Raunka Punjab Diyan — Restaurant in London

Food review:

Starters: Masala chai £2.25 - no flavour, a sign of things to come perhaps? Less flavour than a powdered instant chai

Bottled water - £2.50

• Masala fries £5.50 - never received, they tried to charge us for it too, but we got this removed. • Gol goppa £4.75 - Had to make it ourselves! They didnt put any of the filling in the gol goppa, usually people put the filling and keep the water separate. • Bhel chaat £4.75 - fine if not a bit stale • Aloo Tikki chaat £4.75 - too much sweet yogurt. Not enough potatoes • Papadi chaat £4.75 - fine but didnt actually use papadi

Dinner: • Chilli paneer (dry) £7.95 Quite sad, the paneer itself had no flavour. Its by far one of the most blandest • Chilli fried mushroom £7.95 would order again. This was nice, sweet and sour type flavour. • Chilli chicken (dry) £7.95 tasted nice, moist. But we were told when ordering its dry- it clearly had sauce in. What is going on there? • Chicken tikka £8.95 5 pieces for £8? Expensive as anything. The meat was fine, if not a bit tough and the marinade wasn't a nice thick one • Dal Makhni £8.75 Quite nice, creamy, slightly sweet though • Saag £8.75 so disappointing, bland & tasteless. It was like they just emptied a can and made no tadka with it. So bad, wasn't cooked down or smooth at all. • Lamb rogan josh £10.90 tasteless, barely any meat. Member of our party said it acc made them sick • Bhatura £1.95 - fine, as described • Makhi di roti £1.75 - Undercooked and not nice at all. Hard, dry, bitter tasting • Garlic Chilli Naan £2.90 • Plain rice £3.50

General Review: ♡ Pros: BYOB Waiter/waitresses were super helpful trying to help my grandad get hot water, and generally helpful Mural gave a cosy punjabi feel Starters came quick, but quite a wait (over 30-40mins?) for the mains. We considered just paying for starters and leaving. Warm plates for mains

× Cons: Booking was a hassle, we were told to phone back in an hour. Yes we have a party of 8, but theres a number of empty tables when we arrived and remained empty. Eventually after another member of the party called (after an hour!) they said they'll phone us back in 20mins. Offered us papadum but they're not free, did not disclose this at the time, we had to ask Music is quite loud so hard to have conversation Bottled water on table is chargeable, this should have been disclosed when you arrive instead of the 'menu explanation' we had (which didnt explain when the mains started) AND the little sign (on an a4 printed paper) saying its chargeable Fanta was flat Very small portions for the price. Particularly the chai. We thought the numbers on the menu were for ease, so we noted down what we wanted by number but the till system records it by the full name without the number Staff member was evidently not confident with using an ipad for taking orders as it took a painful amount of time to put it through Waiter felt a bit judgy as we were ordering starters for mains. Kept trying to say from 46 onwards (or something like that) its all mains but we're ordering starters for dinner etc. Kept trying to upsell saying we're a big table you'd only get a spoon each of the items we were ordering. Again, felt very judged. Same with the rice, you dont want Raita? Onions? Pickle?? It was shameless really There were times staff would completely disappear from the restaurant floor which wasn't great as customers if you needed something e.g water or tissues or any extra orders. At one point we did want to ask something but waiters were avoiding eye contact, and just going from a to b before leaving the shop alone again. Waitresses were specifically unenthusiastic. Had to keep asking for tissues as there just wasnt a lot on the table Forgot our Masala fries with our starters Service charge was high and non-discretionary. Given how long things took and our overall experience we did not feel this was justified but they refused to take it off.

Edit after owner response: Shockingly rude. Grandad asked for hot water, and we asked for our food after a...

I visited Raunaka Punjab Diyan Indian Restaurant in Southall today which has left a lasting impression on me, thanks in large part to the exceptional service provided by Raj, the owner of the restaurant.

Raj's friendly demeanour and genuine care for customers made the experience truly special. I have never seen an owner deliver such an engaging experience especially in a restaurant setting before this visit.

We ordered quite a few things - Quintessential Lassis, Paneer Shashlik, Vegetable Manchurian and Noodles for starters followed by Saag, Tarka Dal, Malai Kofta and Chicken Tikka Masala for Main course.

From the moment I took my first sip of the refreshing Lassis, I knew I was in for a treat. The Paneer Shashlik was a perfect blend of succulent paneer, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.

The Vegetable Manchurian was a delightful fusion of Indo-Chinese cuisine, with its crispy yet tender vegetable balls coated in a tangy and spicy sauce.

Moving on to the main course, the Saag was a celebration of earthy flavors, with its creamy spinach base complemented by the subtle heat of spices.

The Tarka Dal, a classic lentil dish, had a comforting texture and a delightful medley of spices that left a lingering warmth.

The Malai Kofta, a rich and indulgent dish, featured melt-in-your-mouth dumplings made from paneer and mixed with aromatic spices, all swimming in a luscious creamy sauce.

Finally, the Chicken Tikka Masala was a masterpiece, with tender pieces of chicken marinated in a spiced rich tomato-based gravy that was bursting with flavours.

Whether it was the vibrant and well-balanced spices, the creamy and rich sauces, or the perfect execution of textures, every dish provided a symphony of flavours that left me craving for more.

After our delicious dinner, my mates and I found ourselves engrossed in a fascinating conversation with Raj, extending our stay well beyond the usual dining hours.

Raj shared captivating stories about his own journey and the life he has spent in the UK, providing us with insights into his experiences and the cultural blend he has encountered. It was truly enlightening to hear about the celebrities and politicians he has had the privilege to meet along the way.

Raj's exemplary service and his willingness to engage in meaningful conversations were a refreshing reminder of how restaurants should treat their customers. His attentiveness, coupled with his warm and friendly nature, created an atmosphere that made us feel valued and appreciated as guests. Raj went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was memorable and enjoyable.

Raunaka Punjab Diyan Indian Restaurant provides not only exceptional food but also a level of service that sets a high standard for others to follow. Raj's dedication and genuine care for his customers exemplify the importance of treating customers with respect and attentiveness, creating an environment that encourages lasting connections.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an outstanding dining experience where delectable food meets...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Raunkan Punjab Diyan Restaurant, and it was truly an experience to remember. As a lover of Punjabi cuisine, I must say this restaurant exceeded all expectations. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of spices and sizzling dishes filled the air, promising a culinary adventure.

Let's start with the star of the show: the Kadri. Oh, it was a symphony of flavors, each bite bursting with the perfect balance of spices. The richness of the gravy and the texture of the Pakoray (vegetable fritters) made this dish a delightful experience. It was the kind of dish that made me want to savor every single bite. The vegetables were fresh and crispy, coated in a flavorful batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. The accompanying chutneys added an extra layer of taste, especially the tangy tamarind chutney that perfectly complemented the spicy pakoray.

Now, onto the naan and paratha. The Garlic Chilli Naan was a revelation. The perfect blend of garlic and chili, baked to perfection in their traditional tandoor oven, it was a spicy lover's dream. The naan was soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of kick from the chili. Each bite was a burst of flavor, especially when paired with the creamy Paneer Butter Masala. And then there was the Lacha Paratha—crispy on the outside, yet delightfully flaky on the inside. It was the ideal accompaniment to soak up the delicious gravies and sauces.

What truly sets Raunkan Punjab Diyan apart, however, is not just the exceptional food, but the impeccable service. Preet, our waitress for the evening, was an absolute gem. She was attentive, friendly, and had a deep knowledge of the menu. Her recommendations were spot on, making our dining experience all the more enjoyable. She ensured that our glasses were never empty and that we were well taken care of throughout the meal.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Rajan, the owner of this culinary gem. His passion for Punjabi cuisine was evident in every dish served. He took the time to greet each table personally, ensuring that every guest felt welcome and satisfied. He even shared stories about the origins of some of the recipes, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, with traditional Punjabi music playing softly in the background. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a meal with friends and family, and we felt transported to the heart of Punjab with every bite.

In conclusion, Raunkan Punjab Diyan Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Punjabi flavors. From the mouthwatering Kadri to the heavenly naan and parathas, every dish was a masterpiece. Combine that with the exceptional service from Preet and the warm hospitality of Rajan, and you have a dining experience that is truly unforgettable. I will definitely be returning to Raunkan Punjab Diyan for another culinary journey through the...