Name: Watan Ilford
Address: 233 Ilford Lane, Ilford, London, IG1 2RZ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 203 773 3394
Price range: ££
Rating: 4

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I've lived around Ilford Lane for a while now, it's home to loads of halal restaurants but I've never managed to visit Watan, I've been to the one in Southall around 5 years ago and wasn't impressed. However, every time I go past the one in Ilford Lane there are queues going out the door.

The weather was nice yesterday and we just fed and changed the baby so I said let's go for a walk and check it out for lunch.

The menu has a lot of options (swipe 👉 for menu) but I decided to stay on the safe side and try a Afgan Mix grill for £32. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much from here.. But I was pleasantly surprised!

The kebabs tatsed really good, the first bite of each different item was full of flavour and juicy, they have been marinated in well balanced spices, seasoned well and more importantly not overcooked, something that used to be typical in places like this. Finally, chefs are realising that cooking meat to medium makes it tender, soft and taste better overall. Also, they don't remove the fat off the lamb chops, which means you get that flavour hit from your first bite. Lamb chops, lamb tikka, chicken tikka, seekh kebab and reshami kebabs, every item was good

It's served on a gaint naan and comes with 2 types light and delicate rice. Portions are good, we had plenty of food left over for take away.

Overall, for a first time visit and quick lunch I was impressed and enjoyed the meal. Lunch time was good to visit as it wasn't busy, I see why its busy in the evening as there's not many tables, maybe 45 people max. Decor isn't fancy, modern and clean and the service is basic.

And yes, I know I should of tried the Chapli Kebab.

All food halal. No alcohol. No service charge added. I paid for my meal, not a invite.

Food 8
Value 7
Atmosphere 6
Service 5

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