Christoff.ai

Mihbaj

restaurants•
London
London

Mihbaj

153 Praed St, Tyburnia, London W2 1RL, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Praed Street in Tyburnia, Mihbaj has quietly become one of London's most intriguing Middle Eastern spots, earning acclaim for doing something genuinely different with Palestinian cuisine. This isn't your typical kebab house - it's a family-style restaurant where falafel waffles exist alongside traditional maqluba, and somehow it all makes perfect sense.

Mihbaj: Paddington's Palestinian Kitchen Serving Up Falafel Waffles

Where traditional Levantine meets unexpected innovation on Praed Street

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Mihbaj strikes that sweet spot between cozy and cultural that's increasingly rare in London. The space reads as genuinely intimate rather than cramped, with a warm, welcoming vibe that feels authentically Middle Eastern without veering into theme restaurant territory. The venue intelligence scores paint a picture of a place that's conversation-friendly and relaxed, with moderate energy levels that make it equally suitable for a casual dinner or a more meaningful dining experience. It's the sort of place where you can settle in for the evening without feeling rushed, though the intimate nature means you'll want to book ahead during busier periods. The atmosphere manages to feel both traditional and modern simultaneously - a reflection of the menu's approach to Palestinian cuisine. With strong scores for flexibility and discovery, it's the kind of neighborhood gem that rewards both planned visits and spontaneous drop-ins, assuming you can snag a table.

Food & Drink

The kitchen at Mihbaj deserves serious credit for innovation within tradition. Their signature falafel waffles sound gimmicky on paper but represent exactly the kind of thoughtful fusion that works when done properly. The traditional offerings - fattoush salad, maqluba, kabset lahem, and fajita chicken - showcase proper Levantine cooking with fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked methods that you can actually taste. The maqluba, in particular, appears to be a proper production involving layered rice that's meant for sharing. What's particularly impressive is their comprehensive approach to dietary requirements, with extensive vegan options alongside halal preparations. The menu spans from breakfast through dinner, including coffee, teas, juices, and smoothies, suggesting a kitchen that's confident across different service periods. With a 4.6/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over 300 reviews, the consistency seems solid even for takeaway orders, which speaks to kitchen standards that don't drop when you're not dining in.

Service & Experience

The staff at Mihbaj consistently earn praise for being both friendly and accommodating, which matters enormously in a small, intimate space where service can make or break the experience. Reviews highlight excellent service alongside the food quality, suggesting a team that understands both the cuisine they're serving and how to make guests feel welcome. The fact that they maintain quality standards even for takeaway orders indicates attention to detail that extends beyond just the front-of-house experience. They accept reservations for dine-in, which is essential given the intimate size, and offer delivery through Uber Eats for those who prefer to enjoy their Palestinian feast at home.

Value for Money

At price level 2 out of 4, Mihbaj positions itself in that crucial middle ground that's become increasingly important in London's dining landscape. The venue tags specifically mention 'affordable-for-london,' 'everyday-accessible,' and 'value-for-money,' which suggests pricing that doesn't require a special occasion to justify. Given the quality of ingredients, the slow-cooking methods, and the comprehensive menu that spans multiple meal periods, the value proposition appears solid. The family-style approach means dishes are likely designed for sharing, which can stretch your pound further when dining with others. For Palestinian cuisine of this caliber in central London, with both traditional preparations and innovative touches like the falafel waffles, the pricing seems fair rather than exploitative.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

With daily hours from 7am to 10pm, Mihbaj offers flexibility most restaurants don't. Given the intimate space and strong reputation, dinner service likely requires reservations, especially on weekends. The extended hours and breakfast offerings suggest quieter periods during mid-morning or late afternoon might offer the best chance for walk-ins.

What to Focus On

The maqluba is clearly the showstopper - it's designed for sharing and appears to be a proper theatrical experience with the layered rice preparation. The signature falafel waffles are worth trying for the novelty factor, while the fattoush salad offers a more traditional entry point. For those with dietary restrictions, explore their comprehensive vegan options.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The maqluba is described as 'a full experience' that's meant for sharing - order it and 'watch the layered rice magic happen' according to local insight. Book ahead for dinner service given the intimate space size. Check out their breakfast and brunch offerings, which seem to be an underutilized strength that most people don't know about.

The Final Verdict

Mihbaj succeeds because it takes Palestinian cuisine seriously while being unafraid to innovate thoughtfully. The falafel waffles could have been a gimmick, but they're part of a broader menu that clearly respects traditional Levantine cooking methods and ingredients. The intimate atmosphere, solid service, and fair pricing make it exactly the sort of neighborhood restaurant that London needs more of. While the small space means you can't just rock up on a whim for dinner, the quality and uniqueness justify the planning required. It's genuine rather than trendy, accessible rather than precious, and innovative without losing its cultural authenticity.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking intimate Middle Eastern dininggroups wanting to share traditional Palestinian dishesfood enthusiasts interested in innovative Levantine cuisine

Quick Details

1

Mihbaj

⭐️ Palestinian cuisine
⭐️ Falafel waffles
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family style
⭐️ Innovative
🌿 Comprehensive vegan

Mihbaj serves as your corner of the Middle East in Paddington, specializing in innovative Palestinian cuisine that includes their signature falafel waffles,a creation that somehow makes perfect culinary sense. This acclaimed restaurant offers family-style Levantine dishes including maqluba, kabset lahem, and traditional fattoush salad prepared with aromatic spices and slow-cooking methods that honor Palestinian heritage. The warm, intimate atmosphere accommodates comprehensive vegan options alongside halal preparations, making it accessible for diverse dietary requirements. With a stellar 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating from 300+ reviews, guests consistently praise the excellent service and cozy dining experience that maintains quality even for takeaway orders. The menu spans breakfast through dinner, offering everything from traditional coffee to innovative interpretations of classic dishes.

What's Great

✓ Signature falafel waffles showcase creative Palestinian cuisine innovation

✓ Comprehensive vegan and halal options make it accessible for all dietary requirements

Keep in Mind

× Small intimate space may require advance reservations during peak dining times

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Order the maqluba for sharing,it's a full layered rice experience that showcases traditional Palestinian cooking methods

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 7am-10pm"
📍153 Praed St, Tyburnia, London W2 1RL, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 207 706 3063
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Mihbaj has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Middle Eastern Restaurants London: Cultural Flavors Guide 2025 reference image

Middle Eastern Restaurants London: Cultural Flavors Guide 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
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