Started by Mohammad Tayyab over 30 years ago, this family run restaurant in historic Whitechapel has grown in size and reputation over the years. Originally a daytime cafe for locals and those in the know, the restaurant finally opened an evening restaurant in an adjoining Victorian pub. The restaurant is decorated in vibrant colours and subtle lighting, balancing the fiery menu and bustling atmosphere.
Tayyabs
Monday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Tuesday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Wednesday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Thursday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Friday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Saturday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Sunday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00 |
Tayyabs Picture Gallery
All In London Review
It seems just about everyone has something to say about Tayyab...
Tables are packed close and if you fear intimacy then Tayyabs won’t be for you. Enjoy eavesdropping? You’re in the right place. The waiters are brisk and at times unapologetically abrupt, with time limits hinted at, if not enforced. But that is all part of the experience and if you want cheap, gourmet curry then you’ll make the most of it while you sip on whatever you’ve brought along – it’s BYO.
To start there is the obstacle to overcome of whether to order the mixed grill or simply pick the lamb chops independent of their meaty brethren. It is an obstacle but thanks to the ludicrously delicious chops it is easily overcome. Rolled in mixed spices, glimmering meat peers from below the charred crust. If you think they smell good, wait till you taste them. If you could dress these lamb chops up in a dress and walk them down the aisle, it would be happy ever after...
Every dish sampled has its own merits (and that includes a vegetarian lentil dish that makes Saag Aloo seem like yesterday’s news) but the Karahi Gosht has to be singled out for special praise. For someone that often orders too spicy this was an introduction to considered heat. Could it be… perfection?
The rotis could have done with a little less time under the grill but the naan was resplendent and rice was an unnecessary side.
If you can visit with an appetite for Tayyabs’ hectic hustle as well as the excellent food then it is guaranteed to satisfy. It is quieter in the week but always expect to wait for a table.
Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on Dec 14, 2011
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Tayyabs have been serving up their delicious Pakistani cuisine since way back in 1972 – and their success has meant they’ve needed more space and fast! Now they’ve taken over two floors at their location in Whitechapel – and despite all the space, they’re always busy. A sign they’re doing things very right! From our own experiences, we recommend the tasty Karahi Gosht (lamb so melt-away, you’ll think it was cooked by angels) and the veggie-friendly lentils which set our taste buds cart-wheeling. You’re likely to have a wait for a table, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Where to get London's best kebabs
Shish, these are good.
Tayyabs isn’t strictly about the kebabs but if you can find tastier lamb chops in London then we’d like to know about them. Seriously, tell us because they must be incredible. This Pakistani grill in Whitechapel is always bustling but you can bring your own drinks – which equals out any rushed service you might be given.
The best places to find cheap eats in East London
Good food at bargain prices
Yes, you know all about Tayyabs but how can you leave out a restaurant that delivers such consistent quality at such reasonable prices? Get the mixed grilled meat and the pumpkin curry above all else. And feel free to BYO.
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User Reviews
from Pimlico
Apr 17, 2014
from North London
Mar 16, 2014
special thanks to dinein.
xx
from London
Sep 3, 2013
I think the restaurant is very much overrated. Out of a bill of nearly £100 i enjoyed only 1 item on the table. We ordered their speciality which is the mixed grill, the chicken was ok, the lamb was so tough i couldn’t even pick of the bone let alone swallow!! They had run out of Byriani!! (Rice with meat)
I also witnessed one waiter downstairs being very rude to another waiter from upstairs, this put me off completely.
Unfortunately i would not recommend this to a friend.
from London
Jun 16, 2013
the staff were nice though.
Sep 14, 2012
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