Halwa Puri is the most popular Pakistani (or desi) breakfast. This breakfast spread is one of my absolute favourite breakfasts. Might even be right up there as the best. I love the different combination of flavours. The typical spread consists of halwa, puri and chickpea curry.
Halwa is sweet semolina mash cake – that’s my attempt at defining halwa in English for those who are not aware of it. The chickpea curry is a flavoursome vegetarian curry. The puri is deep fried bread – lighter version of a parata, but probably unhealthier. This can be accompanied by curry dishes too with paya (trotter curry) and nihari (slow cooked meat curry) being the popular ones. It is often served with pickles and to drink is sweet or salty lassi.
Why do I love it? I love the combination of the flavours. You rip some of the puri, use it as a utensil and take a bite of the sweet (halwa) and then switch it up and take a bite of the savoury (chickpea curry). It’s such a rollercoaster experience for the tastebuds. It truly hits the all the right spots. Use your hands to receive the best experience and taste (seriously it does affect the taste).
Featured in this post is a no fuss no frills spot in Ilford, London – Nagina Restaurant. It’s such an authentic feeling spot – the kind of spot you know you’ll get good food. I’m tired of these fancy chai spots turning this kinda food into something it’s not – a fashion statement. It’s meant to be a little rough round the edges, it’s meant to be ALL about the food and nothing else. This place is just THAT. I’ve never been to Pakistan, but I can imagine the vibes being like here. You’ll see loads of families on weekends coming here for their weekend breakfasts enjoying their time with good food and good company. P.s. their halwa may be the best halwa we’ve ever had!
Weekend mornings will have long queues outside, so get there early!
Getting there
Parking: free parking for an hour on the main road.
Nearest Station: Barking
Nearest Mosque: Al Madina Mosque Barking (there’s a few tbh).
