Bengal Tiger London- Indian Restaurant, Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1. — Restaurant in London

It is a challenge to write this review, especially in the knowledge that this restaurant has just won a Best Restaurant award for City & East London this year. Perhaps this relates to the somewhat bizarre method of deciding winners by the awarding organisation only looking at the feedback from an app called Chefonline. Any anonymous tasting visits? Any critical Google reviews? No, we don’t think so! We have been dining at London Indian restaurants for over forty years and this was the worst meal experience ever. We had phoned the Bengal Tiger yesterday to ensure it was open till 3.00 pm. today. On arrival at 1.50 pm., however, we were initially told (despite the large OPEN sign on the door) that the restaurant was shut. We held our ground and it was admitted that they SHOULD be open,, but had a large party arriving at 3.00 pm, the normal closure time. When we insisted that we had checked opening hours and travelled quite a long way, we were reluctantly eventually admitted and ungraciously placed at a table in the corner. We placed our order promptly (vegetarian) and the food arrived. The onion bhaji was over-baked and stale. The condiments were negligible. We were then brought our plates for the main meal. They were cold and we had to ask to have heated plates as is normal hospitality practice. There was no apology or acknowledgement of error. The main dishes arrived. We had ordered pilau rice, but were brought steamed rice. No negotiation, just “the cook couldn’t do it”. The Tarka Dall was disturbingly hot, with an overwhelming tomato-based masala type sauce. No sense of garlic or subtle spicing. None of the skilled blend of different pulses. We left the majority of it in its bowl as inedible. The Saag Paneer was visibly heavily greasy. The spinach seemed very well-travelled; the paneer cheese had been blackened. The steamed rice was the ultimate in blandness. At the end we told the waitress, who seemed just to be filling in, how disappointed we were with the “cuisine” of the Bengal Tiger. When she brought our bill, it was still trying to charge us for the more expensive pilau rice. We pointed this out. The manager (?) who had initially been so unwelcoming came over and stated “The food was good?” We told him the truth and he still couldn’t see the only way was to apologise sincerely. He continued to claim, implausibly, it was a good meal. This was close to a Fawlty Towers in Bengal dining disaster!. Beware meaningless awards! Your own experience and palate will provide the truthful...

Review for Bengal Tiger Indian Restaurant 📍 108–110 Old Street, Shoreditch, London, EC1V 9BD

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bengal Tiger, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish! This restaurant is a gem in the heart of Shoreditch, offering not just exceptional food but also a cozy atmosphere and outstanding hospitality.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including the Chicken Biryani, Lamb Biryani, Chicken Madras Curry, and the Chicken Butter Curry, accompanied by freshly made Naan and perfectly cooked white rice. Every dish was superbly prepared, bursting with authentic flavors that were both rich and balanced. The spices in the curries were spot-on, offering the right amount of heat and depth, while the biryanis were fragrant and cooked to perfection. The butter curry, in particular, stood out for its creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth chicken.

The ambiance of the restaurant added to the charm. The decor was warm and inviting, creating a cozy atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. Their excellent service truly enhanced our dining experience.

If you’re looking for an authentic halal Indian restaurant with delicious food and a welcoming environment, I highly recommend Bengal Tiger. Whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion, this restaurant delivers on every front.

⭐ 5/5 Stars I will definitely be returning and encourage others to visit. Thank you, Bengal Tiger, for an unforgettable...

I was enjoying amazing food. Then staff started closing in on my I asked if they where closing. Man said yes 23.30 hours. At 23.05. Staff started trying to rush me. Asking if I had finished yet. I replied no. More Staff approaching table. This was harassment, I had over half a bottle of red wine some of my main meal and a bit of side salad. Then they gave me bill. There was over 20 minutes before they shut. I finished my side orders and before I could eat rest of my main order the staff came with machine to scann my credit card. By this time my weekend was destroyed. There was time. It was 23. 20 hours. I asked a member of staff for the management he said it's his day off. I asked who was in charge. This man smirked and said no one. I asked another member of staff who was in charge he said the other man you just spoke to is the boss man. I called him over and said I wanted to have a pudding and finish it my wine. They walked away and all started laughing at me. There was four other customers inside eating. So that was that. It's a shame because my mix grill was excellent. May be the good chef will be snapped up by another place near by. I had to pour my glass of wine back into bottle and leave. Avoid avoid avoid. Well irvwas still only 23.25 hours. Desperately trying to get a answer. The worst service I have experienced. £70 pounds bill for just me treated like a dog. DO YOUR SELF A BIG FAVOUR WALK A BIT ALONG THE ROAD THERE ARE GREAT RESTAURANTS ALL THE WAY PAST THIS PLACE FROM HELL. RUINED A FANTASTIC WEEKEND WITH...