Cafe Tiffin — Restaurant in London

At Cafe Tiffin in London, we found a humble haven, tucked away from the city’s noise, yet alive with the kind of warmth that feels like stepping back home.

With a name like Cafe Tiffin, we expected the familiar comfort of idli, dosa, and the classic South Indian spread. But what awaited us was an unexpected delight— my first taste of Bangla food.

Often mislabeled as “Indian,” it deserves its own honor, its own rhythm, its own rightful place at the table. For me, it was love at first bite. For my son, it was devotion—so swift, he declared his review before we even stepped out the door (see Rohit Jacob’s verdict).

Bangla food is now our newfound favorite, and Cafe Tiffin, a reminder that food is never just food— it is connection, it is belonging, it is home.

Craving spice, craving tang— Mohib listened, as though he could hear the hunger behind my words. And what arrived was nothing short of magic.

The Naga chilli mutton—flavourfully fiery, brewing a storm with every bite. The chicken in chilli garlic—a dance of restraint, the burnt garlic bold yet never overwhelming, instead lacing each mouthful with a quiet delight. And then, the dish that stole my heart— dal with prawns. A pairing I had never imagined, yet now it lingers in my memory as the very definition of comfort. Chef Saeed, it seems, cooks with a kind of alchemy, turning unfamiliar combinations into instant favorites.

But it was not just the food— it was Mohib’s warmth, his stories, the generous way he welcomed us not only to the table, but into his life. Tales of joy and struggle, of belonging and hope, woven between courses, turning a meal into something far more intimate— something divine.

And like the woman in the picture, I find myself longing still— to wander further into the world of this cuisine, to return to this place where food is not only eaten, but shared, where strangers become kin over...

Ah, the evening at Café Tiffin in Clerkenwell was nothing short of a delightful escape from the usual splendors that adorn our lives. As a member of the royal family, one is accustomed to the finest delicacies and the most opulent settings. Yet, this charming establishment, nestled amidst the bustling heart of London, provided an experience that was both refreshingly quaint and exquisitely satisfying. The ambience was most inviting, reminiscent of a cozy haven where one could enjoy the finer pleasures of life in a more intimate setting.

Our repast commenced with the crisp and delicate poppadums accompanied by a splendid chutney tray, a perfect symphony of flavors that tantalized the palate. The onion bhaji, with its golden hue and impeccable seasoning, was a testament to the culinary prowess of Café Tiffin. The mains, comprising a rich and aromatic Lamb Korma and a divine Paneer Tikka Rogan, were cooked to perfection. Each bite revealed layers of carefully crafted spices, a true homage to the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. The cheese naan and garlic fried rice served as impeccable accompaniments, adding a delightful texture and an additional burst of flavor to the feast.

The service, akin to the finest royal protocol, was attentive and gracious, ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of perfect. It is often said that luxury lies in the details, and Café Tiffin has mastered this art. The meal was reasonably priced, a pleasant surprise in an area dominated by high-end establishments. This gem of a restaurant, with its warm atmosphere and flavorful dishes, stands as a worthy alternative to the more ostentatious dining venues nearby. A visit to Café Tiffin is highly recommended for those who seek culinary excellence in a setting that feels like home away from the grandeur...

I had ordered a keema nan but, effectively, I had received a plain nan with no keema inside. I say this because, on one side and less than a quarter of the nan had keema inside (I really wished I had taken a picture just to demonstrate how shocking it was). Eventually, having stood up and gone to the till after no one was willing to come over and help, I told the waiter about this. What was his response? Not much, all he did was go to the back and get the chef to re-heat the nan and come back with a pathetic excuse saying it was something to do with the cooking process which meant the keema was on one side only. This is nothing short of nonsense, as I have been to many restaurants before that have never had the same issue, in fact, i've never been to a restaurant that's had such an issue in the past. Even then, this does not excuse the very little keema we were given inside the nan itself. Whilst the taste of the food was okay, the portions we received were extremely disappointing. Additionally, having been upset and displeased with the service, I had politely requested to remove the service charge from the bill. This caused an outcry from the manager, whom effectively demanded I had to pay the fee as it was the restaurant's policy to charge such a fee. Despite explaining that the fee was discretionary and not legally binding in anyway, the manager continued nagging . This issue was ongoing for several minutes and it was an incredibly uncomfortable and embarrassing time. Effectively, the manager was begging for the service fee which put us in a very uncomfortable position.

All in all, I personally would not recommend this restaurant. The food is decent (nothing unique or out the ordinary), the portions are really bad and to receive a service from the staff is a privilege as opposed to...