Raavi Kebab Restaurant

Raavi Kebab is a long-established, family run restaurant in Euston, serving Pakistan’s Punjabi cuisine.

While there are many excellent Indian restaurants in Central London, one might think it is difficult to find a good Pakistani restaurant without having to travel as far as Whitechapel for Tayyab and Lahore Kebab House, or Tooting for Spice Village.

Raavi Kebab, on Drummond Street, by Euston Station, has in fact been around for over 40 years.

According to a note which used to be posted on their wall, they started off, around 1976, serving just one curry to the local Asian residents and quickly grew from there.

Located amongst vegetarian restaurants Diwana, Ravi Shankar, and the Indian sweet shop, Ambala, the street became known for its good asian food, popular with local university students on a budget and Euston station commuters.

While studying at a nearby university, we were introduced to Raavi by a Pakistani friend who claimed it was a great place to get authentic Pakistani food. The restaurant was half the size it is now – literally just a few tables around the grill area.

The owner was usually around then, and the staff were really friendly. I remember once stopping by for a takeaway and the waiter excitedly took me over to meet the entire Pakistan cricket team who were having lunch. Not being a cricket fan or from Pakistan, its was a slightly awkward moment.

Years later, prices have doubled, the dining area has been extended (although it is still small – only 8 tables) and the walls have been painted a strange yellow. The decor is still on the shabby side and the service is not terribly professional, but it is worth a visit for the excellent food.

The kebabs are cooked on a coal grill near the entrance, rather than in a tandoor so try not to sit at one of the tables nearby as it does get very hot.

They are best known for their seekh kebabs, made from minced lamb and served with their delicious but extremely hot signature green chutney. We have taken these away as kebab rolls wrapped in either naan (quite filling) or roti (the better option) and salad. They make an excellent meal on the go.

Other dishes to try: