Mahala — Restaurant in London

A Delightful Journey Through Romanian Culinary Traditions

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mahala a gem nestled in the heart of Croydon, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the stage for a culinary adventure like no other.

The decor beautifully reflects Romanian heritage, with traditional elements that transport you straight to the picturesque countryside of Romania. The staff was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, eager to share the stories behind each dish and make recommendations.

Now, let’s talk about the food—oh, the food! The menu is a celebration of Romania's rich culinary history, featuring a delightful array of dishes that highlight the country’s diverse flavors and ingredients.

I started with the ciorbă de burtă a tripe soup that was nothing short of perfection. The broth was rich and creamy, with just the right amount of tanginess from the vinegar and a hint of heat from the garlic. It was comfort in a bowl.

For the main course, I couldn't resist trying the pomana porcului served with a side of creamy polenta. Each bite was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, a true testament to the skill of the chefs.

The dessert menu offered an array of tempting options, but I ultimately chose the papanasi cu dulceata de afine, traditional Romanian doughnuts topped with sour cream and blueberry jam. They were light, fluffy, and decadently delicious—a perfect ending to an exceptional meal.

What truly sets Mahala apart is their commitment to authenticity. Every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and utmost care, capturing the essence of Romanian home cooking. It's clear that this restaurant is a labor of love, dedicated to preserving and sharing Romania's culinary traditions.

In summary Mahala is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich and varied flavors of Romanian cuisine. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned aficionado of Romanian food, you’ll find something to love here. I can't wait to return and try more of their delightful offerings. Highly...

Generally speaking is one of the best pub / restaurant of its kind from London and even UK. If at first it gives you the impression that is designed just for Romanians, once you see the menu, you'll thanking to yourself for giving a try. Let's go a bit deeper: The staff is professional and helpful. The space inside is very well organized. Clean and plenty of room around the tables. I couldn't feel the regular crowded pub environment. So you can have a normal pleasure or business chat without shouting each other. I think is ideal for any kind of party, even for a wedding. Also, they have sort of outdoor terrace where you can smoke and drink and talk and listen the music and... do whatever you want. The food. I would like to criticize it a little bit. I can't. When I first came, I thought that the restaurant is Michelin rated. They've got everything for everyone. As a British you may say: no, no, is definitely not for me. Take in account that most of the times you find inside more British than Romanians. All my British friends been very happy having this experience of eating here. All of them said they will repeat it for sure. The drink is in full range and over. All in all is absolutely worthy to treat yourself with a bit of time spent here. My advice: if you want to impress your girlfriend, don't go to posh/expensive pubs. Come here! Is so romantic that she will remember...

Better than expected, but not as good as it could be.

Food: we had the cold platter for four between five of us and it was more than enough. The salami and the ham were most likely from the Lidl across the street and certainly not authentic Romanian products. The sarmale were good. The mici tasted a bit bland and as if cooked from frozen rather than freshly made. It was quite unappealing to see that the oil and vinegar from the condiment rack had been poured into old bottles of not even exactly the same items.

Service: we were served by two waitresses throughout the evening. The first one (with pink hair) could improve her attitude a tad; I don't want to feel as if I'm disturbing you when I place my order. The second one was lovely. I had to ask for a glass for my 500 ml bottle of beer, or I'd have had to drink straight from the bottle.

Atmosphere: as others before me have mentioned, the live music is unbearably loud, to the point where you give up on trying to talk to your party. There were also quite a few children running around and playing which is not what you'd expect to see in a restaurant on a Saturday night.

Overall an okay experience, but I would try a different Romanian restaurant next time rather than...