Haweli Restaurant ® Ilford — Restaurant in London

If you’re craving an authentic Pakistani breakfast that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger but warms your soul, Haveli Restaurant on Ilford Lane is an absolute gem. I had the pleasure of visiting this vibrant spot recently, and I’m still thinking about the flavors, the experience, and the nostalgic joy it stirred in me.

From the moment I walked in, Haveli felt like a little slice of home, but elevated. The ambiance had that perfect mix of desi charm and modern comfort – welcoming, warm, and alive with the aroma of freshly fried puris and spiced tea. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience.

Here’s what I ordered for breakfast – and every single item was a masterpiece:

Halwa Puri: Honestly, this was the star of the show. The puris were golden, crispy yet soft in all the right ways, puffed to perfection. The chana (chickpea curry) was rich, flavorful, and packed a mild punch that balanced beautifully with the soft, sweet semolina halwa. The aloo bhujia was comforting and homely. I’ve had halwa puri in Pakistan many times – but this? This was something special. Cleaner, richer, and somehow even more delicious.

Chai: Their chai deserves its own standing ovation. Aromatic, strong, and made with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It tasted like the kind of chai that has stories attached to it – soothing, full-bodied, and deeply satisfying.

Lassi: Thick, creamy, and refreshing. It wasn’t overly sweet or heavy – just pure, smooth, and traditional lassi the way it’s meant to be. You could taste the quality yogurt and love that went into it.

Kulchay: The kulchas were warm, slightly crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside, and perfect for dipping into everything. They brought that rustic, tandoori flavor that you rarely find outside Pakistan.

What really struck me was this: Haveli didn’t just serve great food – they served comfort, tradition, and an elevated reminder of home. The flavors were clean and thoughtfully crafted – not overly oily, not heavy – just right. It's hard to say this, but I genuinely found the food better than what I’ve had at many places back in Pakistan. It’s as though they took the soul of Pakistani cuisine and gave it the finesse of a five-star kitchen.

Final thoughts: Haveli Restaurant isn’t just serving food – they’re curating a nostalgic, culinary journey. Whether you’re from the subcontinent or just love exploring rich, flavorful breakfasts, this is a must-visit. I left with a full stomach and a full heart. This will not be my last visit – I’m already dreaming of my next halwa puri feast.

Rating: 10/10. Highly...

I'll start with the service overall it was above average it wasn't perfect. I don't know why but a lot of the waiters were really nervous and passing on requests to other waiters who would just come back and ask what I asked for. I'm guessing they probably had new staff in training or something, besides that it was good. Nooruddin sorted me out nicely and helped us throughout the evening he was the best waiter for me and once he started helping us everything went fine after that. And the guy taking the orders was super accommodating. The rest were mid.

The atmosphere was lively, it was busy but due to the space it didn't feel overcrowded and not overly noisy. The staff looked like they were running ragged but they were working hard which is greatly appreciated. The seating was very comfortable nice chairs and sofas which I was really happy with. The tables are a bit dodgy though. We had one wobbly table and one table that was fine. But we sorted the wobbly table by putting something under it but they need to fix that.

Now for the food, I would say overall I was beyond satisfied. The food was all delicious. For starters we had the mix grill for 4 and you basically get 1 piece of kebab, chicken, lamb, wing and lamb chop if you share it between 4 people, no complaints about this it was nice, hot, came out sizzling, onions were nicely caramelised and the spice was medium not overly spicy which is good. We also had the dynamite prawns which were crispy on the outside even though it was covered in a sauce which is important and tasted really good.

For mains we tried a few different curries. We had a tandoori masala which was really nice, the garlic and chilli lamb which was perfect mix of garlic flavour and spice, the full lamb karahi was perfect in terms of texture the lamb fell off the bone and was tender and lastly we had the achari chicken which was perfect you could actually taste the achaar. We asked for all the curries to be spicy and they weren't overly spicy it had a good heat but for spice lovers you'll have to get extra spicy. And the garlic and chilli naan were exceptional, most places give you naan that's still kind of soft and pale but they cooked theirs really well like it was crispy but still soft, best naan I've had.

I would definitely go again and try some other dishes, unfortunately some of the dishes were unavailable we don't know why so it would be good to go back and try those amongst some other stuff I didn't get to try. I'd give this...

Haveli: A Culinary Journey through Pakistani Delights

Nestled in the heart of London, Haveli stands as a beacon of authentic Pakistani cuisine, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that beckon diners to embark on a flavorful journey. My recent dining experience at Haveli left an indelible mark, combining exquisite flavors, exceptional service, and an ambiance that transports one to the vibrant streets of Lahore.

Ambiance:Upon stepping into Haveli, I was greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly marries tradition with modernity. The warm hues of the décor, intricately designed motifs, and ambient lighting create an inviting space conducive to both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Culinary Delights:The culinary voyage commenced with a selection of appetizers, notably the Fish Pakora, which boasted a delicate crunch giving way to succulent, perfectly seasoned fish. Accompanying it was the Malai Chicken Boti, a symphony of tender chicken marinated in a rich blend of cream and spices, leaving a lingering taste of indulgence.

The pièce de résistance arrived in the form of the Grilled Platter, a carnivore's dream featuring an assortment of meats grilled to perfection. From the juicy Chicken Karachi to the flavorful Dumba Karachi, each morsel was a testament to the culinary prowess of Haveli's chefs. The variety offered in the platter ensured a gastronomic adventure, with every bite unveiling a new dimension of taste.

Service: One aspect that truly sets Haveli apart is its unparalleled customer service. The servers, with their impeccable attention to detail and genuine warmth, elevated the dining experience to new heights. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate dietary preferences ensured that every guest felt valued and cared for.

Conclusion: While navigating the parking might pose a challenge, the gastronomic treasures awaiting at Haveli make it a journey well worth undertaking. Whether you're a connoisseur of Pakistani cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Haveli promises an unforgettable dining experience characterized by culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality. My visit left me eager to return and savor more of Haveli's culinary delights, reaffirming its status as one of London's premier destinations for...