Mumbai Local Wembley — Restaurant in London

My mother-in-law and I tried to come to this branch in Ealing Road for a tea and a snack, as we have come many times previously, but were treated appallingly by the staff here. I am on crutches and a big boot, while my mum-in-law is elderly. We were simply looking for somewhere to sit down and have something hot as the weather was terrible. Initially we came at 11.15 and were told by a staff member to return at 11.30 when they opened, which we did.

We opened the unlocked door and the woman tried to wave us away, telling us to leave again, very dismissively, as they were not open still. After doing our errands and before the drive home, we were exhausted, with no other restaurant open, pouring with rain outside and nowhere else to sit. So against our better judgement, we asked just to sit down right at the front of the shop to wait till they were ready. Even then, the woman tried to discourage us, saying the floor was wet but eventually, grudgingly said that we could sit at the table by the door right at the front, which we did. We waited patiently for 15 mins.

At 11.45 a small group entered and they were ushered in. We carried on waiting until someone came to take the chairs off the tables in the area we were sitting in. Then my mum-in-law rightly asked if they’re open now. The woman said, “Of course.” My mum-in-law asked why someone hadn’t asked us to come in when we’d already been waiting for such a long time. Surely that was basic courtesy! Then a man, who we later found out was the manager, named Hiten, asked the staff member what was going on. He didn’t bother to ask or speak to us to find out from our viewpoint, which is what a manager with basic training should have done, but started raising his voice at us, intensively rude and combative from the outset. He said they’d had a party last night so they ‘only open when they’re ready’. He said the chefs ‘were only human’! When we tried to explain what had happened he refused to listen, cutting us off when we tried to speak and constantly argued. When we could get a word in edgeways, I tried to say that both his colleague that morning itself, as well as the website said they would be open from 11.30. But it was clear that they had no intention of opening at the time stated and was having a go at us for questioning why they should not.

The man and his staff were highly unprofessional, having no idea how to talk to customers and certainly had no concept about customer service. I doubt he has ever heard of the term. In fact, we are convinced he was talking down to us as we are women who had dared to question him. Despite all the shouting from his end, he had no sensible or reasonable reason for not opening on time, especially as his staff told us they would open at 11.30. There was also no reason why he, nor his staff couldn’t have treated us compassionately.

We were fed up with how we were being treated and so asked the man who we can complain to and what the complaints procedure was. He folded his arms, said he was the manager and there was no one above him. Even as we got up to leave, he was shouting at us. I said I didn’t want him to speak to us anymore and we left.

I am Gujarati, my mum-in-law South Indian, both of us from Mumbai. As part of our culture, we never treat people with such disdain and disrespect. We were shocked and still are. We will not come back here again and would suggest to our friends...

Oct 2024 update:

They have some new serving staff. Unfortunatly they aren't naturally attentive people and they don't appear to have had any training either. So be prepared for a bumpy ride.

For example, there were three of us but they only gave us one menu. I had to ask for more menus multiple times before we got one each.

They served bottled water but no glasses. This is a restaurant. Not McDonalds. I expect to be given glasses with my drinks at a restaurant. Again I had to ask multiple times before we got any glasses.

Oh and I asked for a mixed salad with less onions as they have a habit of serving up half a large onion sliced up on a small plate of salad. How disappointed I was when the plate turned up with yep, half a large reg onion sliced up on a tiny plate of salad.

It's things like this that really grate especially when there's a default 12.5% Service Charge added to the bill. If I get good service, I really don't mind leaving a generous tip. But with crappy service like this, I feel a tip is not deserved. And I shouldn't be forced to pay one.

This takes away from an otherwise good meal as the food is usually great - especially if you ask for it to be made mild as they largely seem to get that bit right.

Old review:

Still mourning the loss of Jashan down the road, we thought we'd give this place a try. Initial impressions were positive on walking in. Some of the staff were smiling. I like happy people. They were also polite and efficient. Another big plus.

Another positive were the explicitly mentioned healthier options on the menu. Although in practice the chickpea salad chaat I had as a starter still had some fried very fine sev on it, but excusable as I'd been for a run in the morning.

I was initially a bit disappointed with the rajmah (kidney bean curry) as I found it too spicy. My wife thought the salt content was a bit on the high side too. So I ordered a mixed salad to go on the side. This instantly tamed the spiciness and made the meal infinitely more enjoyable.

Be aware, the chapatis are very thin (as they should be) so go cold and hard quite quickly. Not a problem if you wolf them down swiftly.

I also tried a bit of the hakka noodles my wife and daughter had ordered, and these were very nice. Good flavours and not strongly spiced.

The staff were attentive and swiftly entertained additional requests. All in all an enjoyable treat. We'll definitely be back.

Oh, it can be a bit cold near the door, so request a table further in during the cold winter months.

Further observations after another visit more recently:

The music's always a bit on the loud side.

I liked the masala dosa (pictured)...

Mumbai Local Wembley is a delightful restaurant that transports its diners to the vibrant and diverse streets of Mumbai through its delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. Situated in Wembley, this eatery offers a rich tapestry of flavors, making it a haven for food enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of India's bustling culinary scene.

Upon entering Mumbai Local Wembley, the inviting ambiance captures your attention. The interior is tastefully decorated with elements that evoke the lively and colorful streets of Mumbai. The comfortable seating arrangements create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and gatherings with friends and family.

Now, let's talk about the food. The menu at Mumbai Local Wembley is a treasure trove of culinary delights. It features an extensive array of dishes representing various regions of India, with a special emphasis on Mumbai's street food. From mouthwatering chaats to succulent kebabs and aromatic biryanis, each dish is thoughtfully prepared to tantalize your taste buds.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of ordering Pav Bhaji cheese Dosa, and Uttapam. The Dosa was a burst of flavors, with a rich and tangy bhaji. The Cheese Dosa was a delightful twist on the classic, combining the crispiness of the dosa with gooey melted cheese, creating a delicious fusion of textures. The Uttapam, a savory pancake topped with various vegetables, was a delightful treat, full of authentic South Indian flavors.

The restaurant's dedication to authentic flavors shines through in every bite, leaving us with a delightful experience reminiscent of the bustling street food markets of Mumbai.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, the curry section offers an impressive variety of options. Aromatic spices of a Vegetable Biryani, the curries at Mumbai Local Wembley are sure to satisfy every palate.

Warm hospitality adds to the overall dining experience, making you feel like a valued guest.

In conclusion, Mumbai Local Wembley is a gem for Indian food enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the diverse and authentic flavors of Mumbai's culinary landscape. With its inviting ambiance, delectable dishes, including the Pav Bhaji Cheese Dosa, and Uttapam that we savored, and excellent service, it promises a memorable dining experience. Whether you are a seasoned Indian food lover or someone eager to try new flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit...