3 /5 S J: I want to start by saying that this review is not based on a single visit. I have been to Lala Peshawari around five or six times now, and only after those repeated visits did I feel it was worth writing a detailed review. The reason I have gone back so many times is simple: the food, especially the Chapli Kebab, is genuinely good, and the restaurant is conveniently located. Their tawa dishes are also tasty, and I would particularly recommend the Kaleji (chicken liver) and Keema which was cooked well and full of flavor.
The Chapli Kebab remains one of the best in the area. It has a nice balance of spices and that authentic Peshawari taste, slightly stronger and more aromatic than what you might find at Taste of Pakistan or Khan’s Karahi in Hounslow West. Both of those are excellent restaurants too, but Lala Peshawari holds its own for a spicier Chappli Kebab, with a few improvements, could easily be the best in the area.
However, there are areas that need serious attention. The attitude of one of the men who seems to manage or own the place has consistently been unfriendly truthfully. Each time I have visited, he has appeared dismissive or irritated, which affects the overall atmosphere.
The servers themselves are polite, and the cook Lala himself does a good job, but that one person really changes the tone of the experience. There is a lady also who is not there as much now.
The salad is another issue. It never seems fresh enough and often looks dry. Should be stored and wet. If they are going to include it as a complimentary item, it should be prepared and stored properly. They could also offer a larger salad as a menu option. People are happy to pay like I did in the past. On one occasion, we even found a small piece of plastic in a kebab, which understandably put my friend off from returning. They removed the price from the bill understandably but it was a sharp piece of plastic and food should be prepared with more caution. This kind of thing can cause major issues if it cut the person or was swallowed.
The breakfast here is generally good, with tasty omelettes and puris, but the parathas are far too small for the price. They are barely the size of a hand and do not feel like good value. Across Hounslow, I have not seen portions that small anywhere else. Also their boiled basmati rice is poorly cooked. I’ve ordered it a few times and it’s just not good. Not sure what’s going on there. It should be soft and fluffy and it’s just not.
In summary, Lala Peshawari serves flavorful, authentic food with some standout dishes like the Chapli Kebab, Tawa Keema, and Kaleji. With better service, fresher salad, and fairer portion sizes re the parathas, it could be a truly excellent spot.
I still visit occasionally because the food is good and consistent, but I hope they take these points seriously and continue to improve. Otherwise I frequent the competitors more often as I have been doing so lately. They offer just as good food in their own ways.
