Cafe Helen truly impressed me with their delicious food. I tried their meat shawarma, and it was incredibly tasty—full of flavor and perfectly prepared. I also had their falafel, which was super crispy on the outside and very flavorful inside. I enjoyed it so much that I went back again to have their shawarma once more, along with their cocktail juice, which was refreshing and delicious. Honestly, everything I tried here was really yummy. On top of that, the customer service was excellent—friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Definitely a place worth visiting again!
Overview
Located at 105A Edgware Rd, Tyburnia, London W2 2HX, United Kingdom, Cafe Helen is a Halal restaurant that offers an authentic and delightful Middle Eastern dining experience. Whether you're craving a hearty chicken shawarma wrap or a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, this eatery guarantees a flavorful journey that will leave you coming back for more. To reach them, simply dial +44 20 7402 2072.
In this article, we will take you through everything you need to know about Cafe Helen, from its menu highlights to the overall dining experience.
The Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere of Cafe Helen
When you step into Cafe Helen, you're immediately greeted by the aroma of freshly grilled meats and savory spices. The atmosphere of the cafe exudes warmth and friendliness, which is mirrored by its attentive staff. Whether you're visiting for a casual meal or a special gathering, you can always expect a welcoming environment. The food is served quickly, allowing you to dive right into the delicious flavors that await.
Cafe Helen’s customer service is generally praised, with many reviewers highlighting the swift and friendly nature of the staff. However, some visitors have noted areas for improvement, such as the inconsistency in portion sizes and service speed during busier hours. Nevertheless, the charm of the place remains undeniable.
Exploring the Menu at Cafe Helen
At Cafe Helen, the menu offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes, all while staying true to Middle Eastern culinary traditions. From freshly prepared shawarmas to refreshing salads, there’s something for everyone.
Shawarma Delights: A Signature Dish
One of the main attractions of Cafe Helen is its exceptional shawarma dishes. Shawarma lovers will find a variety of options to satisfy their cravings. The Chicken Shawarma Wrap and Mixed Shawarma Lamb and Chicken Wrap are standout choices. The perfectly seasoned chicken or lamb, wrapped in soft pita bread, is complemented by the fresh and tangy ingredients. A particularly popular pairing is the spicy potatoes, which add a layer of flavor that enhances the shawarma experience.
If you're in the mood for something a bit more filling, try the Shawarma Platter. This hearty dish features a generous portion of your chosen meat-be it lamb, chicken, or a mix of both-served alongside rice, fries, and a refreshing salad.
Other Savory Dishes: From Kebabs to Kofta
For those looking to try something beyond shawarma, Cafe Helen offers a diverse selection of grilled meats and flavorful sides. The Chicken Kebab and Shish Tawook are perfect for those who enjoy succulent grilled chicken with a smoky char. The Kofta, made from minced meat and seasoned with aromatic spices, is another must-try item.
The Lamb Shawarma on Hummus is a unique offering that combines tender, spiced lamb with the smooth, creamy texture of hummus. It’s a perfect fusion of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of the Middle East.
Light Bites and Sides
To complement your main course, consider ordering one of Cafe Helen’s fresh salads, such as the refreshing Fattoush Salad. This mix of crispy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs is topped with crunchy pita chips and a tangy dressing, making it a perfect side dish. If you're looking for a small, savory snack, the Batata (spicy potatoes) or crispy French Fries are ideal choices.
Cafe Helen also offers a variety of beverages to wash down your meal. From freshly squeezed Lemonade to sweet Orange Juice, there's no shortage of refreshing options to enjoy with your food. And for dessert, be sure to try the Baklava, a traditional Middle Eastern sweet that combines layers of flaky pastry, honey, and pistachios for a delightful treat.
Halal Dining at Its Best
As a Halal restaurant, Cafe Helen ensures that all of its dishes are prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for delicious, Halal options in London. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you can rest assured that the food at Cafe Helen meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
What Makes Cafe Helen Stand Out?
While there are plenty of Middle Eastern restaurants in London, Cafe Helen’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction sets it apart. The friendly staff and quick service ensure that every visit is a pleasant one, while the diverse menu offers something for every taste. Despite some mixed feedback on portion sizes and service consistency, the overall dining experience at Cafe Helen is one that keeps guests coming back for more.
Conclusion
If you’re craving authentic Halal Middle Eastern cuisine in London, Cafe Helen is a must-visit destination. From the flavorful shawarma wraps to the tender kebabs and refreshing salads, there’s no shortage of delicious options to enjoy. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, the warm atmosphere and friendly service make it a perfect place to indulge in your favorite Middle Eastern dishes.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ DinnerAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2991 reviews
Very delicious Shawarma. The chicken is very soft and juicy. I small wrap and it was good amount for me. It was 9 pounds which is good compared to other restaurants. I met the Palestinian chef at the restaurant and was nice and friendly. Really I recommend this restaurant if you are looking for great Shawarma experience in London.
Casually visited cafe Helen, while being around Edgware Road yesterday. My friends have been coming here for years and always praised their shawarma wraps,especially the mixed one, so definitely I had to try. I started with the chicken shawarma as my first choice, followed by the mixed shawarma. The ingredients were fresh, and the meat and chicken delicious. Service was friendly and attentive, and the only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because there wasn't enough sitting area( only a few counter top spots), and the shop or more specifically this part of the whole Cafe Helen was small in size. On another topic, next door there were lots of sitting areas in, and outside the shop which appeared to be an extension of cafe Helen. They had desserts, drinks, milkshake, coffee and shisha as well. Price wise I would consider their menu on the moderate side, not cheap but not super expensive.
great lebanese spot. ordered the mixed grill. the meat was perfectly spiced, as was the rice. the chilli sauce was delicious, but very hot, which complimented the food perfectly. the yogurt sauce was a nice way to bring down the heat. the service was a bit slow, but they were quite busy which explains why. definitely the best lebanese mixed grill i had on edgware road!
The mixed shawarma with Helen Café’s special sauce was absolutely fantastic. The halal meat was fresh, tender, well-cooked, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of salt. The chicken was juicy and full of flavour as well. A truly delicious and memorable meal!