Mangal Express — Restaurant in Basildon

Mangal Express is leading the show in Billiricay with their unique authentic food topped with a pinch of a welcoming friendly service.

This was a rare but diamond of a find for me. I used to travel by train to the University of Essex between 2012 and 2015. At the time, trains from London Liverpool Street to Colchester on weekends would stop at Billiricay and provide a coach journey for parts of the remaining journey. I was hungry one day on my way back to university and the coaches was uncomfortably full. Taking the decision to wonder around to grab a quick bite, I stumbled across Mangal Express. Many years later, now in 2019, I was driving past the area and thought to have another quick bite.

I am extremely pleased to see the ownership and the taste of their food hasn't deteriorated over time. The standard and quality of their food belongs in Londons busiest high streets, its that good. Their prices are fair, a little on the cheaper side given the portions of their food. Their chicken and lamb shish would surpass most expectations.

I have been there countless times and even after returning to Mangal Express after many years I'm yet to be disappointed. Matter of fact, from my previous visit, they have upgraded their packaging making it more environmentally friendly and a lot more pleasurable to eat from (compared to the standard kebab shops where they throw everything into a plastic container which just accumulates oil overtime).

I recently went in their with a family relative and figured people fail to appreciate food and give credit where its due so I decided to write yet another extensive review. I hope those reading this take my review into...

Got recommended this lovely place by family & friends and it did not disappoint!! The shop has a open planned layout clean and tidy with a cosy atmosphere which feels welcoming. As soon as you step in you’re suddenly struck with this amazing scent of barbecue which has you looking forward for your meal already.

The staff are very polite and friendly, eager to serve you the best making you feel at comfort as you order and wait for your meal. They also do collection orders by phone which is great if you prefer not to wait. The Kebabs taste delicious, traditionally seasoned which are cooked to high standards served with fresh salad and generous portions. I’d recommend to try their doners as they’re one of the best I’ve had.

I have to also mention there packaging is something else, top quality is what you get from a well established place. This place is an absolute gem and will definitely be returning...

I’ve ordered from here several times and usually enjoy the food — it’s consistently good. However, the customer service often lets the experience down. On more than one occasion, I’ve requested a chicken sheesh wrap with salad inside, and the staff — particularly Antina — has responded with unnecessary attitude, even suggesting I should just make it at home.

As a regular customer, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for salad in a wrap, and it shouldn’t be met with resistance or rudeness. Sadly, this has happened multiple times, and it makes the experience awkward and uncomfortable. It’s a shame, because the food is great — but the service makes it hard to recommend.

That said, there is one staff member who always stands out: T-Jay. He’s polite, helpful, and consistently provides excellent customer service. If you do visit, I highly recommend asking for him — he really makes...