Saravanaa Bhavan East Ham — Restaurant in London

4 May 2025 update We visited this wonderful restaurant a little earlier this time, a little before 12 noon, as a Party of 3. We found parking at an adjoining road, about 7 minutes walk, so that was good. We were led to our table at the far end, center, adjacent to the cooking station.

Even at this time, the restaurant was 3/4s full. By contrast the basement seating area had a few diners.

We ordered our Chilli Paneer without chilli, Potato Bhonda, onion rava masala dosas. Pongal as well as Plain and Mango lassies.

All the dishes were extremely tasty and our rava masala dosas crispy as requested. The chilled mango lassi was a nice and smooth element for the spiced Potato Bhonda I had had. The food was enjoyed by all and the nice touch for me was that there were regular top ups of red, green and coconut chutneys by the member of serving staff. The other good thing to see was that the emptied plates were promptly removed. This was a marked improvement compared to our previous visit. So well done to all members of staff and management, a great positive stride forward, Thank You👏

2 April 2024 Update Visited this Sarvana Bhavan on a very rainy day, not ideal but taste buds necessitated that. We were luckily and got a table straightaway on the far centre of the room adjacent to the Chefs stations. As soon as we took our jackets off, a eager member of staff came to take our order. So we asked him to come back after we had actually seen the menu, he was perhaps a little too eager.

We called him back and placed our order.

I wanted the Potato Bhonda, a spiced version of the one on the menu. I was advised that this is no longer sold. Then why have the item on the Menu?,

So we ordered 2 well done Onion Rava Masala dosas made extra crispy. Our server suggested getting the potato filling separate to maintain the crispness. We concurred.

Sure enough when the Rava onion masala dosas came, indeed they were both very crispy. There was a nice selection of chutnies/sauces to compliment it. The dosa was well laced with a generous amount of onions. The potato filling that had been served separately as arranged, however the amount of potato wa tiny, it also lacked flavour and creativity. It was totally bland. Also the sambar was served in the smallest possible stainless steel dish and then that too was only half full, this was disappointing. On request, the sauces on my dish were topped up, so that wa nice. As I was still hungry and because of the lack of Potatoes Bhonda, I ordered another dosa. Again this came with separate potatoes filling and very crispy but the sambar was virtually non existant and the potatoes filling lacked flavour. We order some chilli Paneer and rotis to go. Whilst I was still eating my dosa, the server came with the bill, standing next to me with his card machine expecting me to pay him. This was rather difficult as my wallet was in a closed zip in my jacket and my hands were not clean as I was eating my dosa. This was extremely unprofessional and I was not amused and told him so. He still stood there. So I passed my jacked to my wife who took out my wallet and my card which I then tapped on his machine. I do not want this behavior repeated on my next visit. I will call the server and ask for the bill when I had finished eating.

So to summarise, the Potato Bhonda needs to be removed for the menu if you no longer serve it. There are a few more items no longer served on the restaurant. Perhaps someone needs to go over the menu and get these items removed and menus reprinted with the actual merchandise sold. The Onion Rava Masala Dosa shell was nice and crispy but need to improve the taste of the potatoes filling and offer sambar in a slightly larger dish.

And most importantly, do not hover over the customer holding a payment machine whilst they are still eating their food, especially as they have not asked for the bill. Hope to see these suggestions actioned.

Nb: Have deleted the original review as there was no space on Google maps to add this update to the original...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Saravana Bhavan at East Ham, and I must say it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. Not only did the restaurant exceed my expectations in terms of the delectable food they served, but the exceptional service provided by our server, Jenitto, truly made the visit extraordinary.

Jenitto's warm and welcoming demeanor immediately put us at ease. Her positive mindset and genuine smile were contagious, creating a friendly and comfortable atmosphere throughout our meal. She made it a point to ensure that every guest felt valued and attended to, going above and beyond to accommodate our requests and preferences.

Jenitto's knowledge of the menu was remarkable. She effortlessly guided us through the extensive selection of mouthwatering dishes, patiently explaining each one's ingredients and flavors. Her recommendations were spot-on, demonstrating a deep understanding of the cuisine and a passion for her work.

What truly impressed me about Jenitto was her attention to detail. She anticipated our needs before we even had to voice them, ensuring our glasses were always refilled and that our table remained clean and tidy. Her efficiency and professionalism were matched by her genuine concern for our dining experience, making us feel like valued guests throughout our time at the restaurant.

Moreover, Jenitto's ability to handle a bustling dining room with grace and composure was admirable. Despite the restaurant being busy, she managed to maintain a high level of attentiveness and efficiency, never letting the quality of service falter. Her ability to multitask while still providing personalized attention to each table was truly commendable.

Saravana Bhavan itself deserves accolades for its delectable cuisine, which showcases the rich and authentic flavors of South India. The restaurant's inviting ambiance and attention to detail in both presentation and taste are evident in every dish. However, it was Jenitto's outstanding service that added an extra sparkle to the entire dining experience.

I highly recommend Saravana Bhavan to anyone seeking an extraordinary culinary adventure accompanied by exceptional service. Jenitto's positive mindset, warm demeanor, and exemplary customer service skills are an invaluable asset to the restaurant. Her dedication to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile is truly praiseworthy.

Thank you, Jenitto, for making our dining experience at Saravana Bhavan unforgettable. You are a true gem, and I look forward to returning soon to savor your impeccable service and the restaurant's delightful cuisine.

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I recently had the pleasure of dining at Saravanaa Bhavan, a gem of a South Indian restaurant that truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home.

The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal with family or friends. The menu boasts a wide array of South Indian delicacies, each more tempting than the last. I decided to start with the cocktail fried idly, Channa bhature and the classic masala dosa which was crisp on the outside and filled with a perfectly spiced potato mixture. The accompanying sambar and chutneys were bursting with authentic flavors that took my taste buds on a delightful journey. It was evident that the chefs at Saravanaa Bhavan take great pride in their culinary craft.

However, the true star of the evening was our customer attendant Anjana. Her attentive service and friendly demeanor made our dining experience even more enjoyable. She was knowledgeable about the menu and ensured that our needs were met with a smile. Her exceptional hospitality truly set the evening apart and made us feel like valued guests.

All in all, Saravanaa Bhavan is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic South Indian cuisine. The delicious food, charming ambiance, and outstanding service—especially from Anjana make it a dining experience to remember. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delectable offerings.

Thank you, Saravanaa Bhavan and a special thanks to dear Anjana for making our meal so...