complemented our meals perfectly.

Somehow we managed to clean our plates and still find room to share a dessert - the Chocolate Fudge Sundae. It was so delicious - ice cream, brownie chunks, crispy peanut brittle bits, chocolate sauce. Yum.

The prices at Hawksmoor mean this isn't going to become a regular haunt for us, but the quality of the steaks, along with the really lovely service and the relaxed atmosphere mean that next time we have an occasion that requires a decent martini and a more than decent steak we may well be back.When the birthday boy (BB) requested a meal at a nice restaurant where he could have a decent martini and a more than decent steak, Hawksmoor sprang to mind. From what I had read, it sounded like the perfect place for both. And it sure was.

We arrived early evening and slipped onto a comfy stool at the bar. Cocktails decided on, we relaxed at the end of a hectic week, really enjoying our perfectly mixed beverages. The place was fairly quiet at that stage, but the restaurant filled up as the night continued.

After drinks we moved to our table and had to decide just how big a piece of meat we could eat. We laughed (a little nervously) when we read on the menu - "Some people have mentioned that our cuts are on the big side - we hope you can forgive us."

I opted for the 400g Rib-eye, while BB went for the 600g Bone-in Sirloin. The steak just comes by itself, so sides are required - we ordered the Triple Cooked chips, the Honey-roasted vegetables, and the Macaroni Cheese. The steak was pretty expensive but so worth it. Lovely char-grilled flavour, rare and flavoursome. Very excellent pieces of meat. The sides were tasty too, though I did think that the Macaroni Cheese was over-priced. A big, full bodied bottle of Australian red wine complemented our meals perfectly.

Somehow we managed to clean our plates and still find room to share a dessert - the Chocolate Fudge Sundae. It was so delicious - ice cream, brownie chunks, crispy peanut brittle bits, chocolate sauce. Yum.

The prices at Hawksmoor mean this isn't going to become a regular haunt for us, but the quality of the steaks, along with the really lovely service and the relaxed atmosphere mean that next time we have an occasion that requires a decent martini and a more than decent steak we may well be back.

Canteen - Yum Yum by paul1979

paul1979 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:23:00 +0000

Review by paul1979

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0845 686 1122

Website: http://www.canteen.co.uk

Tags: british, lively, good value

Love this place. Have the devilled kidneys everytime i go and they are amazing!! They also do nice salads (warm beetroot and goats cheese) and lovely pies and bakes. Fresh and delicous. YumLove this place. Have the devilled kidneys everytime i go and they are amazing!! They also do nice salads (warm beetroot and goats cheese) and lovely pies and bakes. Fresh and delicous. Yum

Rosa's - Little gem off brick lane by YossiLondon

YossiLondon — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:23:02 +0000

Review by YossiLondon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: +44 20 7247 109

Tags: thai, good value, lively

Went to Rosa's on a recommendation and it was all it was cracked up to be! Food was delicious (personal favourite was the Salmon), atmosphere was friendly, vibrant and non-pretentious and it was reasonably priced.

Shall certainly be returning!Went to Rosa's on a recommendation and it was all it was cracked up to be! Food was delicious (personal favourite was the Salmon), atmosphere was friendly, vibrant and non-pretentious and it was reasonably priced.

Shall certainly be returning!

Green & Red Bar & Cantina - by josieloves

josieloves — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:52:11 +0000

Review by josieloves

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7749 9670

Website: http://www.greenred.co.uk

Tags: lively, mexican, cool

I was treated to a night out here for my birthday. We started downstairs at the basement bar. The cocktails were amazing, even if tequila isn't your thing. Well, actually that's not true, if you don't drink that or beer you're pretty much screwed but the variety of cocktails on offer means that you're bound to find one that is palatable. I recommend anything with watermelon.

Once seated on the ground floor for food, we ordered from the somewhat baffling menu. The lamb shank was tender, succulent and with a beautiful sauce but it didn't really have any accompaniments except mini tortillas. These were awful but then maybe i'm just too accustomed to western tortillas. There wasn't much else on offer to eat - a handful of meat dishes with salsa, refried beans and corn chips. But then if authentic mexican food is what you're after, i'm led to believe this is the place to go.

Personally, i didn't enjoy the food enough to want to come here again and it was quite expensive given that i left still feeling hungry. But if you like tequila, the downstairs bar (which does do tapas style food) is a great place to come for a few drinks.I was treated to a night out here for my birthday. We started downstairs at the basement bar. The cocktails were amazing, even if tequila isn't your thing. Well, actually that's not true, if you don't drink that or beer you're pretty much screwed but the variety of cocktails on offer means that you're bound to find one that is palatable. I recommend anything with watermelon.

Once seated on the ground floor for food, we ordered from the somewhat baffling menu. The lamb shank was tender, succulent and with a beautiful sauce but it didn't really have any accompaniments except mini tortillas. These were awful but then maybe i'm just too accustomed to western tortillas. There wasn't much else on offer to eat - a handful of meat dishes with salsa, refried beans and corn chips. But then if authentic mexican food is what you're after, i'm led to believe this is the place to go.

Personally, i didn't enjoy the food enough to want to come here again and it was quite expensive given that i left still feeling hungry. But if you like tequila, the downstairs bar (which does do tapas style food) is a great place to come for a few drinks.

Haz Restaurant - Good Turkish Food by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:28:16 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7929 7923

Website: http://www.hazrestaurant.co.uk/

Tags: turkish, good value, business

Haz offers a modern turkish fare and is quite popular amongst city workers. The interior is nice and there is plenty of space. But,it can get very busy during lunch. If you area big group, getting a reservation done in advance is a good idea.

The food is not very spicy and there are plenty to choose from. The lamb kofte are excellent. There are also lot of casseroles options available. Vegetarians have a smaller menu but I was told by my "veggie" friend that it was allright.

The food is reasonably priced and the quality is good. Service is little slow (i guess due to the lunch time rush).

if you want good turkish food for lunch, Haz is worth a try.
Haz offers a modern turkish fare and is quite popular amongst city workers. The interior is nice and there is plenty of space. But,it can get very busy during lunch. If you area big group, getting a reservation done in advance is a good idea.

The food is not very spicy and there are plenty to choose from. The lamb kofte are excellent. There are also lot of casseroles options available. Vegetarians have a smaller menu but I was told by my "veggie" friend that it was allright.

The food is reasonably priced and the quality is good. Service is little slow (i guess due to the lunch time rush).

if you want good turkish food for lunch, Haz is worth a try.

Lahore Kebab House - One of the best by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:22:50 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7488 2551

Tags: indian, good value, lively

Lahore Kebab House is one of the best curry houses in london. Located in Aldgate, it is almost always full and there is sometimes a wait to get a table. The interior is nothing special and the place is very noisy (lots of diners, bollywood music on the TV screens). The Lamb Chops and Sheekh Kebabs are favourite for starters. A special dish is Lamb Nihari, but its not on offer always. Try it if its available.

The food is reasonably priced and the service is ok given that the staff are always busy. The Ambience is not that great but the food makes up for it and you have to bring your own alcohol, which is a plus for those on budget.

Lahore Kebab House is one of the best curry houses in london. Located in Aldgate, it is almost always full and there is sometimes a wait to get a table. The interior is nothing special and the place is very noisy (lots of diners, bollywood music on the TV screens). The Lamb Chops and Sheekh Kebabs are favourite for starters. A special dish is Lamb Nihari, but its not on offer always. Try it if its available.

The food is reasonably priced and the service is ok given that the staff are always busy. The Ambience is not that great but the food makes up for it and you have to bring your own alcohol, which is a plus for those on budget.

Leon - The Best French Lebanese by baks162

baks162 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:30:16 +0000

Review by baks162

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4369

Website: http://www.leonrestaurants.co.uk

Tags: takeaway, international, lively

This is a very nice restaurant in a very nice place! I've been here for dinner quite a few times with my girfriend (this is her favourite restaurant) - they have a brilliant selection for vegetarians. The sweet potato falafels that they serve - I have not been able to find these even on Edgware road!

And for the healthy ones amongst us, the superfood salad is also good! Its reasonably priced and service is good.This is a very nice restaurant in a very nice place! I've been here for dinner quite a few times with my girfriend (this is her favourite restaurant) - they have a brilliant selection for vegetarians. The sweet potato falafels that they serve - I have not been able to find these even on Edgware road!

And for the healthy ones amongst us, the superfood salad is also good! Its reasonably priced and service is good.

Tayyab Kebab House - Want a good curry at a reasonable price? by alitech

alitech — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:32:00 +0000

Review by alitech

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 9543

Website: http://www.tayyabs.co.uk

Tags: indian, lively, crowded

I had discovered this restaurant about 2 years ago. I think it used to be called Tayyab Kebab House, now simply known as Tayyabs. The food here is amazing I have to say. I don't say that a lot about curry houses because I seldom find a good curry. I am Asian, I know my curry :)

The restaurant is situated in an awkward place in the middle of Fieldgate Street well away from the hustle bustle of East London. Its near Whitechapel station. But despite the weird location, it is hugely popular amongst locals. I go there from as far as Wembley to enjoy the food. It gets extremely busy on the weekends and you will notice that the service deteriorates. Its is almost always crowded and noisy so if you are looking for a quite restaurant, this is not for you. I go there for the food only which basically means putting up with the crowd, the queues, the bad service and the cramped tables and obviously smelly clothes by the time you are done.

Don't forget to try the mango lassi, its excellent.I had discovered this restaurant about 2 years ago. I think it used to be called Tayyab Kebab House, now simply known as Tayyabs. The food here is amazing I have to say. I don't say that a lot about curry houses because I seldom find a good curry. I am Asian, I know my curry :)

The restaurant is situated in an awkward place in the middle of Fieldgate Street well away from the hustle bustle of East London. Its near Whitechapel station. But despite the weird location, it is hugely popular amongst locals. I go there from as far as Wembley to enjoy the food. It gets extremely busy on the weekends and you will notice that the service deteriorates. Its is almost always crowded and noisy so if you are looking for a quite restaurant, this is not for you. I go there for the food only which basically means putting up with the crowd, the queues, the bad service and the cramped tables and obviously smelly clothes by the time you are done.

Don't forget to try the mango lassi, its excellent.

Mirch Masala - Tayyabs-beater! by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:45:47 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7377 6700

Tags: indian, cheap eat, cheap

Well, you could have knocked me down with a poppadum. For weeks, if not months, a friend of mine had been trying to persuade me to try Mirch Masala on Commercial Street, and of course I thought the very idea was insane. "Why on earth," I would say, "if I was going to eat anywhere in Whitechapel, would I go anywhere other than Tayyabs?". And given the sheer consistency and quality of the food there, I think you would agree I had a point. But more recently the buzz of recommendations for Mirch Masala had reached a even more deafening level as I learned a couple of colleagues at work at been and declared it (brace yourselves) "possibly" even better than Tayyabs. So that was that - on Friday evening I wandered down.

The menu was reassuringly Tayyabs-like in style, though perhaps slightly more extensive with a much larger vegetarian selection and some interesting Karahi options. We ordered a plate of sizzling lamb and chicken wing tikka, and on arrival you could immediately tell this was a kitchen with a supreme command of the grill. They were - and it almost pains me to say it - every bit as good as the grill from Tayyabs, succulent and salty and dripping with fantastic tandoori spicing.

The chilli naan was decent enough (nothing has yet beaten the garlic naan from Lahore over the road in my book, it's just a shame everything else there doesn't live up to it) but the Masala Bhindi was amazingly rich and meaty for a dish containing no meat, and the Karahi Chilli Chicken, despite containing slightly dry pieces of chicken, had such a wonderful tomatoey, herby sauce that I almost licked the bowl clean. Great stuff.

So, and here comes something I never thought I'd say, Mirch Masala may have done enough to replace Tayyabs as my curry house of choice in the East End. It's not just because of the food, either - although Mirch will certainly give them a run for their money. The problem is, thanks to people like me going on about how good Tayyabs is, it's more or less impossible to get in these days unless you turn up at 5:30pm or are willing to wait for two hours. And once you're in, securing a spot with enough room to use your elbows and not have people knocking you on the back of the head on the way to the toilets is yet another challenge. Mirch Masala serves tasty, cheap food in infinitely more relaxed (if rather canteen-y) surroundings and is a big enough restaurant that you don't have to sprint there after work to get a table. It has everything going for it. Let's just see how long it takes for the rest of the city to catch on... can you keep a secret?Well, you could have knocked me down with a poppadum. For weeks, if not months, a friend of mine had been trying to persuade me to try Mirch Masala on Commercial Street, and of course I thought the very idea was insane. "Why on earth," I would say, "if I was going to eat anywhere in Whitechapel, would I go anywhere other than Tayyabs?". And given the sheer consistency and quality of the food there, I think you would agree I had a point. But more recently the buzz of recommendations for Mirch Masala had reached a even more deafening level as I learned a couple of colleagues at work at been and declared it (brace yourselves) "possibly" even better than Tayyabs. So that was that - on Friday evening I wandered down.

The menu was reassuringly Tayyabs-like in style, though perhaps slightly more extensive with a much larger vegetarian selection and some interesting Karahi options. We ordered a plate of sizzling lamb and chicken wing tikka, and on arrival you could immediately tell this was a kitchen with a supreme command of the grill. They were - and it almost pains me to say it - every bit as good as the grill from Tayyabs, succulent and salty and dripping with fantastic tandoori spicing.

The chilli naan was decent enough (nothing has yet beaten the garlic naan from Lahore over the road in my book, it's just a shame everything else there doesn't live up to it) but the Masala Bhindi was amazingly rich and meaty for a dish containing no meat, and the Karahi Chilli Chicken, despite containing slightly dry pieces of chicken, had such a wonderful tomatoey, herby sauce that I almost licked the bowl clean. Great stuff.

So, and here comes something I never thought I'd say, Mirch Masala may have done enough to replace Tayyabs as my curry house of choice in the East End. It's not just because of the food, either - although Mirch will certainly give them a run for their money. The problem is, thanks to people like me going on about how good Tayyabs is, it's more or less impossible to get in these days unless you turn up at 5:30pm or are willing to wait for two hours. And once you're in, securing a spot with enough room to use your elbows and not have people knocking you on the back of the head on the way to the toilets is yet another challenge. Mirch Masala serves tasty, cheap food in infinitely more relaxed (if rather canteen-y) surroundings and is a big enough restaurant that you don't have to sprint there after work to get a table. It has everything going for it. Let's just see how long it takes for the rest of the city to catch on... can you keep a secret?

Zaytun Grill - Good by bobidiot

bobidiot — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:45:02 +0000

Review by bobidiot

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7790 5500

Tags: indian, takeaway

I would say this curry house is very good indeed. Easy to find but it was very crowded when we arrived, which is an indication of how good the food is there. We had a 15 minute wait before we could get a table, but the waiting area was very comfortable and relaxed, and they even gave us a complimentary drink each. How rare and unexpected is that! I have to say the food was worth the wait. Simply devine and as tasty as it gets. Everyone should come here for the wonderful service, every waiter had a smile on his face. We will be back this weekend, that is for sure. Very much recommended.I would say this curry house is very good indeed. Easy to find but it was very crowded when we arrived, which is an indication of how good the food is there. We had a 15 minute wait before we could get a table, but the waiting area was very comfortable and relaxed, and they even gave us a complimentary drink each. How rare and unexpected is that! I have to say the food was worth the wait. Simply devine and as tasty as it gets. Everyone should come here for the wonderful service, every waiter had a smile on his face. We will be back this weekend, that is for sure. Very much recommended.

New Tayyabs - New Tayyabs - May 30 2008 by Food_Snob

Food_Snob — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:02:35 +0000

Review by Food_Snob

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 9543

Website: http://www.tayyabs.co.uk

Tags: indian, crowded, cheap eat

Illustrated Critique:

http://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/category/restaurant-reviews/new-tayyabs-restaurant-reviews/

Text-only Critique:

For those of you unfamiliar with New Tayyabs (and there cannot be many) it is one of Londonâ¬"s great bon marchÃ©s â¬ authentic Pakistani cuisine served in generous portions with a BYO policy and no corkage, all for under Â£20 a head. The restaurant is ubiquitous among blogs, restaurant reviews and discussion boards, always highly rated and recommended, indeed often highlighted as an essential stop for anyone visiting London.

Thus, equipped with my Google-sourced map of East Aldgate and a vivid sense of adventure, I set off in search of Fieldgate St and the legendary bastion of Asian cookery that is New Tayyabs. It is a short and straightforward journey â¬ I work in the City and am heading there after work on a Friday â¬ but I have the constant impression I am going the wrong way and in the wrong place. A few minutes walk from Aldgate East, leaves me on Fieldgate Street and although I know I must be close, I cannot shake my doubts; could one of Londonâ¬"s most popular eateries be hidden on this quiet backstreet between a mosque and apartment blocks? I am not sure what I expected: bright lights, hustle and bustle in the streets, long queues of hungry dinersâ¬¦.I cannot say, but expectations are high

When I reach the entrance, there is no fanfare, no circus awaiting me, instead a smiling waiter waiting to show me to a table. The dÃ©cor is simple, quaint and Asian in style, there is a carafe of water and assortment of condiments (chutney, raita, etc) already on each table and the simple menu offers a decent choice of starters (mostly tandoori dishes), chicken/meat/vegetarian mains (mainly karahi style), daily specials and customary rice/bread. Apologies if I start to hurry here, but I am eager to describe the food

I am placed very close to the kitchen and the aromas wafting towards me are exotic and enticing; this is probably why I proceed to order much more than I can finish! For starters (yes, plural, but at such prices why not?), I opt for lamb chops (Â£5.20), panner tikka (Â£2.80) and a sheekh kebab (80p).

The lamp chops with the dry meat main are arguably the two most talked about dishes on the menu and with good reason. The four large juicy chops have been smothered in a spicy garam masala marinade, which after roasting, encrusts the meat with a deep and rich, smoky flavoured coating. Possibly still intoxicated by those aforementioned aromas, I lose all sense of decorum and find myself unabashedly, but quite rightly, eating with, then licking clean, my fingers. The chops steal centre stage, but the sheekh kebab is also tasty and flavoursome and is served together with the chops upon a sizzling skillet, whilst the panner (below), resembling my favourite cheese, hellim (also known popularly as halloumi), is firm yet velvety and complements the meat well.

For the next course, I order the dry meat (Â£5.60) and karahi chicken (Â£5.60) with a nan (Â£0.80) and later, tandoori parata (Â£1.80). I cannot do the dry meat justice; it is simply the tastiest curry I have ever had. Beautiful morsels of lamb are roasted slowly until they literally melt into the satisfyingly intense sauce. What is left is the most delicious spicy caramel paste that should be lovingly ladled from the pot to the lips with the aid of a freshly-baked nan or parata (both excellent). The karahi is nice too, made with juicy chunks of chicken, but is thoroughly eclipsed by the lamb.

At this point, I am totally stuffed, well, almost totally as I still ask for a dessert. I know I will not, I cannot, fully appreciate it after such a gross amount of food, but as those that know me would testify, I cannot not order dessert. As I am relatively naÃ¯ve when it comes to Asian sweets, I ask the waiter for his recommendation and he brings a portion of gulab jamun (Â£2.00). These are basically small balls of dough, cream and flour in a sugar syrup infusion, somewhat similar to Turkish lokma. They are brought piping hot and prove intensely sweet; a decent offering, though not one I am eager to retry.

The bill comes to a princely sum of Â£24.60 â¬ regulars will tell you what an achievement it is to break the Â£20 barrier and one only realised by me ordering two starters and two mains i.e. enough food for two people

It is hard to find fault with New Tayyabs; at what they do, they are terrific. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and there is a nice buzz generated by the open kitchen and large groups of diners. However, if I really wanted to be captious, I could complain that the waiter asked me twice whether I was ready for my main dishes, whilst I was still very obviously enjoying my starters and that my nan order was misplaced, forcing me to wait anxiously for something to dip into that delicious lamb dish, but such minor blunders can easily be forgiven.

I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and will surely return the next time I fancy a curry. Indeed, were I a bigger fan of Indian cuisine (I maybe eat it 2/3 times a year), I would most probably proclaim NT as one of my favourite London restaurants, but instead, I am afraid it will have to make do with being only my favourite Asian restaurant.

83 Fieldgate Street, London, E1 1JU
tel: 020 7247 6400
nearest tube: Aldgate East, Whitechapel
www.tayyabs.co.uk

Illustrated Critique:

http://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/category/restaurant-reviews/new-tayyabs-restaurant-reviews/

Text-only Critique:

For those of you unfamiliar with New Tayyabs (and there cannot be many) it is one of Londonâ¬"s great bon marchÃ©s â¬ authentic Pakistani cuisine served in generous portions with a BYO policy and no corkage, all for under Â£20 a head. The restaurant is ubiquitous among blogs, restaurant reviews and discussion boards, always highly rated and recommended, indeed often highlighted as an essential stop for anyone visiting London.

Thus, equipped with my Google-sourced map of East Aldgate and a vivid sense of adventure, I set off in search of Fieldgate St and the legendary bastion of Asian cookery that is New Tayyabs. It is a short and straightforward journey â¬ I work in the City and am heading there after work on a Friday â¬ but I have the constant impression I am going the wrong way and in the wrong place. A few minutes walk from Aldgate East, leaves me on Fieldgate Street and although I know I must be close, I cannot shake my doubts; could one of Londonâ¬"s most popular eateries be hidden on this quiet backstreet between a mosque and apartment blocks? I am not sure what I expected: bright lights, hustle and bustle in the streets, long queues of hungry dinersâ¬¦.I cannot say, but expectations are high

When I reach the entrance, there is no fanfare, no circus awaiting me, instead a smiling waiter waiting to show me to a table. The dÃ©cor is simple, quaint and Asian in style, there is a carafe of water and assortment of condiments (chutney, raita, etc) already on each table and the simple menu offers a decent choice of starters (mostly tandoori dishes), chicken/meat/vegetarian mains (mainly karahi style), daily specials and customary rice/bread. Apologies if I start to hurry here, but I am eager to describe the food

I am placed very close to the kitchen and the aromas wafting towards me are exotic and enticing; this is probably why I proceed to order much more than I can finish! For starters (yes, plural, but at such prices why not?), I opt for lamb chops (Â£5.20), panner tikka (Â£2.80) and a sheekh kebab (80p).

The lamp chops with the dry meat main are arguably the two most talked about dishes on the menu and with good reason. The four large juicy chops have been smothered in a spicy garam masala marinade, which after roasting, encrusts the meat with a deep and rich, smoky flavoured coating. Possibly still intoxicated by those aforementioned aromas, I lose all sense of decorum and find myself unabashedly, but quite rightly, eating with, then licking clean, my fingers. The chops steal centre stage, but the sheekh kebab is also tasty and flavoursome and is served together with the chops upon a sizzling skillet, whilst the panner (below), resembling my favourite cheese, hellim (also known popularly as halloumi), is firm yet velvety and complements the meat well.

For the next course, I order the dry meat (Â£5.60) and karahi chicken (Â£5.60) with a nan (Â£0.80) and later, tandoori parata (Â£1.80). I cannot do the dry meat justice; it is simply the tastiest curry I have ever had. Beautiful morsels of lamb are roasted slowly until they literally melt into the satisfyingly intense sauce. What is left is the most delicious spicy caramel paste that should be lovingly ladled from the pot to the lips with the aid of a freshly-baked nan or parata (both excellent). The karahi is nice too, made with juicy chunks of chicken, but is thoroughly eclipsed by the lamb.

At this point, I am totally stuffed, well, almost totally as I still ask for a dessert. I know I will not, I cannot, fully appreciate it after such a gross amount of food, but as those that know me would testify, I cannot not order dessert. As I am relatively naÃ¯ve when it comes to Asian sweets, I ask the waiter for his recommendation and he brings a portion of gulab jamun (Â£2.00). These are basically small balls of dough, cream and flour in a sugar syrup infusion, somewhat similar to Turkish lokma. They are brought piping hot and prove intensely sweet; a decent offering, though not one I am eager to retry.

The bill comes to a princely sum of Â£24.60 â¬ regulars will tell you what an achievement it is to break the Â£20 barrier and one only realised by me ordering two starters and two mains i.e. enough food for two people

It is hard to find fault with New Tayyabs; at what they do, they are terrific. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and there is a nice buzz generated by the open kitchen and large groups of diners. However, if I really wanted to be captious, I could complain that the waiter asked me twice whether I was ready for my main dishes, whilst I was still very obviously enjoying my starters and that my nan order was misplaced, forcing me to wait anxiously for something to dip into that delicious lamb dish, but such minor blunders can easily be forgiven.

I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and will surely return the next time I fancy a curry. Indeed, were I a bigger fan of Indian cuisine (I maybe eat it 2/3 times a year), I would most probably proclaim NT as one of my favourite London restaurants, but instead, I am afraid it will have to make do with being only my favourite Asian restaurant.

83 Fieldgate Street, London, E1 1JU
tel: 020 7247 6400
nearest tube: Aldgate East, Whitechapel
www.tayyabs.co.uk

Alishaan - Atmos by jovike

jovike — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:15:02 +0000

Review by jovike

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7392 2100

Website: http://www.alishaanrestaurant.co.uk

Tags: indian, lively, smoking

Good atmosphere with colourful decor - I hope they never repaint it!

I recommend the chicken dhansak here. It is superb, sweet and prepared in a way quite unlike anywhere else. The garlic, the balti and the bhoona are good. They also have prawn and fish dishes on their extensive menu which also features such staples as lassi and raita. I must try the roop chanda biran and the fish egg bora one day.

Friendly service. Sometimes busy with a few large parties.

The Alishaan is on Osborn Street, which is the southernmost section of Brick Lane. You can't miss the red neon.Good atmosphere with colourful decor - I hope they never repaint it!

I recommend the chicken dhansak here. It is superb, sweet and prepared in a way quite unlike anywhere else. The garlic, the balti and the bhoona are good. They also have prawn and fish dishes on their extensive menu which also features such staples as lassi and raita. I must try the roop chanda biran and the fish egg bora one day.

Friendly service. Sometimes busy with a few large parties.

The Alishaan is on Osborn Street, which is the southernmost section of Brick Lane. You can't miss the red neon.

Gaucho Broadgate - worth it by deadleg21

deadleg21 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:29:56 +0000

Review by deadleg21

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7256 6877

Website: http://www.gauchosgrill.com

Tags: lively, expensive, american

This is not a cheap restraunt but it is well worth it. You wont find a better steak in the area so close to the barbican. The sauces are amazing and complement the beautiful meat. I have visited a number of times and found my favorite dish was the stirloin which was nice and tender.

the furnishings for this restraunt are great and eccentric. The crowd usually consists of local workers during the day and a casual crowd in the evening. The sign of a good restraunt is a loyal local customer base.

The staff were very helpful and attentative. Their recommendations were spot on, they almost read my party like a book.This is not a cheap restraunt but it is well worth it. You wont find a better steak in the area so close to the barbican. The sauces are amazing and complement the beautiful meat. I have visited a number of times and found my favorite dish was the stirloin which was nice and tender.

the furnishings for this restraunt are great and eccentric. The crowd usually consists of local workers during the day and a casual crowd in the evening. The sign of a good restraunt is a loyal local customer base.

The staff were very helpful and attentative. Their recommendations were spot on, they almost read my party like a book.

Meraz Cafe - Best of the Rest. by deadleg21

deadleg21 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:15:24 +0000

Review by deadleg21

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 2588

Tags: indian, good value, cheap eat

There is alot of indian competition in the area around brick lane but this one really stands out.
First of all the athetics of the resturant are alot nicer than some of the "cheaper" indians. The build quality of the furnishings is of high quality and the general feel of the restraunt is plesant.
There is a great selection of dishes from ones which will burn your mouth to the smooth dishes like butter chicken. I personally like really hot dishes and was happy they had a dish that challenged me and actualy made me sweat!
If you want an indian and your in the area check out this place first!.There is alot of indian competition in the area around brick lane but this one really stands out.
First of all the athetics of the resturant are alot nicer than some of the "cheaper" indians. The build quality of the furnishings is of high quality and the general feel of the restraunt is plesant.
There is a great selection of dishes from ones which will burn your mouth to the smooth dishes like butter chicken. I personally like really hot dishes and was happy they had a dish that challenged me and actualy made me sweat!
If you want an indian and your in the area check out this place first!.

Les Trois Garcons - hard to beat by toma

toma — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:26:58 +0000

Review by toma

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7613 1924

Website: http://www.lestroisgarcons.com

Tags: french, expensive, romantic

just about my favourite for a special occasion. although somewhat a victim of its own popularity; the food remains spectacular and the ambiance is certainly one-of-a-kind. the seared foie gras in particular is do die for. only criticism is how difficult it is to get a table and price- hard to escape for under Â£100pp with decent wine- but what do you expect?just about my favourite for a special occasion. although somewhat a victim of its own popularity; the food remains spectacular and the ambiance is certainly one-of-a-kind. the seared foie gras in particular is do die for. only criticism is how difficult it is to get a table and price- hard to escape for under Â£100pp with decent wine- but what do you expect?

The Light Bar - Pumping Bar by Hilary

Hilary — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:34:43 +0000

Review by Hilary

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 8989

Website: http://www.thelighte1.com

Tags: lively, crowded, bar

The Light is a great spot with a large outdoor area. Very popular on a Friday night so you may want to book a table or get there early to grab a seat. Because it was busy getting a drink took a while unfortunately, but a good atmostphere.The Light is a great spot with a large outdoor area. Very popular on a Friday night so you may want to book a table or get there early to grab a seat. Because it was busy getting a drink took a while unfortunately, but a good atmostphere.

Aladin Restaurant - The Best!! by Sandra8809

Sandra8809 — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:27:47 +0000

Review by Sandra8809

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 8210

Tags: lively, indian, good value

This place is great for an evening out with friends or family. The atmosphere in the restaurant is dazzling and the service well couldnt get any better. The food is amongst the best in its locality. Overall simply great and definetly worth a try.This place is great for an evening out with friends or family. The atmosphere in the restaurant is dazzling and the service well couldnt get any better. The food is amongst the best in its locality. Overall simply great and definetly worth a try.