Humble Thali — Restaurant in London

The restaurant is incredibly small, with only one room and a kitchen hidden behind a room divider. The restaurant only had four tables that required active table service, but the staff was so slow and failed to make it an enjoyable experience; a restaurant is built on both food and the willingness and happiness of the staff; if a restaurant fails to make their staff happy enough to provide exceptional service, that's an area of concern within their work culture. The main course and the appetisers arrived at the same time, defeating the purpose of ordering appetisers. The food was average, but you can definitely taste the pre mixed marinade you can buy at supermarkets. Anyone that isn’t familiar with authentic Indian cuisine would be okay with the meal. The options for the thali could have been more customisable with only one dish being a choice and the rest is whatever the restaurant has left over from the night before, indicating the poor quality veg. I know this due to the worker saying “we was busy last night so we don’t have certain dishes.” Anyways when ordering dessert the waiter specifically said we can do fried ice cream but when asking specific dietary requirements like what oil they use her exact words “ I don’t know it doesn’t matter” she couldn’t even ask the chef, despite this we still opted for it just for her to say the kitchen is closed we can’t do it. Outlining a key issue with communication between staff. Then when we asked if we could have normal ice cream, in which she said no as it’s not on the menu, because the chef will not like it and continued to argue with us until it forced us to just pay the hefty bill (over £100) and leave feeling uncomfortable. I’ve been to many restaurants and the places that care for their customers will go above and beyond and alter their menu within reason to please their customers because they actually...

Dictionary meaning of Thali is “Indian meal consisting of several small meat or vegetable dishes accompanied by rice, bread, etc, and sometimes by a starter or a sweet” Born in India and living in the UK for over 2 decades, I always craved for Thali. Here’s why, Thali is fantastic from the perspective of nutrition because it provides a balance of protein, carbs, fibre, minerals and vitamins. Dairy products like ghee and yoghurt when combined with grains, lentils, vegetables etc. create a platter that makes for a balanced and wholesome meal. Mums Thali filled us up with proteins and other nutrients necessary for good health and improved immunity. Having tried so many different restaurants. I always wanted a meal, which was authentic with good portion size and food that reminds me of essence and flavour from India. Look no further, this place is THE place, everything about this place is top notch. Chef take a bow, I almost ate my fingers, lol. Since I am vegetarian,I tried Paneer angara Thali and Saag paneer Thali, additionally had Dahi ke Sholay and Chilli Cauli as starters, which were heavenly divine- Dahi ke Sholay just melted in my mouth. Chilli Cauli reminded me if Indo-Chinese manchurian- all the tastebuds were rejuvenated, very hot dish- if you can handle it. Finished off with traditional Gulab Jamun and Gajar halwa served hot and very well presented. Gutted that I did not take photos- every meal, even sides like Masala Papad are so well presented by Chef. A Michelin star in making. The best part is hospitality- they are truly “Humble”. There was a genuine smile on everyones face. My server, she had very good knowledge of food and recommended dishes which we might have ignored. This place certainly has a character of its own. The décor and ambiance has special warmth and wants you to come back. Already looking forward...

A Thali should typically consist of at least 5 plus dishes with rice and chapattis to ones preference, not counting pickle and a measly carrot salad. When pointed out, the short statured thick spectacled young man seemed to think otherwise considering the small amount of £10.50 being charged. It was suggested that I take my custom elsewhere. Clearly Criticism was not being accepted constructively and a contrite attitude was no where in sight. The gentleman is clearly on a slippery slope and future choice was made for me. This is not a review of the quality of food, it is an example of ‘ I am right, take it or leave it’. Maturity comes with experience so Good luck to the NOT SO HUMBLE THALI.

Many thanks for your reply, obviously its touched a raw nerve.

If your floor handler asks me to take my custom elsewhere, it does say a lot about their maturity. I described the individual, my name is on the Public domain. Go on, publish his name as well. I deliberately did not review the food and will do it now.

Your Chef is good at serving a Profitable diet - low quantities

Your Chef uses a common sauce. Eg. Chicken malwani gets hit with fish flavours. Cross contamination using same saucepan. Will not comment on anything else as not tasted. After-all the Thali did not have much other anyways.

Your tables stink. Poor hygiene and you claim the extraordinary.

£10.50 - Extortion. Inflation may have hit all, no justification for watering down your delivery.

So Mr Owner, you mentioned effect on ones mind through my review. My review stays and am quite happy to leave it such.

Like famously said: IF YOU CANT HANDLE THE HEAT, GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN.

Pardon the...