Reich's Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Reich's: Where London's Jewish Community Has Queued for Cholent Since 1946

A Golders Green institution serving authentic Ashkenazi comfort food at prices that defy modern London economics

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Reich's embodies what the Jewish community calls 'heimish'—that untranslatable sense of homey, familial warmth that makes you feel like you've stepped into someone's kitchen rather than a restaurant. The compact counter-service setup buzzes with family-style energy, particularly during the legendary pre-Shabbat rush when locals queue for takeaway portions. With a sophistication score of just 2.5 out of 10, this isn't about polished aesthetics—it's about authentic community spirit. The energy level hits 6.5, creating a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere where conversation flows easily (scoring 7.0 for conversation-friendliness). The social group size score of 8.5 reflects its role as a genuine community gathering spot, where you're as likely to encounter multi-generational families as budget-conscious students. It's refreshingly flexible and relaxed, scoring 7.5 for its unpretentious, come-as-you-are vibe.

Food & Drink

The menu reads like a love letter to Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine: signature cholent, fluffy kugel, tender salt beef, gefilte fish, stuffed cabbage, roast chicken, and crispy schnitzel. The cholent, in particular, has achieved legendary status—fresh batches on Thursday and Friday draw queues of devoted locals who know quality when they taste it. This is traditional food made accessible, with authentic flavors that have kept customers returning for nearly eight decades. The kitchen specializes in comfort food that connects diners to their culinary heritage, though you should note that during busy periods, particularly the Thursday-Friday rush, the focus is clearly on volume and tradition rather than contemporary presentation. The generous portions reflect old-school hospitality where feeding people well matters more than Instagram-worthy plating.

Service & Experience

Service at Reich's operates on a self-service model that fits perfectly with its unpretentious character. During busy periods, particularly the famous Thursday-Friday pre-Shabbat rush, service can slow down as staff work to keep up with demand for takeaway orders. The restaurant accepts both cash and cards, which is practical for the diverse clientele. Staff clearly understand the rhythms of the community they serve, especially evident in their catering services and Friday delivery offerings to Golders Green and Hendon areas. While you might experience occasional delays during peak times, the service style matches the heimish atmosphere—functional, friendly, and focused on getting quality food to the community rather than fine-dining formalities.

Value for Money

With dishes priced between £1-£6, Reich's offers what might be London's most extraordinary dining value proposition. In a city where even casual meals regularly exceed £15, these prices seem almost surreal. The generous portions mean you're not just getting affordable food—you're getting proper meals that can easily satisfy hearty appetites. For students and families on tight budgets, this represents genuine accessibility to quality kosher food. The value extends beyond mere economics; you're paying for nearly 80 years of culinary tradition and community connection. Even accounting for the basic service style and simple setting, the combination of authentic flavors, substantial portions, and rock-bottom prices creates exceptional value that explains why this place has survived and thrived for generations.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Avoid Thursday and Friday afternoons unless you're prepared to queue—these are the peak pre-Shabbat rush periods when locals descend for fresh cholent and takeaway orders. For a more relaxed experience, visit Monday through Wednesday or Sunday evenings. Note that they close Friday at 3pm and remain closed Saturdays, following kosher observance.

What to Focus On

The cholent is non-negotiable—it's their claim to fame and the reason people queue. Beyond that, the salt beef and kugel represent excellent examples of traditional Ashkenazi cooking. For first-timers, consider sampling several dishes given the incredibly low prices.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Queue early Thursday around 10am for the freshest cholent batches—they're legendary and sell out fastTake advantage of free Friday delivery to Golders Green and Hendon if you're in those areasBring cash as backup though they accept cards, and be prepared for the self-service format during busy periods

The Final Verdict

Reich's isn't just a restaurant—it's a cultural institution that has somehow maintained both authenticity and affordability in modern London. The uniqueness score of 9.0 reflects something genuinely rare: a place where tradition, community, and accessible pricing converge. Yes, you'll encounter queues during peak times and the setting is decidedly no-frills, but these minor inconveniences pale against the remarkable experience of eating well-prepared traditional food at prices that seem frozen in time. This is dining with genuine soul and purpose.

Christoff's Rating:

7.8/10

Perfect For:

Jewish community members seeking authentic traditional flavorsBudget-conscious diners and students wanting substantial meals under £6Food enthusiasts interested in experiencing genuine cultural heritage cuisine

Reich's

Reich's

Christoff's Take

Reich's: Where London's Jewish Community Has Queued for Cholent Since 1946

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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Reich's

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