Lai La Kitchen — Restaurant in Broxbourne

I dined at Laila Kitchen with my parents during a stay in Cheshunt. My family is part-Iranian and we enjoy the similarity Turkish cuisine has with Persian.

We got a table even though we were asked if we made a reservation. It was a late Saturday evening and I reckon other days and times may require reservations.

We ordered the large Mixed Hot Platter to start. It was a lot for the three of us, especially as an appetiser. I would suggest ordering the small option if there are less than four people at the table.

For the main dish, I ordered the Chicken Bayti. It was well presented with rice, salad, and yogurt. The taste was amazing and the size was just right. I would recommend this dish.

My parents ordered the Laila Platter, which should serve two according to the menu. However, the dish was too big and we could not finish the meal. I would say the Laila Platter would either suit four people or two people without an appetiser.

I would like to compliment the staff member serving us because he offered drinks on the house after our main course was delayed due to their own error.

I would recommend Laila Kitchen once you are aware that Laila Platter and large mixed appetisers are very large, and that it might be worth reserving a...

We made a reservation for a specific table on September 14, 2023 for Sunday the 17th of September and we had spoken to the manager, Engin, to confirm. However, upon arriving on time, we were shocked to discover that our reserved table had been given to others, and we were told that there was no record of our reservation. This was a major inconvenience and disappointment. Staff did not care !

What made matters worse was the treatment we received from the staff. Despite my clear communication that I identify as "Miss" and am transgender, some of the male and female staff members continuously referred to me as "sir." This made me feel humiliated and hurt, and it's simply unacceptable to treat any guest this way.

Furthermore, the quality of the food left much to be desired. The dishes were tasteless and had a cheap appearance, which was not at all what we had expected. The service was chaotic and disorganized, making the whole dining experience feel like a circus.

Based on our experience, I would strongly advise others not to dine at Lai La Restaurant, and I hope that the management takes this feedback seriously to improve their service and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for...

We visited Lai La restaurant after taking our children to a playhouse, based on a friend’s recommendation that the food was great. When we walked in, the first thing the waiter asked was, “Have you lot booked a table?” I explained we hadn't, but we were told walk-ins were fine. She responded that they’re usually very busy and we should book online next time. However, the restaurant was mostly empty at the time—only three tables were occupied—and it was a Monday, not a weekend.

Despite that, we were told we could stay, but she still insisted we should have booked. She gave us a small table, even though a larger one was available. When we asked, she said it was booked, but it remained empty for the entire time we were there.

When ordering, the service was again unpleasant. Before finishing taking my order, the waiter interrupted to speak to my friend, then asked her what her child wanted to eat ,then turned back to me and asked, “What was you ordering?”—which came across as dismissive and rude.

That said, the food was well-cooked and nicely presented, just as our friend had said. Unfortunately, the poor service overshadowed the good food. I wouldn’t visit again based on...