2 /5 J B: I’m honestly torn about Shah’s Halal Food. A while ago, this used to be my go-to spot — portions were generous, prices were fair, and the staff made you feel welcome. Fast forward to now, and… let’s just say something’s changed, and not for the better.
Prices have crept up from £6 to £8 for small and £8 to £10 for large, which might have been fine if the portion sizes hadn’t gone on a diet at the same time. The “large” box now feels like it’s two-thirds the size it used to be. Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s the cost of living crisis or just a new measuring spoon policy, but you’ll find yourself scooping 4–5 spoons of rice and then watching them hunt for stray pieces of meat like it’s a game of hide-and-seek.
You end up with 80–90% rice, a sprinkle of meat on top, and a stingy helping of salad so small you wonder if they’re growing the onions in a drought. Ask for more onions? Congratulations — you’ll get two extra slices, as if they’re giving them out on loan.
Staff used to be warm and friendly a year or two ago. Now, it’s more of a “here’s your food, next please” kind of vibe. Not rude, but the smiles seem to have left the building along with the portion sizes.
Don’t get me wrong — if you’re hungry, in a rush, and don’t mind paying £10 for a mostly rice-based meal with a “free” drink (which isn’t really free, is it?), it’ll do the job. But for me, with prices up, portions down, and the overall experience dipping, I can’t justify going as often anymore.
