I know leaving this review wonāt change anything from the restaurant but may help others as reviews canāt be viewed through UberEats or Deliveroo.
I have been a loyal customer to Hala for around 20 years, celebrating birthdays, bringing our guests here from America and using Deliveroo/Ubereats for lazy days.
Im so sorry to have to say this but, Sadly my loyalty to them has come to an end. I have been let down with the quality of food and lack of acknowledgment to simple requests when ordering food from the Apps too many times now.
When ordering food off the Apps to eat at home is where the big let down is. If youāre not there physically to eat at the restaurant food quality and standards are a big let down. Why should I have to call the restaurant every single time to ask for the Turkish bread to be warmed and have butter and flavour on it when eating inside in the restaurant thatās exactly what you would get. If I donāt ask, the bread arrives cold dry and bland, not touched any coals to toast it a little. I have messaged the manager in the past about this and left polite feedback on their social media accounts, never once had a response back and still the problem continues. Why because Iām eating at home do they not bother to give the same standards as when you are in front of them at the restaurant. It comes across lazy and lacking in care for your food just because you are not there in front of them to pull them up if it happened inside the restaurant. The bread is one of the best parts when it is warm and flavoursome just as much as the main meal.
Last night was the last straw for me, I ordered one of my favourites, Saksuka from uber Eats, and what I received was literally a tub full of potatoes in the sauce youād expect but not a single piece of Aubergine or peppers were to be found! It wasnāt Saksuka! If they had ran out of Aubergines then they should have taken it off the order.
My wrap was a disaster too, the packaging they put it in is not fit for purpose when I took it out of the paper it literally fell apart into pieces so I was unable to eat it as you should. Why was this not packaged in a box style container to hold it together making it easier to eat like many other restaurants of the same kind. The wrap itself was so thin it was impossible to hold any of the contents and It all fell out and broke up into my plate.
My notes were ignored when Id asked for no tomatoes so I had to pick them all out and to make matters worse they had forgotten to put my chilli sauce in so it was pretty boring to eat as I love chilli sauce.
My chips were so dry and for almost Ā£6 a portion Iād expect better. I live a 5 minute drive from them so canāt blame it on the food not travelling well.
I didnt called them this time to ask about the bread being warmed with a bit of flavour because it can be frustrating to have to do that every time then low and behold it arrived dry, plain cold bread that hadnāt even touched any coals again. Seriously I give up!
For what they charge I just expect better, they arenāt cheap! and I expect the same respect for my food as Iād get had i been sitting in the restaurant. I feel defeated and completely let down so have decided I wonāt be returning here or ordering from them in the future ever again. Goodbye Hala you used to be my most favourite Restaurant to eat but you guys have...
   Read moreWe wanted to try this restaurant for a change as normally we use the neighbouring restaurants when we visit Green Lane in Hackney following our Mediterranean shopping. We ordered a regular breakfast and a Turkish spinach gözleme(a kind of wraper freshly baked off the baking stone or metal(saç)) We were first served with grilled chunky onions,tomatoes, Turkish green pepper,mushrooms,olives,Turkish cheese,Pide(Turkish bread) as a starter. Then the main breakfast with cheese omellet,sucuk(Turkish dry meat),hellum cheese,small cups of honey,cream,yogurt,pekmez with tahin(mulberry plus tahin syrub) It turned out to be surprisingly good, fresh and well served. The restaurant is not huge but spacious and feels cosy with its decoration and lights. All in all it is worth trying but perhaps its lahmacun cant beat those of Antepliler next door. Updating as of 9thJune19....Hala is increasingly winning us over from Antepliler. This morning we had a Turkish gözleme an Turkish tea and ordered a take away minced meat gözleme ,all of them were good and served well elegantly. Plus the toilets were clean and upto very high standard. Hala,Keep up the good job.
Updating as of 26th October2019;we went to Hala today for a mix menu breakfast and lunch,unfortunately we did not get as much impressed as we did last time. The breakfast was served in a manner of college lunch dinner,sigara bƶreÄi(Turkish cigar pastry)was chucked on the fried eggs,the breakfast ingredients poorly laid out in a school lunch dinner plate. The spinach gƶzleme and the fried mushrooms were nice and served well. The staff who didn't speak Turkish rushed to away contact with the customer although we spoke English to communicate with them. The quality of the food in general was ok but needs a bit professional touch. So I am not going to take a star down from my rating on this occasion but would like to see these improvements actualise here as we recommend these Turkish restaurants to friends here in Green Lane. P.S The toilets also looked very poor and cheaply kitted out. Please make your toilets look good and be proud of ,as many will judge you from there as...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreHala Restaurant, known for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, offers a delightful dining experience that immerses guests in rich flavors and warm hospitality. Located in a bustling area, the restaurant features a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, adorned with traditional decor that reflects its cultural roots.
The menu is extensive, showcasing a variety of dishes from appetizers to main courses. Popular starters include the mezze platter, which offers a delightful assortment of hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh, perfect for sharing. The freshness of the ingredients is evident, and each dip is packed with flavor.
For main courses, the grilled meats are a highlight. The mixed grill platter, featuring tender kebabs and juicy shawarma, is especially recommended. Each piece is marinated to perfection, resulting in a smoky and savory taste that pairs wonderfully with fragrant rice or warm pita. Vegetarian options, such as the stuffed grape leaves and falafel, are equally satisfying, ensuring that thereās something for everyone.
Desserts at Hala are not to be missed. The baklava is a standout, with layers of flaky pastry and sweet honey syrup that provide a perfect ending to the meal.
Service is attentive and friendly, with staff eager to provide recommendations and ensure a pleasant dining experience. The restaurantās reasonable prices further enhance its appeal, making it an accessible choice for both casual diners and special occasions.
Overall, Hala Restaurant is a gem for those seeking genuine Middle Eastern flavors in a welcoming environment. Whether you're a fan of traditional dishes or new to the cuisine, Hala offers a memorable culinary journey that keeps guests coming...
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