Tayba restaurant — Restaurant in Utrecht

I sometimes go here for their excellent chicken wraps. The last time however, I decided to sit down and enjoy a full-course meal.

Whereas I normally would visit around lunchtime, when the place is fairly empty, around dinner time it was bustling with activity. Families, couples, and a flurry of to-go orders really livened up the place.

I was fairly hungry and craving protein, so I ordered a whole grilled chicken with rice. The patron kindly informed me that he expected that it would be too much for me and offered half a chicken. I conceded. He then asked me if I would have liked a salad as a side. Since I was hungry, it seemed to me a fair compromise.

When I sat down at the relatively cramped table I was brought a free coffee as a token of hospitality. Appreciative as I might have been, the caffeine also suppressed my appetite a bit, which I should have seen coming but still do not understand. Should I have asked for water?

Within minutes I was brought a very large salad, which was a simple yet tasty combination of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and vinegar topped with strange croutons that reminded me of Krupuk. Soon after a steaming wooden plank of Chicken, vegetable garnish and yellow rice was set before me. The chicken was delicious as always, grilled towards a smoky flavor that I had not yet tasted before. It all looked nice, carefully arranged and decorated.

However, due to the salad being so large and because the rice and garnish were greater in volume that the actual chicken, I left with a full stomach but with my chicken craving intact. Add to this the rather uninspiring menu (fries? more fries!), 'diner-style' interior and family-oriented atmosphere and my conclusion makes my heart sad. For I was welcomed with utmost respect and hospitality and for a diner, their meals really are quite good.

Nonetheless I take writing reviews seriously and my standard is that of comparison. And compared to other establishments in this fine city, it's 'nice'.

6,5/10 will definitely order grilled chicken wraps here again.

UPDATE: Almost a year later, these folks have upped their game significantly. I now order here regularly. Their BBQ meat is just sublime and they have improved their dishes with variety and garnish. I'd even say it's one of the best takeaway restaurant in Utrecht now. I'd still rather not visit their restaurant but I might in a few years, if they have had the chance to refurnish and...

Food quality and taste, I'll give it a 9. However, the service and general atmosphere makes me not go again. Staff do not understand English, tried in Dutch but although they claim they understand, they made mistakes in the order. In the end, I asked for the bill and they asked to pay first and then to get my bill! None of the staff really smiles. Proper service is a must for a restaurant and this was not the case... Great food but possible to find somewhere else of the same quality with better service. This is the second review because on the first they replied wrongly that my tone was the issue. Of course it was because you could not understand and your staff insisted on making mistakes intentionally. For example I asked 3 times for tap water and the staff said they understood and brought a bottle expecting me to say ok in the end. Until I get angry and request for tap water to the cashier. Then I asked to have the bill on my table and I have been requested to pay first. No potatoes or anything else removed from the...

The restaurant is surrounded by water in the canal which gives a delightful view for those who wanna eat or drink on the balcony. We went on a busy time so maybe that is the reason for which it took one hour and ten minutes to get our food, however my uncle waited fifteen more minutes to get his! This was not really cool to eat at different moments! They apologised for being late because it was a busy day but it would be better to inform us in advance! The washrooms were not so proper and clean which is a very important part of every restaurant for me! You can easily find some street parking lots as well, we parked in five minutes of the restaurant. Last but not the least, I should insist on the quality and the taste of food which was great! It was actually one of the best Barbecue restaurants so far, don't hesitate to try (keep in mind to count at least one hour to get Ur order). The waiters were fast and nice too, Thank...