Qabeela Shinwari & Villa Hamilton — Restaurant in Great Britain

I recently visited Qabeela Shinwari, an Afghan restaurant in Hamilton, for a group lunch with around 30 people (including kids). We had made a booking in advance, and the total bill came to just over £500. Here's my honest take on the experience. 🍽️ What We Ordered: Lamb Karahi (2kg) Chicken Karahi (4kg) Kabuli Pulao (3 portions) Chapli Kebabs (5 portions) Chicken Wings (6 portions) Lassi and assorted drinks ✅ What Was Good: The chicken karahi, kabuli pulao, chapli kebabs, and wings were all flavourful and well-received by the group. The seasoning was on point, and the meat (especially chicken) was tender and juicy. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal overall. The restaurant's seating arrangement and ambience stood out. It's well-located, spacious, and the setup works great for both families and large gatherings. The service was excellent — a 5-star experience. We were even offered complimentary qawa (Afghan green tea) after the meal, which was a nice touch. ❌ What Could Be Better: As a lamb lover, I was genuinely disappointed with the lamb karahi. For a dish that cost £92 for just 2kg, I expected premium quality — at the very least, proper spring lamb with bones for that authentic flavour. Instead, it seemed like cheap cuts (possibly from Farmfoods) were used. It didn’t live up to the rest of the meal and felt like poor value for money. Also, unlike other restaurants, Qabeela Shinwari doesn't offer flexible portion-based pricing (e.g. half kg, full kg at adjusted rates). Everything is charged in flat portions, which adds up quickly and likely contributed to our £500+ bill. More clarity and flexibility in the menu could go a long way in improving the customer experience. 🌟 Standout Moment: The service and seating were the true highlights. The staff were attentive, courteous, and made sure everything ran smoothly for such a large group. The restaurant atmosphere was calm and inviting, perfect for a family gathering. 👍 Would I Recommend It? Yes, I would — but with some caveats. If I return, I’ll likely stick to the kabuli pulao and chapli kebabs, which were excellent. I’d avoid the lamb karahi unless I know the meat quality...

Had good expectations of this place. Waited about 40 mins for food to come despite waiter said saying 20 mins. Brought food out all at once. Despite asking if we wanted the start first, which we did.

Waitress looked as if she genuinely couldn't be bothered and sniggered when I asked for a can of Coke (hilarious I know). Seemed confused when bringing out the order, as if she didn't know which food belonged to which table. Didn't even bother to ask if everything was ok, so no tip given. Definite language barrier as she couldn't understand English properly. Moved us and another table to different tables as she said they were reserved but they weren't. This wasn't professional atall as the drinks and plates had to be moved, do t know why we were placed there in the first place if they really were reserved? To their credit, the other waitress (but older and wiser) did ask how everything was, even although she wasn't even dealing with us because your own waitress was so unprofessional.

Food was average. Not full of flavour like Pakistani dishes, this was bland. Dishes are over prices for the portions. £17 for a lamb shank for example for 1 person. Chicken karahi - Although well cooked, lacked any depth of flavour. The place lacks any ambience whatsoever. No atmosphere, even some background music would've been a nice touch. Place was dead on a Saturday dinner time, only another 7 other guests in the entire restaurant.

Overall - overpriced food with small portions. Customer service leaves alot to be desired. Sadly, wouldn't recommend atall or be returning. We paid £52 for 2 people but everything was so average/poor. I...

went on a Sunday night. No problem getting a table tho there was a large party being held in the back. Pretty much knew what we were going to order so didnt really want to wait too long to put our order in. Drinks order was 2 Spites and a water. After 15 mins we had to ask if it would be long. Just for drinks. Maybe an oversight on their behalf cos of the large party, Fair enough. Food order was couple of starters(chicken wings, lamb chops). Nearly half hour wait. Both were delicious tho. No complaints. Mains were Chicken Karahi, Shinwari Chapli Kebab and a Chicken Burger. And a Plain Naan. Karahi was ok. Not spicey but ok. Kebabs were like spicey burger patties. Nice flavour but very loose texture. Felt like they could have had a couple of hours in the fridge to firm up. Took them home and next day they were really nice. Chicken Burger my son had was described by him as pretty bland. Obviously not a regional dish. Naan was huge and really nice/fresh.

All in all it was ok but a bit pricey. Dont think it merits a return visit but maybe just got it it on a bad night due to the large party

Lovely venue and the staff...