Cafe Mandalay in Hackney

Went there during the weekend and was surprised at how good and authentic the food was. Lovely place and will definitely come back.

I am a Burmese student who currently lives in London. Sometimes I miss the food of my home country but because of the civil war, I’ve been unable to go back and visit my family. It felt like a twist of fate that I just happened to walk by and see this wonderful cafe on my way home. And when I realised it sold Burmese food, I knew I had to go in. The owner was very friendly and it made me so happy being able to converse with someone in my mother tongue again. He listed several dishes they made, including some personal favourites like Coconut Noodles, Shan Noodles and Stir-Fried Rosella Leaves. I decided on the Chicken Briyani and I’ve been craving it for a while but have never been able to find it anywhere (the Indian version is different). It hit the spot, and I can’t wait to go back and try out my other favourite dishes from this place.

Love this spot, super friendly service and amazing food. The daily curries are flavorful and generous portions.

I am very delighted that I found this little gem. I am Burmese myself and have been looking for authentic Burmese food. I met Kyaw who is very friendly and take time to explain everything on the menu. I had Mont Hinn Ghar ( rice noddle with thick fish broth ) which is very stable food for every Burmese’s diet. I really like that dish and I wasn’t disappointed at all, just taste like back home. The portion is a little bit small for my liking but for the price I thinks it’s reasonable. I had Nan gyi tote ( dried noddle salad with chicken ), was ok. And I had Burmese sweet treats and tea and love it. I am taking a few of my friends next week and definitely going to try out other dishes so clearly I recommend this restaurant.

Recently got a takeaway from here and the food was delicious. Definitely would recommend the biryani. This really is a hidden gem. Also people who serve you were a pleasure to talk to.

First time eating Burmese food and very impressed, so different to other Asian cuisines. The tea leaf salad was so tasty with a mixture of flavours and textures. The hot pork curry, with a rich thick gravy. English food also available. Only 5 mins walk from Old Street station. Friendly owner. Highly recommended.

Very tasty curry. Defo coming back to try the rest of the menu

Cute little cafe with delicious burmese curry. Very friendly owner too! Highly recommend.

Cafe Mandalay is possibly the only place in London for Burmese food. Located in a residential part of London, it is interesting to see them blend in by offering English fare as well like this other caff which serves Chinese and English. There is a separate menu for Burmese food while the caff menu is on the board. The Burmese menu was impressively comprehensive with three pages. I had the tea leaf salad, mohinhga noodles and Burmese tofu and black eye pea cakes. The tea leaf salad was to my liking, it is normally spicy but I had it without chilli so I was able to appreciate it better. It had a nice crunch with cabbage, tomatoes, fermented tea leaves, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, fava beans, etc. You have a nice savoury taste with lots of fish sauce in it. The mohinhga noodles were fishy with blended mackerel but had no bones which was reassuring. It was topped with lots of grassy coriander, crispy garlic slices and lentil fritters. Also tried the Burmese tofu and black eye pea cakes which were both fried. The tofu was interesting as it was yellow and starchy because it contains lentils in it. Overall, I am glad I tried this place because Burmese fare is a rare find in the UK.

Cafe Mandalay is possibly the only place in London for Burmese food. Located in a residential part of London, it is interesting to see them blend in by offering English fare as well like this other caff which serves Chinese and English. There is a separate menu for Burmese food while the caff menu is on the board. The Burmese menu was impressively comprehensive with three pages. I had the tea leaf salad, mohinhga noodles and Burmese tofu and black eye pea cakes. The tea leaf salad was to my liking, it is normally spicy but I had it without chilli so I was able to appreciate it better. It had a nice crunch with cabbage, tomatoes, fermented tea leaves, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, fava beans, etc. You have a nice savoury taste with lots of fish sauce in it. The mohinhga noodles were fishy with blended mackerel but had no bones which was reassuring. It was topped with lots of grassy coriander, crispy garlic slices and lentil fritters. Also tried the Burmese tofu and black eye pea cakes which were both fried. The tofu was interesting as it was yellow and starchy because it contains lentils in it. Overall, I am glad I tried this place because Burmese fare is a rare find in the UK.

Someone at this restaurant is doing spam calls from their phone

Just got work lunch from here and it’s absolutely delicious, great price too. Thank you!

I cannot wait to try the rest of the extensive menu! The Mohinnkha was mouthwatering! 😋

Stop by after hearing about the best place for Authentic Burmese Food in London. And the reviews weren't wrong!! Authentic homemade dishes and great service 👍

beautiful little out of the way cafe serving limited hot food but plenty of other great food. had the curry and rice which came in medium or hot and was quite spectacular. well worth a trip.

Delighted to find this authentic Burmese Café serving laphet (tea leaf salad), ohno kawswe, mohinghar, sanwinamakin (coconut semolina cake) and cassava cake as well as many other Burmese dishes. Delicious food. Happy friendly service.

Authentic Burmese Food with a very fair prize.

Great-tasting Burmese food at very reasonable prices. Friendly, efficient owner served me. Atmosphere in this tiny cafe was relaxed and calm. Not much seating and definitely not a place for a big group to go. It was very clean and unpretentious with a simple menu that included curries, tea leaf salad and cassava cake. Located on a small shopping parade, which although even I could find easily enough, is a bit off the beaten track. There are also plenty of non-Burmese menu options - all quite simple. I was warned that some of the Burmese dishes were only available on Thursdays and Fridays. Think that included the fish curry, but it didn't matter to me - there is still plenty of choice on other days.

Really marvelous little cafe serving fresh and delicious Burmese food at a fraction of the price charged elsewhere. Amazing Lahpet salad, hand chopped while you wait and served by a sprightly proprietor with a twinkle in his eye.

Delicious curry and smiling owner

A nice place to eat in. Loved the curry <3. They have a few options of curry to choose from.

I have been living there around the corner for the last 2 years, been ordering there frequently, almost daily sometimes, all the food was always delicious, just try the beef curry and you will see! And the most friendly and calmed service! Definitely 5 solid stars!

The selection of curry is delicious and the semolina cake is a must try.

Peaceful and chill environment Super friendly owner Highly Recommended Curry mackerel rice Enjoyable lunch

Fantastic fresh food most authentic we have found in London. Great service by the owner!

Went there for the tea leaf salad and it did not disappoint me (you need to ask for the menu if you want to order authentic Burmese food, they have separate menu) and the staff was very friendly!

Very tasty sandwiches and very kind staff, strongly recommend!!

Very authentic Burmese food, made me feel like I’m home 🥰

Came in for a quick lunch - had the most delicious curry! Best meal I've had in a while. Inexpensive with quick and very friendly service!

The cakes are so amazing and fresh

Great spot, we grab lunch there on WFH days and it never disappoints!

Would go back everyday. Loved the chicken curry on rice, and the chicken noodle soup in particular.

Very nice cafe with both Burmese and classic British options!

Lovely local Burmese cafe. Great homemade currys, falafels, sandwiches. Good quality ingredients. Delicious chilly jam. Really good coffee. Owner is lovely. Highly recommended.

Fantastic place! I loved my coconut, chicken noodles! It's been a long time since I had it and it was delicious. I will be back! Jezubah ♡

We went to London for a couple of days. We stayed close to this place and as we were working remote, didn’t have much time to go lunch. We found this place and was a great surprise. Food was delicious (homemade taste) the people there were very friendly, is a small and simple place but with a great staff, fast service and delicious food. Thank you for having us!

Best lunch I’ve had in London, with a lovely atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service which comes with a smile!

Lovely little spot for lunch. Can get a selection of sandwiches and salads but I would recommend getting one of the curries they have on offer.

Superb service excellent food, I would recommend this cafe to everyone.

Absolutely delicious curries - with a home made feel. Would definitely go again!

Cafe Mandalay sells the best Burmese home made curries, meat is cooked to perfection and there’s so much depth in the flavours. My favourite is the beef curry, it’s on the hotter side in comparison to the other meats.The owner is really kind and welcoming. I highly recommend their food if you’re in the local area, there’s plenty to choose from.

Very delicious food. The boss is respectful person. I would go there again. I would even recommend it to anyone!

Très accueillant et authentique. On a été très bien reçu et avons mangé un très bon petit déjeuner. Nous en avons eu pour notre argent

The food was delicious and tasted beautifully homemade! I really loved the generous portions of Coconut Chicken Curry and Tea Leaf salad! Will definitely order again and try other dishes.

Excellent service and customer service . Food was great , thank you .

Very tasty Burmese food and the owner is super friendly. All homemade.

This place does really comforting, tasty and affordable Burmese food that you should definitely try. Got two types of curry and rice and a coke for under ten pounds. It was a LOT of food and exactly what I wanted to eat on a cold wintery day. The cafe also offers a range of breakfasts, sandwiches etc and the service is always really friendly. Check it out please and support this lovely independent business.

I always get my curry lunch from here. Always fresh and owner is really nice ! I especially like the pork curry

cute little local gem! lovely owner and great food!

Lovely local cafe with such a friendly owner. Fresh sandwiches are delicious and the curries are fantastic. The coffee cake is also fabulous.

Good value. Tasty homecooked feel. Friendly service.

Always perfect, best coffee and authentic cuisine in N1 👌🏼👑🙌🏼🖤

Great food and service at a very reasonable price. 10/10!

Great food, good prices, and friendly owner. The mackerel curry on Thursdays and Fridays is my favourite.

Opening times appear to be wrong

Great vegan tofu curry, friendly owner. Would like to try the vegan sandwich options

I would call it semi-Burmese cafe. They have some British and Burmese food mixed. It’s small place and they say it’s full during lucnh time

Lovely vegetarian curry with chickpeas flour cubes.

Gem of a cafe, great host in Cho, very friendly. Met my son for brunch on Saturday and the food was great as was the price. A very relaxing experience that I hope to repeat.

I'm here most weeks and I love the curries, cakes, and the good coffee. Friendly, relaxed, and really good home-made, authentic food. Thank you

The Burmese biryani is excellent. Curries are decent as well. The owner is very friendly.

Lovely quite little cafe which serves great healthy food. Cho who runs the place is always polite and accommodating and happy to chat if you're up for having one. The Burmese curries are delicious and there's always a varied selection including a veggie option. Recommended!

Omg coffee cake is amazing the server always has a smile on his face and his so welcoming 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍🥰😘🥰

The best local Cafe. Would definitely recommend to all :)

Used to come here pre lockdown so wanted to come have a try again. Still amazing food and always great to see their lovely customer service.

Delicious food. Good portions.

Loved it. This guys food is amazing. I wish I lived in the area as I would go there all the time.

Excellent food and coffee and a very relaxing atmosphere with no pressure to leave or buy more. This has become a regular meeting place for my friend and me.

Good place to eat Myanmar traditional food ,I realy enjoyed fish curry there.Owner is nice and polite gentleman.Thank you for wonderful experience

Really comforting, homely curries here at Cafe Mandalay - a simple, unassuming caff near Old Street serving up a daily selection of Burmese specialties alongside other greasy spoon classics. The friendly owner Cho kindly loaded up my rice plate with a full medley of everything he had on offer today: Coconut Chicken, Beef Curry, Tomato-Soy Pork Shoulder & Aubergine curry. Delicious!

Great little cafe with real good food. Worth a visit.

Nice making Caffè espresso & friendly staff.thank you.

Still the best place. 5 stars for food an service. So pleased to find it open after not working in Old Street for over a year. 🙏 #HappyMan

Super friendly staff and very tasty food. Definitely recommend.

Great home cooked curries for very affordable lunches.

Excellent customer service and perfect espresso!

Friendly service, high quality food and a fantastic selection.

One of the best breakfast i tried

This place is the perfect neighbourhood cafe. The food is delicious, the service is quick and extremely friendly and the prices are very reasonable. I love this place and cannot recommend it enough.

Love this cafe! Before lockdown I was going here almost every day for lunch. The coconut chicken curry is absolutely amazing! Was craving this so much during lockdown. My son loves going here for a cheese sandwich for lunch after nursery. One of the nicest people running the cafe, so friendly and welcoming. Used to go to a different cafe before being introduced to this one and haven't been back to my old one for a long time now.

Coffee and food are both great and really good value. The beef curry was one of the best I have ever had and portion was huge! The cakes are all homemade and are delicious. Cho, who runs the restaurant is really nice guy. I work around the corner and wish i'd known about this place sooner. Hopefully they'll join Deliveroo soon.

The food is not only delicious, affordable and home made, but also comes in huge portions! Cho, who runs the joint is a really nice guy. Literally, the best lunch in town!

Hoisin sauce missing for duck. Delicious and fresh food

Love love love this cafe... Food is always freshly made, coffees are great and his curries are to die for. 90%of things are homemade and my favourite it the tuna and cheese melt bloomer. Prices are reasonable and we are always met with a friendly smile from the guy who runs it.

Nice food. Very friendly staff. Budget friendly place. Love to chill there.

Fabulous mushrooms on toast with black coffee. Quick friendly service and a chilled atmosphere. Love this place!

We went to this place when closing he graciously welcome us cook excellent Burmese curries and salads

Lovely coffee! And friendly staff

Really friendly. Great curries every lunchtime. Recommend!!!

I love this place! My fave-the curries which are fresh and exquisite. Homemade cakes melt in my mouth and the wraps are soo good. You can ask for what you want in the wraps etc and the staff are very efficient and hygienic. Always greeted with friendly faces and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. A real gem for the community.

Lovely service and great, freshly made, food

Food here is AMAZING!! Always fresh made on the day. Variety of Currys also daily. Great cafe to go to

Good value tasty food and drink. Friendly efficient service. .

A hidden gem is quite the right expression for this place. I bought my lunch here recently. The food, including the cakes, is all self-made. There are vegetarian options available. The atmosphere is very homey which is emphasised by the warm and friendly service. Did I mention that the food tasted amazing?

Great place with friendly staff and clean food. Highly recommended

Delicious food and a friendly smile awaits you!

A hidden gem - the food at Cafe Mandalay is lovely and full of flavour - tofu fries and the pork curry are particular favourites of mine followed by the in house home made ice creams. The staff are just wonderful, so personable and nothing is too much trouble. Excellent quality food at affordable prices. A must visit.

Such great service with the best coffee, by far, in the area. Very good value and tasty too. Thank you for always brightening up our day.

Great fresh squeezed orange juice. Friendly staff.

I love going to Cafe Mandalay on a lunch break, you can get an amazing home made large curry for just £6. The owner is always smiling and really friendly. You can get a large selection of salads and sanwiches too. Proper old school caf. Highly recommend.