Authentic Afghan and Pakistani Restaurant in Ilford
Family run Afghan and Pakistani Cuisine in Ilford
Discover the top-rated Afghan restaurant in Ilford, specialising in authentic Afghan and Pakistani cuisine. Located on Ilford Lane, our family-run restaurant is dedicated to quality, serving the best halal dishes made with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Our menu features an array of traditional favourites, including aromatic biryanis, tender kebabs, hearty curries, and our signature specialities, all showcasing the rich heritage of Afghan and Pakistani cooking. With a welcoming atmosphere and warm hospitality, we are the perfect spot for family meals, dining with friends, or takeaway. If you’re searching for the finest Afghan cuisine near you, look no further.
Restaurant Menu
Catering
Dining
Our Menu
Afghani Mix Grill ----- £39.00
A selection from our famous kebabs masterly marinated
Special Afghani Mix Grill----- £68.00
A selection from our famous kebabs masterly marinated
Chapli Kebab Platter----- £25.00
3 chapli kebab and 1 Afghani naan.
Chapli Kebab ----- £7.50
marinated and barbequed over charcoal grill.
Lamb Tikka Kebab (Lamb Prime Loin)---- £39.00
2 Skewers of Lamb Tikka served with Naan.
Mix Tikka Kebab ----- £16.00
1 Skewer of chicken and lamb tikka marinated in garlic
Chicken Tikka Kebab----- £15.00
2 Skewers of chicken tikka served with naan.
Chops Kebab (8 pieces)----£22.00
2 Skewers baby lamb chops served with naan.
Ashak (8 pieces) ----- £12.00
1 Skewer of chicken and lamb tikka marinated in garlic
Mantu (8 pieces) – £12.00
Boiled dumplings filled with ground lamb mince
Mix Grill (d) – £36.00
A selection from our famous kebabs masterly marinated and barbequed
Watan Family Tawa Platter (d, n) – £65.00
A selection from our famous kebabs masterly
Whole Grilled Chicken (With Chips) – £15.00
2 Skewers baby lamb chops served with naan.
Lahori Chargha Watan – £14.00
A selection from our famous kebabs masterly marinated and barbequed
Seekh Kebab – £10.00
Lamb Mince Seekh Kebab (4 pieces).
Reshmi Seekh Kebab – £10.00
Chicken Mince Seekh Kebab (4 pieces).
Chicken Wings with Chips (10 pieces) (d) – £12.00
A selection from our famous kebabs masterly
Chicken Malai Boti Kebab (very tender) (d, n) – £14.00
Lamb Mince Seekh Kebab (4 pieces).
Lamb Tikka (d) – £12.00
Fine lamb fillet meat cubes marinated in a masala sauce, barbequed over charcoal.
Chicken Tikka (d) – £12.00
Chicken breast meat cubes marinated in a masala sauce, barbequed over charcoal.
Mix Tikka (d) – £12.00
Cubes of fresh boneless chicken and lamb fillet marinated in a masala sauce.
Lamb Chops (d) – £12.00
4 pieces of lamb chops marinated in a masala sauce, barbequed over charcoal.
Peshwari Chicken Karahi (Mild!) – £32.00
Chicken cooked in an authentic
Charsi Chicken Karahi (Hot!) – £34.00
Chicken cooked in an authentic
Peshwari Lamb Karahi (Mild!)
Half (Serving 1–2) – £32.00
Full (Serving 2–3) – £46.00
Charsi Lamb Karahi (Hot!)
Half (Serving 1–2) – £32.00
Full (Serving 2–3) – £46.00
Masale Daar Raan – £100.00
Whole baby lamb Raan approx. 3kg steamed,
Full Lamb – £400.00
Whole baby lamb approx. 13–16kg steamed, fried, garnished
Kabuli Pilau (Lamb Shank) – £18.00
Slow cooked steamed rice mixed with raisins, carrots and lamb shank.
Chicken Karahi – £11.00
Classic Pakistani-style chicken curry cooked with tomatoes, onions, ginger, and spices.
Butter Chicken (d, n) – £12.00
Creamy tomato-based curry with boneless chicken, butter, cream, and mild spices.
Chilli Chicken – £12.00
Spicy chicken dish cooked with green chilies, peppers, and tangy sauces.
Achari Chicken – £12.00
Chicken cooked with traditional achari (pickle-style) spices for a tangy, spicy flavour.
Saag Chicken – £12.00
Tender chicken pieces cooked with spinach and aromatic spices.
Karahi Gosht (Boneless) – £12.00
Boneless lamb curry cooked in a traditional karahi with fresh spices.
Saag Gosht – £13.00
Tender chicken pieces cooked with spinach and aromatic spices.
Achari Gosht – £13.00
Lamb prepared with achari spices, giving it a tangy, pickle-inspired taste.
Daal Gosht – £12.00
A hearty curry made with lamb and lentils, slow-cooked for rich flavour.
Tarka Daal Mash – £8.00
Creamy lentils tempered with fried garlic, onion, and spices.
Lahori Chanay – £8.50
Chickpeas cooked Lahori-style with aromatic spices and herbs.
Daal Achari – £8.00
Lentils cooked with pickle-style spices for a tangy twist.
Saag – £8.50
Pureed spinach cooked with spices, garlic, and butter.
Paneer Curry (d) – £10.00
Cottage cheese cubes cooked in a spiced curry sauce.
Saag Paneer – £8.50
Spinach cooked with soft paneer cubes and mild spices.
Shahi Paneer Tikka – £12.00
Paneer marinated with special herbs, grilled with red and green peppers.
Nihari (Lamb) (d) – £15.00
A traditional slow-cooked lamb stew with rich spices, often enjoyed as a hearty delicacy.
Paya (Lamb) – £12.00
Classic dish made with lamb trotters, slow-cooked until tender in a spicy gravy.
Magaz Masala – £12.00
Lamb brain curry cooked with aromatic masala for a rich and creamy taste.
Seekh Kebab Masala – £14.00
Juicy lamb seekh kebabs served in a spiced curry sauce.
Haleem – £12.00
A wholesome stew made with slow-cooked lamb, lentils, wheat, and aromatic spices.
Chicken Tikka Masala (d) – £14.00
Grilled chicken tikka pieces cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato-based curry.
Whole Grilled Fish with Saffron Rice (Half Kg Sea Bream) – £18.00
Fresh sea bream grilled and served with fragrant saffron rice.
Masala Fish – £15.00
Cod fish tossed in a frying pan with capsicums, red onion, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices, served on a sizzling tray.
Jumbo King Prawns – £18.00
Large king prawns tossed with capsicums, red onion, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices, served on a sizzling tray.
Jumbo King Prawn Curry – £18.00
Juicy king prawns cooked in a spiced curry with capsicums, red onion, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices, served sizzling hot.
Dum Chicken Biryani (Masterly pre-ready) (d) – £12.00
Fresh sea bream grilled and served with fragrant saffron rice.
Dum Lamb Biryani (Masterly pre-ready) (d) – £12.00
Classic lamb biryani, slow-cooked with basmati rice, saffron, and authentic spices.
Chicken Tikka Biryani – £15.00
Skewer of chicken tikka grilled over charcoal, mixed with fresh herbs, basmati rice
Paneer Tikka Biryani (d, v) – £12.00
Diced cottage cheese cooked with spices, herbs, and basmati rice. Prepared fresh in a frying pan.
Jumbo King Prawn Biryani (Prepared on order in frying pan) – £20.00
Large king prawns cooked with herbs, spices, and basmati rice, freshly prepared.
Kabuli Pilau (Lamb Shank) – £18.00
Fragrant Afghan-style rice dish cooked with lamb shank, raisins, and carrots.
White Rice – £4.00
Steamed plain white basmati rice.
Zafrani Rice – £5.00
White rice sautéed in butter and simmered with saffron-infused water.
Vegetable Pilau – £6.00
Basmati rice cooked with fresh vegetables and mild spices.
Naan - £1.75
Soft, traditional Indian bread baked in a tandoor.
Afghani Naan - £3.00
Thick, fluffy naan with a slightly sweet taste.
Roti - £1.75
Whole wheat flatbread, lighter than naan.
Roghani Naan - £3.00
Buttery naan with a soft, rich texture.
Chilli Naan - £2.50
Naan infused with spicy green chillies.
Peshwari Naan - £4.50
Sweet naan stuffed with coconut, nuts, and raisins.
White Rice – £4.00
Steamed plain white basmati rice.
Garlic Naan - £2.50
Naan topped with fresh garlic and herbs.
Keema Naan - £7.00
Naan stuffed with spiced minced meat.
Tandoori Paratha - £3.50
Layered whole wheat bread cooked in a tandoor.
Add Butter - £0.25
Extra butter for your naan or roti.
Tandoori Paratha - £3.50
Layered whole wheat bread cooked in a tandoor.
Add Butter - £0.25
Extra butter for your naan or roti.
French Fries - £5.00
Crispy golden potato fries.
Hummus - £5.00
Creamy chickpea dip made with tahini.
Creamy Yoghurt - £3.00
Cool and smooth yoghurt, perfect side.
Masala Fries - £6.00
Spicy fries seasoned with Indian masala.
Watan Salad - £7.00
Fresh mixed salad with a spicy twist.
Raita - £3.00
Yoghurt-based dip with herbs and cucumber.
Popcorn Chicken - £7.50
Crispy bite-sized fried chicken pieces.
Chicken Nuggets - £7.50
Classic kids’ favourite, golden fried nuggets.
Grilled Chicken Cubes - £10.00
Tender grilled chicken pieces, lightly seasoned.
Mojito – £7.00
Refreshing minty lime and soda.
Strawberry Daiquiri – £7.00
Sweet and fruity, garnished with strawberries.
Pina Colada – £7.00
Tropical blend of cream coconut and pineapple.
Passiontini – £7.00
Exotic tropical fruit with a twist and crunch.
Mango Lassi – £6.50 / £16.00
Sweet mango yoghurt drink.
Lahori Salty Lassi – £4.50 / £11.00
Traditional savoury lassi with a tangy flavour.
Sweet Lassi – £4.50 / £11.00
Classic sweetened yoghurt drink.
Doogh Afghani – £4.50 / £11.00
Afghan-style yoghurt drink with herbs.
Kheer – £4.00
Creamy rice pudding with cardamom.
Pista Kheer – £6.00
Rice pudding topped with pistachios.
Sheeryakh – £6.00
Afghan frozen dessert with milk and sugar.
Soft Drinks
- Can Drinks (Coke Zero, 7up, Fanta) – £2.50
- Coke Glass Bottle (70cl) – £3.00
- Water (330ml) – £2.00
- Water Bottle (Large) – £3.50
Hot Drinks
- Doodh Pati Pot – £7.00
- Green Tea Pot (with cardamom) – £6.00
Glass / Jug
- Mango Milkshake – £6.50 / £16.00
- Ferrero Milkshake – £7.00
- Oreo Shake – £7.00
Fresh Juices
- Fresh Pineapple Juice – £8.00
- Fresh Orange Juice – £7.00
- Fresh Apple Juice – £7.00
- Fresh Carrot Juice – £7.00
- Juices Mocktail – £8.00
M Abdur Rehman
2 weeks ago
Chapli kebab and kabuli pulao-- so good 👍
Fatima Safi
2 weeks ago
Mohsin Mazhar
2 weeks ago
Food was superband hospitality uncanny especially kashif was polite and friendly. Highly recommended
Maahi Amber Thabal
2 weeks ago
Kashifs friendly service
Jamil Kamali
2 weeks ago
Naveed Ahmed
2 months ago
Watan Restaurant on Ilford Lane is a solid choice if you’re in the mood for proper Pakistani BBQ and karahi-style cooking. Their BBQ family platter is huge — easily enough for eight people — and packed with variety. The standout for me was the chapli kabab: crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and seasoned just right.
The 1kg lamb Charsi karahi is another winner. It comes bubbling hot, with that signature smoky, buttery flavour that makes Charsi-style karahi so addictive. The meat was tender, and the gravy had an awesome depth of taste.
Ambience is simple but comfortable, and the staff are friendly and quick to serve. It’s a great spot for families or groups who want generous portions and proper desi flavours.
Sabina B
4 months ago
Visited for the second time and pleased to see that the standard of food hasn’t fallen. Ordered their mix grill and charsi karahi.. was sufficient for 6 people. The meat was well cooked and the karahi was delicious. Service was fast despite the long queue on a Saturday night. Finding parking was a challenge but we luckily found a spot not too far. Overall great experience. Will be visiting again. Reasonable price for the quality and ambiance.
Alex H
4 months ago
I'd had a lot of people recommend this place to me and tell me how good it was, so I decided to give it a try for myself.
Unfortunately, the visit didn't get off to the best start due to a misunderstanding regarding my table. I ended up waiting for around 20 minutes, and when I eventually asked what was happening, it turned out a member of staff had assumed I was waiting for a takeaway order rather than a table. However, once the mistake was identified, the staff member quickly apologised, seated me, and did their best to put things right, which I appreciated.
Once I was seated, the experience improved significantly. The food was very good, and I genuinely enjoyed my meal. The quality was clear, and it lived up to much of the praise I'd heard from others.
My only other observation is that the prices are a little on the high side. That said, the food and overall experience were good enough that I still left satisfied.
Overall, despite the initial mix-up, I had a positive experience. The staff handled the situation professionally, the food was enjoyable, and I would be happy to visit again. Another thing that’s out of their control is parking is an absolute nightmare so allow yourself some extra time to find parking if you’ve got a reservation.
Sonia
4 months ago
I ordered the Nihari, lamb seekh kebabs, chapli kebabs, Kabuli pulao, and the new fried fish dish, the name of which I do not recall.
Nihari: The Nihari was outstanding and is definitely up there in terms of restaurant Niharis. The lamb shank was a good size, and the portion was extremely generous. It was a flavoursome dish with good spice. I definitely recommend this to other Nihari connoisseurs like myself, as well as anyone wanting to try the dish for the first time.
Lamb Seekh Kebabs: These were nothing special and actually quite forgettable as a dish. You would expect a Pakistani restaurant to have mastered the seekh kebab, but these lacked spice and that nice grilled, charcoal taste. While there was nothing offensive about them, there was certainly nothing spectacular either. You can definitely find a better seekh kebab on Ilford Lane.
Chapli Kebabs: These followed a similar note to the seekh kebabs—nothing outstanding. However, they were made in a traditional style, which not all restaurants can boast doing.
Fried Fish: This new menu item was a tasty dish that I really enjoyed. I did find the presentation really confusing though. I don't understand why grilled tomatoes and peppers were served with it; this is not something I've had with Pakistani fish dishes in restaurants, and I've eaten a lot of them. The presentation could use a rethink, but otherwise, it was a very nice dish.
Kabuli Pulao: The portion was massive; you could easily feed two to three people with it. I can't comment on the taste personally, as I didn't have any, but my husband was happy with it.
Atmosphere & Facilities:
We ate at this place as a couple and had our baby with us; the restaurant is very baby-friendly. A nice touch was the dedicated handwashing sink, and the fact that you can see the kitchen from the restaurant floor leaves you reassured about their hygiene standards.
Jessica Williams
4 months ago
We had the Afghani Mix Grill for Two and really enjoyed it. The chicken was very soft and tender, the lamb was good, and the rice was nice, although it’s a shame that butter costs extra.
The complimentary sauces were a nice touch. The white sauce was excellent, the green sauce was tasty but a little watery and slightly spicy, and the red sauce was very spicy but good. The complimentary salad at the start was fresh but the portion was quite small.
The customer service was excellent very attentive and thoughtful throughout. No service charge was added either, which was appreciated. Overall, a very nice meal and a place I’d visit again.
Venue Amenities
Restaurant: 250 Capacity
Banqueting Hall: 120 Capacity
Open 7
Days a Week
Catering
Available
What is the best Afghan restaurant in Ilford?
Watan Ilford is one of the most popular and highly rated Afghan & Pakistani restaurants in the area. Established in 2019 on Ilford Lane, it is known for its authentic Afghan and Pakistani cuisine, warm hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere.
Do you serve only halal food?
Yes, all our dishes are prepared with 100% halal ingredients, staying true to the traditions of Afghan and Pakistani cooking.
Do you offer family-friendly dining?
Absolutely! Watan Ilford is a family-run restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere, spacious seating, and dishes that everyone can enjoy together — from grills and curries to rice specialities.
Do you provide Afghan & Pakistani catering services in Ilford?
Yes, we provide catering for weddings, parties, and events of all sizes. Our team will work with you to create a menu featuring authentic Afghan and Pakistani dishes that your guests will love.
What traditional Afghan and Pakistani dishes can I try?
Our signature dishes include Watan Grills cooked over charcoal, the house-famous Kabuli Pulao, tender kebabs, aromatic biryanis, and hearty curries — all prepared with recipes passed down through generations.
Where are you located in Ilford?
We are located at:
📍 233 Ilford Ln, Ilford IG1 2RZ
Opening Hours
Sun – Wed
11am – 11:00pm
Thu – Sat
12pm – 12:00am
Last orders 11:35pm
Contact Details
Phone
+44 20 3773 3394
Address
233 Ilford Ln, Ilford IG1 2RZ, United Kingdom
Outside view
Inside view
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