Saravana Bhavan in Newham

RAJI service was very good attentive, friendly, and professional. The food was amazing, full of flavor and beautifully presented. A wonderful experience overall

Best place for south indian food in UK

Manager behaviour not good for delivery rider it's attitude not good

You haven’t tried Indian food until you go here! And amazing prices for the portions and quality of food. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The place was buzzing on a Sunday with people queued up to be seated…but that’s how you know it’s a hot spot. The paneer was delivered steaming…chai masala fragrant and hitting the right spot on my stomach. Shout out to John who suggested I get the panner biryani. Would go again!

4 May 2025 update We visited this wonderful restaurant a little earlier this time, a little before 12 noon, as a Party of 3. We found parking at an adjoining road, about 7 minutes walk, so that was good. We were led to our table at the far end, center, adjacent to the cooking station. Even at this time, the restaurant was 3/4s full. By contrast the basement seating area had a few diners. We ordered our Chilli Paneer without chilli, Potato Bhonda, onion rava masala dosas. Pongal as well as Plain and Mango lassies. All the dishes were extremely tasty and our rava masala dosas crispy as requested. The chilled mango lassi was a nice and smooth element for the spiced Potato Bhonda I had had. The food was enjoyed by all and the nice touch for me was that there were regular top ups of red, green and coconut chutneys by the member of serving staff. The other good thing to see was that the emptied plates were promptly removed. This was a marked improvement compared to our previous visit. So well done to all members of staff and management, a great positive stride forward, Thank You👏 2 April 2024 Update Visited this Sarvana Bhavan on a very rainy day, not ideal but taste buds necessitated that. We were luckily and got a table straightaway on the far centre of the room adjacent to the Chefs stations. As soon as we took our jackets off, a eager member of staff came to take our order. So we asked him to come back after we had actually seen the menu, he was perhaps a little too eager. We called him back and placed our order. I wanted the Potato Bhonda, a spiced version of the one on the menu. I was advised that this is no longer sold. Then why have the item on the Menu?, So we ordered 2 well done Onion Rava Masala dosas made extra crispy. Our server suggested getting the potato filling separate to maintain the crispness. We concurred. Sure enough when the Rava onion masala dosas came, indeed they were both very crispy. There was a nice selection of chutnies/sauces to compliment it. The dosa was well laced with a generous amount of onions. The potato filling that had been served separately as arranged, however the amount of potato wa tiny, it also lacked flavour and creativity. It was totally bland. Also the sambar was served in the smallest possible stainless steel dish and then that too was only half full, this was disappointing. On request, the sauces on my dish were topped up, so that wa nice. As I was still hungry and because of the lack of Potatoes Bhonda, I ordered another dosa. Again this came with separate potatoes filling and very crispy but the sambar was virtually non existant and the potatoes filling lacked flavour. We order some chilli Paneer and rotis to go. Whilst I was still eating my dosa, the server came with the bill, standing next to me with his card machine expecting me to pay him. This was rather difficult as my wallet was in a closed zip in my jacket and my hands were not clean as I was eating my dosa. This was extremely unprofessional and I was not amused and told him so. He still stood there. So I passed my jacked to my wife who took out my wallet and my card which I then tapped on his machine. I do not want this behavior repeated on my next visit. I will call the server and ask for the bill when I had finished eating. So to summarise, the Potato Bhonda needs to be removed for the menu if you no longer serve it. There are a few more items no longer served on the restaurant. Perhaps someone needs to go over the menu and get these items removed and menus reprinted with the actual merchandise sold. The Onion Rava Masala Dosa shell was nice and crispy but need to improve the taste of the potatoes filling and offer sambar in a slightly larger dish. And most importantly, do not hover over the customer holding a payment machine whilst they are still eating their food, especially as they have not asked for the bill. Hope to see these suggestions actioned. Nb: Have deleted the original review as there was no space on Google maps to add this update to the original review I had done.

Traditional and authentic in London We were tourists, we visited this restaurant because this is well known from back home and also this restaurant is here for many years. After a temple visit this vegetarian food gives good feel and satisfaction. Only suggestion is their coffee was too light, stingy coffee master didn’t add enough coffee to the milk.

The idly here is perfectly soft and fluffy, while the paneer tikka is full of rich, smoky flavours. Though the service could be quicker, the food makes it worth the wait. A solid choice for a satisfying meal!

Best in class at East Ham Minimal price

Absolutelt superb establishment. Would definyely recommend! Best accomidation!

Superb south Indian food I had in east ham, also it pure vegetarian restaurant.

Food is tasty but waitress need to more training . I believe both waitress knew joint . She don’t no what is food serve in plate . 4 person table she ask to customer give to plate me after eat - dirty plates . No please or no thanks . After payment paid no fresh refreshment normally provide Indian valyari/ supari . I ask the counter lady she reply some time we not provide 😳 she explained for hygiene issue , I say provide in small packs but she don’t have answer - cross the road Indian restaurant provide in small pack 5/ 10 grams .

Visited Saravana Bhavan just after temple. The food came real quick.Idly vada sambar was great.

The legendary brand of South Indian food . Many options but the high standard which is maintained by most of Saravanas is not there. Excellent soft and high quality Idli and the various chutneys are very tasty . Servers are not diligent while taking orders.

Authentic tamil vegetarian food options. Speedy service and lot of staff.

Every time they get it right with dosa and idtily

Today's food was not their standard!!

It was a really good experience. Kanaga (I hope I got the name right )was so attentive and caring. She was so patient, we ended up ordering so many stuff and 10 year old is a fussy eater and she was so patient in taking his orders with a smile. She even packed the cheese cake for him as a takeaway 😂.Will visit next on March 1 for sure after our temple visit - Deepa & Angiras

Authentic flavors and consistently good dishes. It can get quite busy on weekends, but the service is impressively quick. Special shoutout to Jassim, who served us. Super attentive and friendly.

Fantastic fresh food. Very kind staff and would definitely come here again!

I ordered Kara Dosa for Takeaway around 5.30 Pm on 12/04/2025. The Employee at the counter charged 10p extra for the takeaway bag. I requested for Extra chutney, she did not accept for it. I took my takeaway order went home walking. When I opened the box to eat the Kara Dosa, it was a Masala Dosa. They gave me Masala Dosa, instead of Kara Dosa which I ordered. I thought of going back to the hotel and complaining. But, I need to walk a lot to go back. So I didn’t go. I don’t like Masala Dosa, that is why I ordered Kara Dosa. I gave the masala dosa to my neighbour. This is not good for the reputation of such famous restaurant. Please make sure you pack the correct items. I’m attaching the pics of the receipt and masala dosa.

Great for South Indian food. Authentic taste and pure vegetarian.

Hi, I just wanted to say that your food was absolutely delicious – truly amazing! I really enjoyed it. Would love it if you could open a branch in Edinburgh, Scotland too. Please please consider it! Thank you, Surendra Manne.

All the staff are very polite, friendly and helpful, except "Stella", the Romanian waiter. The reason was that the manager came and asked whether I needed a table for one. I said yes. He said that a table would be free in some minutes. I understood the situation and waited. Normally, Fridays are busy days, and today 11/04/2025 was an auspicious day for Hindus. The restaurant was full of customers. I waited patiently. Stella came and said that I couldn't come inside. I didn't ask whether I could come or I didn't try to go inside. It upsetted me. Even though she speaks English, she lacks communication skills. All the Tamil waiters and waitresses are friendly and helpful. I got a table near the kitchen area. I was able to hear what the kitchen staff are waiters were talking about. The waiters were talking and complaining about items missed to the customers. I know it was a busy day. One of the waitresses told about items missing to the customer to the manager when he came near to the kitchen. The manager told the kitchen staff to look for the orders properly and prepare the orders properly. Similarly, one waitress told the trainee that he missed the items to customers. All the foods are freshly prepared and very tasty. The features of the restaurant catch the eye when you see from outside. It makes you to go inside the restaurant and eat.

The best tamil nadu/ south indian restaurant in London. Highly recommend to everyone to visit if you want to try indian food.

Very nice taste and service is nice... i visit so many restaurant but I didn't get service like this... thank you... 😎

Good food, decent service. Always busy but that's a good sign. Busy atmosphere but worth it for the food.

As always the best South Indian 🇮🇳 food

Amazing food and great service provided by the staff. Jassim was polite and friendly.

Tried their breakfast combo. And it's just average. But worth the rate.

I would like to commend Simran for her outstanding service. From the moment I arrived until the end of my visit, she was exceptionally welcoming, attentive, and observant. She anticipated my needs even before I expressed them, demonstrating excellent awareness and professionalism. Her ability to understand and respond proactively truly enhanced my experience. A 5-star rating does not do justice to her performance—she deserves even more. Exceptional service.

Need improve the mango delight bit more

had a wonderful dining experience at saravana restaurant.and Jassim provided exceptional service. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. His warm hospitality made our visit even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this place, and kudos to Jassim

Food is pathetic and they do not pay any attention to instruction.

Great service by Jassim and nice food

Worst among worst! Rest reviews are only for that oil dosa! This doesn't even deserve 1 star in negative order.

Best South Indian vegetarian restaurant

Jassim good service And very tasty food

I had lunch here with my wife and young daughter yesterday for a Mother’s Day celebration. We enjoyed idli, varda, thali and a dhosa. The food was delicious, the atmosphere vibrant and joyful and the staff very kind and engaging. It was such a lovely experience. We can’t wait to return. Thank you. East Ham is a very special place.

Please do not eat if you have any allergies.

Pay 5 pounds and order chapathi curry , the chapathi are like papad No value for money , More than that , when ever I go I come with bed bugs, Please do something

Jassim was amazing! Really good guy!

Excellent Service at Saravanaa Bhavan! I had a wonderful dining experience at Saravanaa Bhavan, thanks to the exceptional service provided by Jassim. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our breakfast. The food was delicious as always, and Jassim’s warm hospitality made our visit even more enjoyable. I truly appreciate his professionalism and kindness. Highly recommend visiting and asking for Jassim if you want great service!

Enjoy the food and the ambience. Jassim was excellent at his service and very kind as well. Definitely recommend asking for his service.

Service can be better bit more better .especially serving people .food was amazing.Needed much more improvement in serving. Thanks

Nice ambience but they need to work really to match up the quality that they serve as in back home.

Jassim is as great with his service. Love to visit soon.

First time visited. Lovely atmosphere. Jassim served us very politely and talked to us. Ghee roast was little bit overcooked , still enjoyed. Thank you

Me and my partner went for dinner today. I found a long hair strand in coffee and when told to the manager, he simply said sorry and smiled. At the end they charged for the coffee as well. Such a shame. The service is very prompt on a busy Saturday evening, they don't let you sit and enjoy the dinner, seems like they are in a hurry to give you all the food ordered altogether so that one finishes the dinner very fast and vacate the seats. It is ridiculous as we ordered coffee first and then asked for food but they gave everything together. So we could not enjoy it at all.

Visited East Ham restaurant today but compared to South Hall branch,the taste of food is here different alongwith service and ambience as compared to South Hall which is outstanding.

The food was way to average, staff was good and the desert kulfi was way to over priced and not good in taste. More over staff bought all the food at the same time means they served starter and after few minutes served the main course as well. The place over hyped, it's only a one time visit.

This place is one you can always rely on for tasty, solid food. They’ve got a great mix of Indian dishes, especially South Indian stuff, and I’ve never had a bad experience no matter how many times I’ve been there. What really sets this spot apart is the service. Staff like Ms. Meenu really go the extra mile to make sure everything’s just right. They’re super attentive—always refilling side dishes, making sure tissues are stocked, and taking care of the little things before you even think to ask. They’re friendly, always smiling, and just really good at what they do.

Jassim was very insightful and explained everything perfectly. Gave us wonderful recommendations….. would highly recommend him and the restaurant any day

Can’t beat the food ,excellent value !

Jassim was our waiter, he was very tentative asked us if we wanted refills. The service was very efficient, the food arrived quickly. The food was hot and fresh and very tasty. Excellent service overall

Excellent service by Jassim, we ordered 6 items all the 5 were good except curd rice it was served in a very small amount and also it was soo bland wasn’t at all like how they described on the menu

Jasim was very courteous and polite , made our visit pleasant

Delicious food, great service from Jassim. Thank you.

Food was good but not exceptional as it used to be. But the service was excellent. Jassim who took care of our table is very professional and did an outstanding service. Thank you.

Our family favourite 💜 we’ve been coming to the East Ham branch of SB for a while and absolutely love it here. The food is always scrumptious and the service swift, friendly and upbeat. A special thanks to Kanaga for always going the extra mile and making us feel beyond welcome and looked after. Thanks a million! 🤗

Great service from Joe and Jassim! They served and helped with a smile. Please keep up the good work! Food was great as always. Atmosphere reminds me of restaurants back home. 10/10 the best South Indian restaurant in East Ham.

I love the environment the staff was so polite

Jessim has given has a good service

The food was good. The service was fast. Jassim was very good waiter.

a lovely experience with friendly service by our waiter Jassim. Had the mini tiffin, idli, masala dosa and paratha. Delicious and fresh South Indian food

I don’t like manager attitude with customers and delivery drivers

Great dosas and idly. Fantastic service from Jassim, esp answering all our questions!

We had dinner in Saravana Bhavana , service was too gud, we waited 15mins for table , Santhosh a new joinee served as quick and took care of our table. Jassim too did better service. Highly recommend for south Indian food.

Loved the service and south indian thali ! Thank you Jaffer and Jassim for taking care of our table :)

The food and chai was great. Thank you Jassim for your wonderful service, especially in ensuring my grandmother was comfortable, making the family meal a memorable experience.

Simran served me well and so satisfied with her hospitality. She is really 😊 good

Had food at East Ham Hattim gave us excellent service

Jassim was very helpful and pleasant

Jassim was very helpful. Service was excellent.

Mr. Jassim's service was exemplary. Thank you.

This is the BEST restaurant in Eastham. The service food EVERYTHING is on another level

Good food with a nice atmosphere, the servers were very friendly and professional. Special mention to Jassim who was serving lots of tables, he was great! Clean and nice service

Thare is One of the most famous restaurants south Indian Food ( special for Dhosa) . one of staff member name of him Jassim they are provided good services. That you

Delicious food and Excellent customer service especially Jassim.we really enjoyed.

Food is alryt … but liked the service of jassim

John was very respectful, polite and enthusiastic.

I had very good experience in Saravana bhavan at East ham . The taste is very nice John amazing service

Good food and excellent service by jassim

John served as nice for today's dinner

Thank you for serving us, Jassim! You gave great advice and were very attentive to our needs.

Great taste .service is good but chai isn’t good

Food is average but dont order tea here guys

Best filter coffee! Loved the rich aroma and smooth flavor. Definitely a must-try

Thank you for the great food and service. Kudos to John - legend.

John - Very good service by this guy !! Really appreciated 👍

Really enjoyed having south indian meals, taste was authentic and Jassim made sure that food was always coming. Leaving with a full tummy and heart :)

Staff John was so kind and helpful. Cared us well. Had a peaceful breakfast. Good job

Had a fantastic visit to Saravana Bhavan today with my wife and friends. Simran’s kind behavior and perfect service made our experience truly enjoyable. Great food and a welcoming atmosphere—highly recommend!

Es un lugar realmente encantador para ir, pero no recomendaría la Rasa vada y la parota de chile. Aunque, fue bien presentado y agradable. Me gustaron mucho los Poori.

Sarvanna Bhawan is a lively and welcoming place with excellent service.Simran often serves us, and her friendly and helpful nature makes the experience even better. A great place with excellent service!

We were served by a lovely gentleman names John. The service was excellent with food coming out really promptly and tasting delicious. We had coffee, mango lassi, Idli and spring rolls. All other staff were very good. Thanks for a great experience. The manager was also very good with things running efficiently, thank you Muthuramalingam 🙏🏾.

Amazing experience at Saravana Bhavan Eastham Branch thanks to "JOHN" Top-notch service!😍

Horrible service. Cannot cope with crowd. Stressed staff especially a lady by the name of Simran who is overworked with multiple orders and keeps forgetting the order and tries to find time to take a break!

Great food, but the highlight was the fantastic service from Waiter "John" They were attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. Will definitely be back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Went in for dinner last night with my husband and 2 kids, as we hadn’t tried this Saravanan bhawan before. We were seated promptly, place was done up well and was busy. We ordered and food started coming in fairly quickly. Taste wasn’t great. Cauliflower Manchurian was soggy and mushy. Soggiest Masala dosa I have had. Taste was average but we were hungry. The worst part was - there was like 2 spoon of channa with the a large channa bhatura and a small cup of sambar with a big ghee roast. Now we had to ask them for some additional sides. We asked 3 separate people for some sambar, but no one bothers to bring it for you. You keep looking at them, and they will walk past you. My son waiting a good 10 mins for that watery sambar, after asking 3 people and finally getting a bit upset. No one even bothered to apologies. We pay for food, it’s not free charity. Customer service is poor. Better off eating at the temple where people serve food with more respect. Really disappointed to be treated like that. Never ever going there again.

We were a group of 10 with 6 children and we all had a lovely lunch. We had to split into 2 booths downstairs as no tables large enough and you can't make bookings. Service was fast and staff were friendly. Food was amazing as always.