Hyderabadi Zaiqa Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Depends what you're looking for in a dining experience but it worked for me.

The layout is more cafe style.. lighting is bright/a little harsh and there are no soft furnishings. You might call it 'sterile'. No tablecloths or laid places with red napkins. But the chairs are perfectly comfy.

Service might be described as casual and yes, the young lady who brought us plates did indeed leave them in a pile for us to pass around between us. I have no problem with this.

A loud cheesy melody from a bell rings out occasionally.. it's the kitchen alerting that a dish is ready. Pavlov's dogs come to mind!

So, if you want a formal dinner or want to impress on a first date, or want something posh, this might not be for you.

Personally, I'm cheesed-off with the over-branded, over- styled restaurants wot stick a branded flag in your dessert or have gaudy ott decor with TV screens everywhere.

And Zaiga provided the best tasting food I've had in a long time.

Lots of veggie options with separate veggie sections on the menu.

The place filled-up with (local?) families while we were there, which is always a good sign.

I had a fish starter which was exceptional. Really fresh, delicate flavours (I avoided the whole chilli in the dish). And Dahl Makhani which might seem plain to some but it's a personal favourite and was delicious.

The chai was nice and not pre-sweetened as in some other places. I'm used to more cardamom flavoured chai and this was a bit more subtle.

Mango lassi was thick and sweet (not really my bag but good if you like that sort of thing).

I found the staff perfectly approachable and friendly. Perhaps direct at times but I don't interpret that as rudeness.

My guests had dhal dishes and one of them found it too spicy. I hadn't thought to ask if they were spicy when ordering but staff reassured that they can offer guidance when ordering.. you just have to ask.

Rice came in enormous portions which my Brazilian partner received with glee (as would most South East Asians, I expect). Pilau rice was great.. not greasy but with fresh peas and seasoning mixed in.

I've read the -ve reviews and understand the points they make. But I'll be returning for sure. My guests were impressed, too.

Oh, did I say it's very reasonably priced for what you get?

No photos.. was too busy...

I wanted to tell you about my experience at your restaurant yesterday. The food was good, although not the absolute best biryani I've ever had. What surprised me was that all the other places nearby were full, with people waiting for an hour. But when my wife and I came to your restaurant during the busy time on Sunday, we were the only ones there!

I'm an architect, and I thought about what might be causing fewer people to come to your restaurant even though the food is decent. I know you have a lot of competition from other Pakistani and Indian restaurants around. But I think the main problem might be the way your restaurant looks and how it's advertised.

Imagine you're a person looking for a nice place to eat. You walk by your restaurant and try to read the name and the type of food you serve from the sign on top. When someone is trying a new place, they're already unsure about it. But if they can't easily read your restaurant's name, it makes things even more confusing. The word "Hydrabadi" is written very small, and "ZAIQA" is hard to understand. I was specifically looking for your restaurant, and it took me a while to understand what your sign said. The letter "Q" is yellow, and it's hard to see, making it look like an "O." Also, the Charminar inside the "O" looks more like an "H." This makes it really confusing for customers. When people can't read the sign properly, they lose interest. The yellow "Q" can't even be seen from 10 meters away.

Take a look at the simple black and white branding of "Lahore Karahi." It's easy to understand and clear. Sometimes, simple things work better in marketing. If you improve the way your restaurant looks and is presented, it could lead to a big increase in your business. Right now, it gives the impression of being more like a place for takeout or delivery.

I hope these...

my recent dining experience at your esteemed restaurant. I must begin by commending your establishment for its elegant ambiance and impeccable service.

Firstly, I would like to mention that the food at your restaurant was truly exceptional. The flavors were distinct and the presentation was artful. I must applaud the chef for his creativity and attention to detail in every dish. The ingredients used were fresh, and the dishes were cooked to perfection.

The staff's professionalism and courteousness were also noteworthy. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly and promptly seated. The wait staff was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that all my needs were met throughout the evening. I appreciated their knowledge of the menu and their willingness to answer any queries I had. While my overall experience was superb.

In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude for the delightful evening I had at your restaurant. The quality of the food, the professionalism of the staff, and the attention to detail truly impressed me. I will undoubtedly recommend your establishment to friends, family, and colleagues.

Thank you once again for providing a memorable culinary experience. I look forward to visiting your...