Normah's is a great slice of Malaysian cuisine inside the Queensway market. You have to go a way in and follow the signs but it is more than worth it.
Unsurprisingly given the quality, it is close to fully booked so I would 100% recommend a reservation. We were there 1.5hrs and saw several walk ins that had to wait or leave due to lack of space. Reservations open on the 6th of the month for the following month and sell out quickly but it is always worth asking for dropouts (we reserved on the 6th of October for a November slot and while we missed them we were offered slots at the end of October that people had backed out of).
The food was delicious. We had the roti dhal, chicken bites, nasi goreng chicken, and beef rendang nasi lemak between two of us.
Roti Dhal - Lovely dhal and satisfying roti. I generally prefer it slightly less flaky and slightly chewier but certainly lovely.
Chicken Bites - Delicious flavour, amazingly crispy batter, and very tender chicken.
Nasi Goreng - Wonderful. I went for the spicy version which had a nice kick but was nothing crazy so definitely a pleasant option.
Beef Rendang - Brilliantly tender. Wonderfully aromatic and delicious flavour. The whole dish works really well.
We also had Teh Tarik and Bandung.
Teh Tarik - Teh Tarik is one of my favourite drinks of all time and this was no disappointment. I can't recommend you go to any Malaysian restaurant without having it.
Bandung - More of a subtle flavour than I am used to with Bandung. Definitely pleasant but I would prefer more rose flavour.
We had seen reviews saying portion sizes can be small so we ordered four dishes and ended out extremely satisfied and full but unable to finish. They were happy to let us take the leftovers home and provided a takeaway box which was great.
The server was very energetic and pleasant. At times, service was a little slow like when we tried to pay but I cannot fault him as he was the sole server for a full restaurant and it was not disruptive. He also provided us a second table for our extra food so the service as a whole was great.
These 6 items + 10% service charge came to £59. For a lot of delicious food in London I think it is a very fair price so no complaints there.
Having spent a lot of time in Malaysia I was missing the food and this was exactly what I wanted. The best Malaysian restaurant I have tried in London hands down. I could not...
Read moreNestled within the bustling Queensway Market, Normah's Cafe is a hidden gem that transports you to the vibrant streets of Malaysia with its authentic flavours and warm hospitality. Founded by Normah Abd Hamid, this family-run establishment has been serving up delectable Malaysian cuisine for over two decades.
As I stepped into Normah's Cafe, I was immediately enveloped by the tantalising aromas of spices, herbs, and sizzling meats. The cozy interior, adorned with Malaysian décor and warm lighting, created an inviting ambiance. I eagerly perused the menu, which boasted an extensive array of traditional Malaysian dishes, from aromatic curries to spicy noodle plates.
I opted for the Prawn Nasi Goreng, a classic Malaysian dish that promised to tantalise my taste buds. Upon its arrival, I was greeted by a vibrant plate of yummy-ness – succulent prawns, fluffy rice, cooked with fresh vegetables, with a sprinkling of crispy fried onions. Each bite was a symphony of flavours, with the savoury prawns perfectly complementing the spicy and aromatic rice. The dish was a delightful balance of textures, with the tender prawns contrasting with the fluffy rice and the crispy onions adding a touch of crunch.
I was thoroughly impressed by the quality and authenticity of the food at Normah's Cafe. The ingredients were fresh and flavourful, and each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail. The prawn nasi goreng was a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the vibrant flavours and textures of Malaysian cuisine.
The warm hospitality of the staff at Normah's Cafe further enhanced my dining experience. They were attentive and knowledgeable, providing recommendations and answering my questions about the dishes. The friendly atmosphere made me feel welcome and comfortable, as if I was dining in someone's home.
Overall, my experience at Normah's Cafe was nothing short of exceptional. The authentic Malaysian cuisine, the warm hospitality, and the inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Malaysia in the heart of London. I highly recommend Normah's Cafe to anyone seeking an authentic and delicious Malaysian...
Read moreIt was a cold and dark afternoon when I came out of Queensway Station. The bright lights of supermarkets and bubble tea across the road welcomed me. But I was here for something more than that. I turned and entered the beautiful maze that houses the restaurant run by Normah and her son. After half an hour of getting lost and nearly buying falafel just to keep me alive, I found it. Normah's Café. The friendly young man welcomed us at the door and sat us down quickly, the light blue decor was like an oasis in the desert. We ordered the beef rendang with extra roti, and the laksa two meals that I had never tried before. And of course Teh Tarik on the side. The aroma hit us first as it passed by our noses, then the aesthetics once placed on the table in front of us, never before had a dish surprised me so much in its appearance. Let alone two of them. Like wild animals, we dove into the meals, no regard for how we might look to other diners. Stopping our ravaging only to take a gentle sip from our Teh Tarik. The flavour was powerful in every bite, the soup of the laksa, and the texture of the roti were divine. Some say that Normah has met with The Almighty Himself and I wouldn't doubt that she picked up a few tips from him. When our plates were cleared and our belt buckles broken, we sat back in our chairs and caught our breath. Our friendly host appeared once again asking how everything was, and we could barely reply. If it weren't for us near bursting at the seams, we would've asked to see the menu once again. We paid, we stood and we barely managed to walk out. Back to the maze of small stores, and back to the real world. Soon to return to a small peace of Heaven known as Normah's.
[This comment won me a free meal at Normah's haha. Incredible food, lovely service from Normah and her son, best place in London for Malaysian food and the food is just amazing...
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