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
Indian Restaurant in Shadwell
7 / 10 from 6 reviews
Address
83-89 Fieldgate Street
Shadwell
London
E1 1JU
Telephone
020 7247 8521
020 7247 8521
Cuisine
Indian
Indian
Region
Shadwell
Shadwell
Opening Times
Monday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Tuesday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Wednesday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Thursday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Friday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Saturday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Sunday
Opens 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Tayyabs Picture Gallery
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All In London Review
It seems just about everyone has something to say about Tayyab...
It seems just about everyone has something to say about Tayyabs, and when that something is almost unfailingly good then the Whitechapel grill is worthy of a long overdue salute. Established in 1972 and quickly expanding to larger premises, Tayyabs is now a slick outfit serving Pakistani cuisine over two floors. The dashing interior - complete with tropical bubble tanks - struggles to make an impression when it is clearly one’s other senses that are rapidly focused. The welcoming aroma of mixed spices and grilled meat is delicious in itself.
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.
Things to Try
User Reviews
SIMON
from Pimlico
from Pimlico
Apr 17, 2014
This restaurant is astonishingly good, and the best Indian food I've ever eaten in London or anywhere else. It's *amazing* value too. This is a reason to live, and stay living, in London. One of the best places I know to eat, the whole thing just works. I hope it stays true and I can't see any reason to doubt it. Just watch the kitchen in action!
Adi
from North London
from North London
Mar 16, 2014
I love Tayyab food,very nice place to have best food from but sometimes you have to wait like 2 hours for a table but doesn't matter now I can order there food online as they started delivering food as well.
special thanks to dinein.
xx
special thanks to dinein.
xx
Sadie
from London
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.
matt
from London
from London
Jun 16, 2013
the restaurant is a bit overrated, the food was okay but nothing special, to improve the grill foods needs a little more spice and seasoning.
the staff were nice though.
the staff were nice though.
Xain
Sep 14, 2012
I have been to Tayyab's few times with friends, their food is really delicious and I like how they treat their customers. We had no problem in placing order and food was very tasty and freshly cooked as usual. Try their Tandoori chicken its delicious. I like going them again and again.