Masala Wala Cafe
Permanently Closed

Masala Wala Cafe

Permanently Closed

Homestyle Pakistani cooking featuring seasonal dishes, lamb, vegan

home-style cooking
pakistani food
friendly staff
lamb curry
mango lassi
cozy atmosphere
intimate setting
rotating menu
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by Rida Bilgrami
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null
Masala Wala Cafe by null

Information

5 Brockley Cross, London SE4 2AB, United Kingdom Get directions

$$

See Menu
Accepts reservations
Vegetarian options
Debit card accepted
Dinner
Wine

Information

Static Map

5 Brockley Cross, London SE4 2AB, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 20 3659 4055
masalawalacafe.co.uk
@masalawalacafe

$$ · Menu

Features

•Accepts reservations
•Vegetarian options
•Debit card accepted
•Dinner
•Wine
•Beer
•Dessert

Last updated

Jan 16, 2026

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Brockley’s Best Restaurants | Eat Out in Brockley, South East London - Eater London

"Masala Wala opened in 2015 with just five tables and has since grown into a Brockley institution. It was founded by Saima Thompson and her mother Nabeela Muqadiss with the aim of showing off Nabeela’s Pakistani home cooking. The small menu changes each month, featuring four homestyle curries, roti, basmati rice, and salads — everything feels light and fresh with distinct flavours. Do not miss Saima’s auntie’s hot carrot pickle if it’s on the menu — deftly spiced with sour and spicy notes which make it impossible not to eat by the spoonful." - Helen Graves

https://london.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-brockley-south-east-london
Masala Wala Cafe
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

The Best Pakistani Restaurants in London Go Beyond Tayyabs and Lahore - Eater London

"Established by mother-daughter duo Nabeela Muqadiss and Saima Thompson in 2015, Masala Wala Café serves home-style Punjabi cooking with a focus on seasonality and simplicity. The menu, which changes changes every month, spotlights vegan and vegetarian dishes (in addition to a lamb and chicken dish) such as kuddu channa (pumpkin and chickpeas cooked with cumin), saag shakurkundi (spinach and sweet potato), and gobi ki sabzi (cauliflower, sweetcorn, and kale cooked with mustard seeds). The claim of home-cooked food is a misnomer in many food establishments but not here. The dining experience at Masala Wala mirrors the warm hospitality one might receive when turning up at a Pakistani household unannounced. The hearty fare is best washed down with the bespoke Pakistani Pale Ale prepared by Brockley Brewery." - Rida Bilgrami

https://london.eater.com/maps/best-pakistani-food-restaurants-london
Rida Bilgrami
Masala Wala Cafe

Amit K.

Google
The roti was a bit hard, Saag chicken was okayish, chicken was not very well done. Is definitely not homemade. Nothing impressive. They didn't even gave an invoice for Bill. Not worth the hype!

Sarah “Kukkii” H.

Google
Finally got my arse down to Masala Wala and boy what a treat. I had heard wonderful things about their food already and it lives up to the hype. Between two we shared a chicken and pepper curry and a lamb and aubergine curry served with roti and rice. Both curries were bursting full of flavour and the spices were well balanced. The lamb curry was particularly rich. The texture of the meat was soft soft soft! I also had a mango lassi which just looks beautiful, right? Service was really good and everyone was really friendly. What a gem of a place! Looking forward to a revisit.

Masumi S.

Google
From seeing them as the winners of LoveLondon for Best restaurant in Brockley, I though I had better try them, I remember the deli opposite saying they had a deal on the wine, so get a discount on the wine from Brockley deli, and another discount from Masala Wala BUT thats no t the best bit, its the food! Its amazing I've even tried the vegetarian dishes (i'm a meat eater) and I was blown away, I love this place, since my 1st visit we have return numerous times, and even used them as a takeaway service

Virág S.

Google
Very small place, about 20 seating. Wonderful tastes and smells. 4 mains that chnaces frequently. Easy to order, superb staff! Try the Masala beer if you can't decide on the drink.

Kirsty B.

Google
Brilliant atmosphere, incredible food. A Brockley gem filled with character, intimacy and joy. The staff are just wonderful as well. The food is fresh and truly special. I would highly recommend this if you enjoying trying new curries. Great if you're lactose/ gluten/ dairy intolerant or vegan/ vegetarian too as there is so much choice and it is straightforward to know what you can have. Amazing place.

Ieva S.

Google
I just love this place! We go here to eat quite often with my boyfriend and it has never ever dissapointed us! I always eat vegetarian versions, chickpea dish is my favourite, and my bf always has lamb. Even though I don't eat meat just because I don't like a taste of it, this is the only place where I would have a piece or two of that lamb because it's just the best lamb you'll ever taste, just melts in your mouth! Staff is always very friendly too and atmosphere is cozy. Highly recommended!!!

Cara F.

Google
Just had an awesome dinner for my Dad's Birthday. We were a table of 8, and it was the perfect location for it. It was intimate enough that we could all hear each other, but still had a buzz. The food was AMAZING, curry will never be the same again. The staff were a super friendly and accommodating bunch. Definitely recommend. We will 1000% be back.

Sami

Google
Incredible service, food and atmosphere which I think largely comes down to the fact that it's a family business. The food shared on the weekly changing menus is inspired by own home cookings so you can't fault recipes which have faired well over decades! Everyone is really friendly and welcoming, making it feel like you've gone to a friend's house for dinner. You have to make sure you get there early though as the tables get swiped up quickly!
google avatar

Cynthia D.

Yelp
I love it. It's a tiny restaurant with a rotational menu of Pakistani food. We had the choice of two meat mains or two veg mains plus sides of roti, rice, dips or pickled veg. It's BYO or you can buy soft drinks from them. I had the bhuna gosht - beautifully cooked lamb with a hint of heat. The host was lovely too. I'll definitely be back.
google avatar

Zachary C.

Yelp
I went here with a couple of friends. I had heard good stuff about this from some of my friends so I though I should get myself down there and yam on some Indian food. And wow, did it live up to expectations. The only reason that I didn't give it 5*s is that the service was a little slow - but it was worth the wait for some authentic, home cooked style food. I had the chicken which had amazing flavour. Coupled with rice and chapati I was in seventh heaven. I had a mango lassi which completed the meal. Just writing this review is making me hungry again. Damnit! Enjoy :)
google avatar

Chazz A.

Yelp
Little spot around the corner from my house, discovered it by accident one hungover weekend and have frequented it ever since. Yes sometimes the service can be a bit slow but this is a fully family run business and will always be worth the wait. The menu changes to whatever 'mum' has the ingredients to cook and it's always banging. Best curry I've ever had hands down and I will continue to come here forever! Bring your own beer.