Hai Cafe - (Near Hackney, london)

Kamilia Khairul Anuar Heard good things about this place and it did not disappoint. I am Malaysian and have been to many Malaysian restaurants around London, so I had high expectations. This is not a traditional Malaysian restaurant but a more modern “elevated” concept, so my interest was piqued. My husband and I ordered five dishes (two starters - the prawn toast and the salted egg yolk sardines, and two mains - beef assam pedas and sambal skate wing, with a bowl of rice, and then the cassava cake for dessert). We were plenty full by the end of the meal, though granted we are not huge eaters! Everything was delicious, well balanced - nothing too greasy or salty or sweet. If I had to compare the food concept to something it would be like a Malaysian version of Kolae. The food is a little experimental / innovative but still very true to the classics. Seeing some reviews here saying the food is too spicy, but I would say this is pretty authentic Malaysian levels of spice and as a Malaysian I am glad they didn’t hold back! My husband, who is British but can handle his spice, was also fine with the spice level. We were here on a Friday night so it was busy but service was fine and we loved the bustling but relaxed atmosphere. Overall we would definitely come back, we loved everything we ate and wish chef Abby Lee and team great success with this restaurant.

SB84 Love My Falafel Restaurant! The food is amazing, with large portion sizes and deliciously cooked chicken and salads. The prices are excellent value for money. Cant wait to go back and try more of their tasty dishes!

Emem29 We had Turkish eggs, and the gozleme special, food was absolutely delicious and drinks were freshly made/squeezed, will be back!

Iman Chowdhury Absolutely delicious! The food here is authentic, halal, and bursting with flavour – every dish was cooked to perfection. The place is also comfortable with air conditioning, which made the dining experience even better. Honestly, the food is AMAZING some of the tastiest Indian dishes I’ve had in a long time. Highly recommend!

Sue Pickford The food was amazing ,it came out piping hot. Chips looked a little brown but tasted really good. Special offers are on in the week which is a good money saver. My husband and I really enjoyed it. Barmaid was lovely. Will definitely be going back .

Pauline First time order. Food was brilliant. Ordered mutton, mac n cheese, rice and peas, extra jerk sauce, and as for those dumplings oh my goodness, they are delicious.