The Punjab

We are a family of five from the Netherlands and like exotic meals. Although Indian cuisine is not our favourite (Thai cuisine is), we had high expectations because we read an advert in the Covent Garden Underground elevator, The Punjab being the best Indian restaurant in the UK.

We all ordered a different main course. I ordered a dish, can't remember the name, but it had the qualification "YOU SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE TRIED ONCE IN A LIFETIME".

Main courses were served and we noticed we all got chicken with a brown sauce. Various colors brown, but all brown. And everything tasted "brown". Only very very small differences between the main courses: We tried a piece from each other. Absolutely not very exciting or special.

On my way to the toilet I looked at other tables and spotted brown sauce only. Can they do other than brown sauce? Have been to other Indian restaurants in the UK (London, Stratford, Glasgow) which were much better.

Staff were really pushy; have been asked to order by at least 5 staff members in less than 5 minutes.

Highly overrated !!!
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Bart Vonk - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 15, 2013

Extremely rude people......I wont step into this place.......
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mahi
5 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Friday, June 29, 2012

This is one of my fav restaurants in london!!! The food is not greasy or spicy which is a bonus as i find indian restaurants make the food so spicy that you can't even taste the food!! I would definitely recommend punjab restaurant especially their saag panner.
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Savi Shankar
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 15, 2012

I took my friends to this restaurant on Saturday evening but it was a total disaster. Food was OK but staff was too pushy. I understand it was busy on a saturday evening but their behaviour was unacceptable. I have never seen something like this in any restaurant. I felt so much pressure and for a moment, I felt am I eating here for free? Staff was behaving like they are doing some favour by serving food to us. With in 5 mins, 5 different people came asking for desserts. We got so irritated and me and my friends decided to leave that place immediately. Would never ever go back again. Don't go there. It will ruin your evening.
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Mohit Gaur
1 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Thursday, December 08, 2011

Great food and friendly service. Was worried about the dahl when it turned up but it had cracking flavour. Naan breads good too. Would definitely go back.
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Always Hopeful - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, November 04, 2011

Best punjabi cuisine that I have eaten at any restaurant. The food is brilliant and tastes exactly as it should. You can tell this is home cooked food cooked perfectly.

Read some reviews of rude staff but to be honest, I went with some friends a few weeks ago and a few of us were slightly late. The staff were fine with us in all honesty.

The service was fast and the waiters also quite friendly.

I've been to a lot of Indian restaurants in London (some with michelin star ratings), but this is by far my favourite. Great food and not too expensive either.
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Vik Singh
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 21, 2011

Best indian restaurant in London. I don't like spicy or greasy food and it is a pleasure to go there. The food is not heavy and the desserts are very noce: not too sweet and not bland.

A great address!
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sophielondon - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Saturday, March 19, 2011

The food was slightly better than average for a North Indian restaurant in London but I would rate the food quality at "Tayyabs" more than that of "Punjab".

The poor service annoyed me, where we were made to wait outside till all our colleagues arrived (we had a booking), forced to make quick orders, rushing through taking away plates ... I will not go there again, though it is ok to try out the place once.
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Jithin
5 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Saturday, January 15, 2011

The food was absolutely fantastic, and the service was impeccable; this was my 50th birthday celebration meal, and the whole evening was just wonderful.

We booked ahead for 19:30 and our table was waiting for us on arrival. Very friendly staff, and service was not rushed but efficient.

I would definitely make a return trip, and highly recommend the Punjab restaurant.
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Terry Thorne
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I was there at Punjab last night and been there numerous times but didn't liked person at the front door who was very very rude. We were 6 people & had reservation as well but he asked us to wait outside since all 6 were not there at exact same time. Despite being cold & sofa's inside he just sort of pushed 3 of us outside, even on phone kept on mentioning about coming on time even after mentioning that I/my colleagues/friends have been there numerous times.

Service inside by waiters, food is very good but if you are going for fun then someone spoiling your mood at the entrance is the last thing one wants to do.

I have recommended this place to lot of my friends who just love it but I guess I won't go there again (may be last chance) because of such rude behavior.
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Singh
7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 29, 2010