Tayyabs

Overview

Tayyabs has long been a staple in London’s culinary scene, offering a vibrant and authentic taste of Pakistan that draws food lovers from all corners of the city. Nestled in the heart of Whitechapel, at 83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU, this family-run gem is well-known for its rich flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to high-quality, freshly prepared food. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, the experience at Tayyabs never fails to impress.

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling spices and grilled meats. The restaurant is always bustling, a testament to its popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. Tayyabs specializes in traditional Punjabi dishes, each crafted with authentic ingredients and a great deal of expertise. The kitchen’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced produce is evident in every bite. The extensive menu offers everything from mouthwatering grills to hearty curries, each dish offering an explosion of flavor.

For starters, the seekh kebabs are a must-try. Served with freshly baked naan and a zesty chutney, they’re tender, flavorful, and packed with spice. The lamb chops, marinated to perfection, are another crowd favorite, with a smoky char and juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. The charcoal-grilled chicken wings are crispy on the outside, yet juicy inside, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal.

One of the standout dishes at Tayyabs is their signature mixed grill platter. It’s a feast for the senses, featuring a variety of grilled meats, including chicken, lamb, and seekh kebabs, all perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Paired with a side of pilau rice or naan, this dish offers a satisfying and filling meal that showcases the best of Pakistani cuisine.

For those who prefer curry, the menu does not disappoint. The chicken tikka masala is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors, while the lamb karahi is a delight for meat lovers, with tender pieces of lamb cooked in a spicy, aromatic sauce. The daal (lentils) is another classic dish at Tayyabs, offering a comforting, mild flavor that complements the stronger spices in the other dishes.

The restaurant’s ambiance is warm and inviting, with an unpretentious, no-frills decor that lets the food take center stage. Despite being located in a busy part of town, the atmosphere at Tayyabs remains relaxed and friendly. The service is attentive, and the staff is always happy to offer recommendations or accommodate special dietary requests.

What truly sets Tayyabs apart from many other Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the area is its consistency. Every visit feels like a return to a place where the food is always reliably delicious. Whether you're dining with a group of friends or enjoying a cozy dinner with family, you’re guaranteed a fulfilling and authentic experience every time.

Tayyabs has earned a well-deserved reputation, with numerous reviews praising both its food and service. Customers regularly mention the restaurant’s ability to cater to a variety of tastes, from those who prefer their meals mild to those who crave a fiery kick. The ever-popular grilled meats, hearty curries, and robust flavors are consistent across every dish, making it a go-to choice for anyone craving authentic Pakistani cuisine in London.

For dessert, the gulab jamun is the perfect way to end a hearty meal. Soft, syrup-soaked balls of dough that are both sweet and indulgent, offering a sweet contrast to the savory flavors that preceded it. The lassi, either mango or sweet, is the ideal drink to wash down a spicy meal, cooling the palate and adding a refreshing touch.

Tayyabs is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s a place where tradition meets quality, and the love of food shines through in every dish. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it’s a dining destination that’s sure to satisfy.

Good to know

Service options

✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in

Highlights

✓ Great dessert

Popular for

✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo dining

Accessibility

✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings

✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates

Dining options

✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Table service

Amenities

✓ Toilet

Atmosphere

✓ Casual ✓ Trendy

Crowd

✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University students

Planning

✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a wait

Payments

✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cards

Children

✓ Good for kids

Parking

✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 9256 reviews
Amazing 4523
Great 2268
Okay 1064
Not Great 603
Terrible 1049
Matt O'Neill

One of the best proper curry houses in London, with authentic flavours in a busy and popular environment. Bring your own booze, or don’t have any, there are soft drink options which accompany the meal nicely. The lamb chops and garlic naan are outstanding, and all the curry dishes are great. Sometimes a little wait if you don’t have a reservation but it’s easy to see why as it’s always packed, across 3 floors. At lunchtime it can be a bit quieter, eg Sunday afternoon. Is a great evening out with a group, the atmosphere is energetic and the food arrives quickly after ordering, and doesn’t disappoint. Fair prices, consistent quality and a fun visit.

Frank Mansell

A great experience here. The atmosphere is lively, and it was completely packed. I would definitely book in advance - even this doesn’t guarantee you a table, it just pushes you to the front of the queue! The food itself was absolutely delicious - so flavoursome, and so much of it. The meat biryani (the house special on a Friday night) was unreal. The service was attentive and friendly, and the prices were fair, especially for London. I’d highly recommend this restaurant - thank you very much

Katie B

Had a great experience at Tayyabs. The food was so good: we got the lamb chops, seekh kebab, garlic naan, pilau rice, mango lassi, samosa and karahi chicken tikka masala. Great portions, all cooked and seasoned beautifully. The staff were so friendly and kind, thank you for a memorable meal!

A R

Tayyabs is one of those London spots people always talk about, and after going, I get why. The Punjabi food is bold, full of spice, and cooked with real character. The lamb chops are the dish everyone raves about for a reason…smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. The karahi curries are rich, hearty, and perfect for sharing around the table. Portions are generous, so you won’t leave hungry. The atmosphere is buzzing and energetic. It’s not a quiet or intimate restaurant, but that’s part of the charm. It feels alive, with big groups, sizzling plates, and constant movement. Seating can be tight, and it does get noisy, so don’t expect a calm dinner. This is more about enjoying the food and the energy of the place. Service is quick, sometimes a little rushed, but that matches the pace of the restaurant. Food usually comes out fast and fresh, which is impressive given how busy it gets. The interior is simple and functional…it’s clear the focus here is all about the food. You might walk out with your clothes carrying the smoky aroma of the grill, but honestly, that’s part of the experience. Overall, Tayyabs is a London institution worth visiting. Go with friends or family, order plenty, and enjoy the flavors.

Peyton Marshak

I immediately made a reservation at Tayyabs after the NYT profile a couple weeks ago. This place did not disappoint, in an area full of great Indian Tayyabs stands out for its history and offerings. The Lamb chops are simply amazing and the sampling of the starters that I tried from the Samosa to the Pakora all were really well done. There are definitely more places on Brick Lane nearby with shiny awards and accolades, but Tayyabs delivers delicious and very wallet friendly food. Save your self some money and still get great Indian at Tayyabs.

Paul Fosse

Everything was full of flavour and really tasty. We had popadoms to start, followed by the lamb chops, karahi dhal gosht, karahi chicken saag, a peshwari naan and a tandoori paratha. It’s bring your own booze with no corkage, and there’s an off-licence next door plus a Tesco at the end of the street if you need it. Service was quick, the food was spot on, and it’s very good value. The total bill was £52.82 for everything including service.

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