Halal Restaurant Reviews

10 out of 10 stars

I first visited the Halal's City branch off Fenchurch St (open lunchtimes only) in 1974. That is long closed but once I had discovered the St Mark Street branch it has remained a firm favourite ever since. Back then it was all you could eat for £1, a simple choice of meat, chicken, mince or soya, either as curry or vindaloo. Half portions were available too. The kitchens were at the front and the smells... fantastic. As that part of London became more gentrified during the 1970s and 1980s so the Halal experimented with sophistication in the form of more menu choices and table cloths. I no longer live or work in London, but whenever I have the chance I make the pilgrimage and make a day of it. The mutton vindaloo was/is, and I hope always will be, fantastic. For me the Halal is the benchmark against which all other Indian restaurants are judged. They usually offer a choice of three or so dishes of the day and free samosa with a pint of lager. What more could you ask for?

8 out of 10 stars

I used to visit the Halal when I worked in the area over 20 years ago. Then it was formica tables and mutton curry for £1.10. Now it has gone up market, but is still a good restuarant and still sells mutton curry, as well as mince and meat ball curry. Service is good and prices are what you would expect to pay, ie, chicken madras £4.60. Me and friends ended up over ordering - as usual.