Namak Mandi — Restaurant in London

The food is perfectly acceptable and I have been here several times for tasty chapli kebab. Poor customer service and even worse communication. I made a booking advance for 12 adults and we’ve been charged a an extra £33.94 for no apparent reason. When i challenged it, i was told I had to pay and had to pay in cash. In this day and age, they only take cash – I wonder why.

For example, they charged me for a 1kg lamb karahi (£37.99) when I order ½ kg (£21.99) – that’s an extra £13. I have been there several times and I know the difference between ½ kg and 1 kg of lamb karahi.

I stand by my review because I felt compelled to leave this honest review in the same way that I would leave a review if I experience poor service anywhere. I have spent £439 across two visits in the space of 3 weeks and the customer service is atrocious.

On the most recent visit, I was over charged for chapli kebab. We ordered 12 chapli kebab, and with 4 naan, this should have cost £79.96 with their deal. NOWHERE does it state this is Takeaway menu only - although you might now update your website and in-store sign. I have photos to prove what I am stating.

Instead, I was charged £100.90 (£83.88 for the kebab and a separate £20.94 for naan) That’s an extra £20.94 over the menu price which is advertised in the restaurant and the website. The salad is far from appetising or fresh - It look half eaten and recycled from a previous customer. For example the cucumber is soft and squishy rather then being fresh and firm.

I also asked for an extra cushion because I suffer from back pain, and I was told I could not have a cushion – even though there are lots of cushions available on the ground floor. I made a booking in advance, as a group of which included 8 children we were given some “complimentary” dessert which was not enough for everyone. I asked for more but was told they didn’t have any even though I offered to pay for enough dessert for everyone.

Suggestion: Either DON’T offer any complimentary dessert, or provide enough dessert for everyone, or at least tell me what you're doing rather then expcting me to guess to read the mind of the waiter – otherwise it’s just embarrassing and plain rude if there’s not enough to go around especially when there are kids and at least explain that is all you have and allow me to pay for extra dessert. In our case a few plates were delivered and then we were expecting more to come, but the waiters don’t speak to you and just dump the food and drinks on the floor with zero...

I bring most of my friends to Namak Mandi when I can. Its one of the few restaurants in London where you can recline the Afghani way on floor cushions as you eat. The feel is like going to a friends house to eat - it brings me great memories of eating Iranian food with my family in similarly informal settings. The food portions are quite big, the food itself is delicious, and the value for money is really good for London. My friends and I just ate an enormous and satisfying meal that we couldn't even finish (we ordered too much, the naans are the size of two people's heads and are fantastically fresh), sandwiched by complementary sweets and tea on either side, for the price of around £15 each - which was then reduced to nearer £10 each by the host because we had to wait 30 minutes for a booth to become free (a wait which by the way we did not mind at all, I thought it was worth it for the chance to recline comfortably as you eat rather than sit on chairs like any other place). For what we ate and drank you would expect a bill nearer £20 or £25 from any other London restaurant. The booths are separated by curtains, but there is a private room available to book if you wanted as well, however the noise of other people's light chat over your own is something I like about the setup. The food is certainly good, but the experience of eating this way is always positively reviewed by all my friends who have come, and it makes it impossible to come and enjoy the food without feeling like you have also tried something completely new. The experience is perfect for relaxed chatting, informal dining, and stuffing yourself with large quantities of good tasting food, all of these are my favourite ways to eat, making this one of my favourite...

Namak Mandi – Tooting’s Crown Jewel for Peshwari Cuisine

This place is a gem. I ordered a Namak Mandi Lamb Karahi during peak hours and was genuinely impressed—served piping hot within minutes, no delays, no compromise on quality. The staff are efficient, friendly, and clearly know how to run a busy kitchen.

The food? Outstanding. The lamb is divine—tender, melt-in-the-mouth, and packed with rich, aromatic spices. Their Afghani naan is soft, warm, and perfect for scooping up every last bit. The Chapli Kebab is easily the best in Tooting; far better than Watan, with a perfect balance of spice, texture, and freshness. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

What truly sets Namak Mandi apart is the exceptional service. The staff are welcoming and attentive, and Moon deserves a special mention; He was brilliant with us and especially kind to my 5-year-old son, who left smiling thanks to his thoughtful care. That kind of hospitality is rare and deeply appreciated.

And the finishing touch? Complimentary firni and green tea—a classy gesture that elevates the whole experience. Namak Mandi isn’t just another restaurant; it’s the oldest spot in Tooting offering authentic Pukhtoon cuisine, and it shows in every dish and every interaction.

Highly recommended. A true standout in...