Mahala

Introducing Mahala: A Culinary Gem in Croydon

Located at 83 Church St, Croydon, England, Mahala is a captivating Romanian restaurant that invites diners to experience a rich tapestry of flavors. From their thoughtfully curated menu to their warm, welcoming ambiance, Mahala stands as a testament to the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Romania. Whether you are in the mood for a light starter or a hearty main, Mahala’s offerings cater to every palate.

Starters that Inspire

  • Bruschette: Delightfully toasted bread seated beneath a garnish of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan, priced at just £7.15.
  • Spicy Calamari: A tantalizing dish featuring calamari paired with a zesty Calypso sauce and a gourmet salad for £8.25.
  • Roasted Aubergine Salad: Experience an extraordinary spreadable mix that boasts rich flavors for £10.45.

Each starter at Mahala sets the stage for a culinary journey, showcasing not only the quality of the ingredients but also the masterful preparations reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

Hearty Mains and Fast Favorites

  • Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A comforting combination of pickled cabbage with minced meat and rice, served with polenta, all for £14.20.
  • Mahala Pizza: A decadent medley topped with salami, ham, bacon, mushrooms, and more, available for £16.50.
  • Chicken Schnitzel: Perfectly fried and served with sumptuous mashed potatoes for £14.20.

Each main dish is a representation of Romanian culinary traditions, thoughtfully crafted to offer a satiating experience that's both familiar and exciting.

Decadent Desserts

  • Cheese Doughnut: A delightful option to satisfy your sweet tooth at £7.20.
  • Pancakes with Chocolate: Fluffy and indulgent, these pancakes come in at £5.90.

After a meal filled with savory delights, Mahala’s desserts offer the perfect sweet finale, blending textures and flavors that linger in memory.

Culinary Community Feedback

Customer reviews tell a story of a restaurant still carving its niche in the Croydon culinary scene. While some have noted areas for improvement in service, the consensus resonates with the love and authenticity found in each dish. Guests like Paula have praised the ciorba (beef soup) and magnificent aubergine salad, echoing sentiments of nostalgia and comfort that well-crafted Romanian cuisine evokes.

In summary, Mahala is not just a restaurant; it is a heartfelt representation of Romanian culinary heritage. Guests are encouraged to indulge in their expansive menu, celebrating both the familiar and the new. For those in Croydon or simply seeking an authentic taste experience, Mahala is a must-visit destination, ready to embrace you with open arms and delicious food.

Mahala Menu

Location

Address: 83 Church St, Croydon, England CR0 1RN
Phone: (208) 680-8117

🕓 Work Hours
MON 12:00 - 21:30
TUE 12:00 - 21:30
WED 12:00 - 21:30
THU 12:00 - 21:30
FRI 12:00 - 22:00
SAT 12:00 - 23:00
SUN 12:00 - 21:00

Last Reviews

  • Author: Tess Sandulescu

    20 February 2025

    We had a lovely meal at this Romanian Restaurant, the food was delicious. Having said that, the service was average, we were one of two tables in the Restaurant and the waiter had to be asked several times for a child seat and for our drinks. The prices are pretty steep, our meal cost over £ for soups, two mains and two desserts plus water, a glass of wine and a cola. Apparently they charge for everything including the bread buns and sour cream for the soup (!!!). They also charged me twice for a glass of wine, which I don’t believe was an accident and insisted on a % service charge when I offered a lower tip. I would mot visit again but I do have to say the food was good.

  • Author: C. Morgan

    20 February 2025

    Aparently quite popular Romanian restaurant so we decided to visit it.I asked what soup is from today, and the waiter replied that all of them were freshly made 'today'. Well, that was not the case. You could taste that the beef soup was made before and reheated, a nice vegetable soup where they generously dropped some water boiled beef.'Tochitura' and 'mici' were quite good, not wow, but good. Overall, the service was quite poor.The biggest problem is the damp air from the restaurant and the hard weird smell, so we had to move out on the terrace for some air... unlucky the rain started and we moved back inside.Do I recommend them? Hmm, I would say yes only if you are really craving Romanian food. Otherwise, I would not come back.And by the way, they charge you for bread and sourcream ... probably they forgot that they are in the UK.

  • Author: James Winfield

    20 February 2025

    We had the mixed grill which was good - too much food and I doubt we had the best of Romanian cuisine, there was likely much more interesting on the menu...but we were two blokes drinking beer, and meat worked.Beer they served was pretty ordinary, wine was nothing special either.Restaurant was very quiet - hope more people go to support them.

  • Author: T Liu

    20 February 2025

    Very amazing food!The garlic sauce is a nice touch! The crisps are excellent and we couldn't find fault with it. Not sure what the yellow sponge is; but that was our only downside !Nice hospitality team and very friendly and welcoming! The gentlemen is very kind! Thank you for serving us with such generosity!