Diwana Bhel Poori House

A really really disappointing meal. The dosa was so so but the samba that came with it was bland. The deluxe thali contained two sauces that were virtually indistinguishable and every one of four dishes was bland and lukewarm - there was very little hint of fresh spice or herb in any dish. Even the little details were poor. For example, the pickles had been on tables all night and had seen better days and the tap water was served tepid.

The service was prompt but I'd never go back here again!
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Saturday, August 30, 2008

We did takeaway from this place and really liked it. Sort of a South Indian veg theme, excellently done. Dosas were terrific. The place was packed with locals when I went in to pick up our food. Unreservedly recommend.
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btwst - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Friday, August 29, 2008

I've been going to this place for nearly a year for their lunchtime buffet at £6.95. I quite like the large variety of vegetarian (mainly salad) food but its lacking in spice so they often tend to taste the same. The salads are all very similar. The layout has improved lately as there is often a big and slow-moving queue as people help themselves to the 30+ dishes. As a regular its often frustrating that people spend ages peering at each dish and taking ages to help themselves when there is a queue of 10 hungry people behind them!

I generally find the service to be rude - you get the feeling that they want you in and out as quickly as possible. Don't even try to ask for a table for 4 if there are 2 of you or the worse crime (has happened to me 3 times now) is to go in on your own. They make you wait until a small table is available even though there may be other seats free.

I went in today to meet a friend for lunch. I asked for a table for 2 and the manager asked "so where is the other person?" and started interrogating me as to when they were coming and was I sure there was someone else? I was told to wait even though the place was empty. I told him he was being rude and discourteous and he told me to stop being so rude! If I hadn't been meeting my friend I would have walked out.

During the meal they turned on a really loud sound system playing awful pop music which put an end to our conversation. For months there has been building work (drilling) going on during lunch so I'm not sure which is worse.

I am sick of the appalling service at this place so have vowed never to go again!
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

I ordered some Anapurna Thali with chapatti bread. It was tasty but nothing spectacular. However the service was quick and friendly.

It is true the toilets are off-putting...., although so many restaurants have this same problem...
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Sunday, June 01, 2008

I am Gujarati and have been eating Gujarati food all my life.

The food at this place if truly awfull, tastes bland and os extreamly over-priced.

I found the staff ok but thats because I am over 6ft tall and towered over them so they served me quickly. I could see how they were being a little rude to others.

This place gives Gujarati food a very bad name.

I vow never to go here again.
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Sashi
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Sunday, June 01, 2008

Ignore all of the negative reviews! I love this place. I've been going there since I was a baby (now 21). Everyone is very friendly, the food comes quickly, the atmosphere is authentic (I know this because I'm half Indian myself) and it's hard to find a restaurant that is better value for money.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 26, 2008

I wondered whether some of your reviewers were talking about the same restaurant. I go there for lunch every week, and for £6.95 unlimited buffet, I cannot believe you could do better anywhere. Service is efficient and friendly, it is always full, the food is varied, very well cooked and prepared, and completely delicious.
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Justin Coldwell
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Thursday, May 15, 2008

This place is great. If you think you're going to some posh restaurant - forget it. It's like a cafe. Go in - sit down! If someone wants to redirect you - fair enough - just let them. Order a sweet lassi - relax!

The chaotic atmosphere is part of the experience. I've eaten here for years and the food is some of the best in London - I don't know why people are slating it - maybe they were expecting tikka masalas and all that other junk. This is fantastic tasting vegetarian food. I am compelled to write this review after reading such horrible comments.

And no, the toilets aren't great; but so what? The food is what you're there for. I went to Chutney's (a bit further up) after reading the glowing reviews it received on this site - and the food was truly disappointing and soulless.

If you want a good masala dosas, bhel puris and lassi and plenty more; go here and just enjoy it.
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Ash
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Quick service

Poor food - very bland and overpriced for what you get

Big poori selection, but essentially all the same - spicy mashed potato in a shop bought pancake

Charged £1 each for cups of tap water

Toilets absolutely disgusting

All in all, lovely!
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Ian B
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, April 02, 2008

I completely agree with the reviews written below. I would term the service as appauling and completely disgusting. I went there along with my husband on my birthday and it was one that i will never forget but for all the wrong reasons. After entering we stodd at the door without being attended to for almost 7-8 minutes. When we were shown to a table that we dint want, we were very rudely taken to another table. After ordering the starters and mains, we were served very swiftly but with food that tasted quite bland. I am Indian and can vouch that the food is far from authentic and completely tasteless. Hardly had we finished the mains, were presented with the bill, without asking for it. Neither were we asked if we would like desserts. When questioned about why we were not informed about the closing of that section, staff rudely said we could shift if we wanted or else leave the restaurant! I have never experienced more humiliation and would never go back or allow anyone i know to visit the restaurant.

Bad food and terribly arrogant, inhospitable staff.
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, March 25, 2008