Thenga Cafe image

Thenga Cafe

Restaurant Indian restaurant Vegan restaurant

Daytime vegan eatery with a mix of Indian & European fare plus coffee, tea & juice drinks. People often mention friendly, recommend, great, staff, delicious, good, vegan, lunch, dosa, Indian,


Address

120 Cromer St, London WC1H 8BS, United Kingdom

Website

www.thengacafe.com

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (353 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11 AM to 4 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: friendly (17) recommend (16) great (14) staff (14) delicious (14) good (13) vegan (13) lunch (12) dosa (11) Indian (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 madi m. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great little place to have lunch! You can’t beat the prices here and the food is really good. The owner was so friendly when I came in. I decided to try this place out after a long morning of studying. I got the masala dosa. The portion is great, very filling that I didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day. It was also nice and quiet which was really nice. Definitely coming back! Food: 5 Drink: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Service: 5 Price/Value: 5 Score: 24/25 ⭐️4.8
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elaine C. 1 year ago on Google • 248 reviews
    An amazing hidden gem inside the YMCA, up one flights of stairs. Don't give up finding it; it's worth the effort. The food is so tasty with honest ingredients at very reasonable prices. Friendly staff. Can't wait to come back again.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael K. 1 year ago on Google • 22 reviews
    The food was wonderful. I had the gluten free dosa wrap. It was filling and had the right amount of flavouring/spiciness for me. For 8.95 it was a good deal. The space was functional. I will likely return but will ask not to have the aluminum foil on my wrap to cut down on waste. Great place. The staff were friendly and respectful of my gluten free diet. Washroom were quite good and clean - will I can only speak for the men's washrooms.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frankie W. 3 months ago on Google • 570 reviews New
    Fairly priced and tasty. Less than a tenner for a main course. The Dosa wrap is a bit of an innovation. The stuffed paratha looked great, maybe for next time... Pros: Fully vegan

  • 5/5 R F. 3 years ago on Google
    After a busy day in London, I happened to fall upon this fantastic cafe on Judd Street on the way to St Pancras Railway station and I am so happy I did. The owners are so friendly and the vegan food is amazing, authentic home cooked food, a taste explosion. I will definitely be returning when I visit again and will recommend it to all my friends. Thank you for making me feel so welcome, you made my day 🥰🤩💖
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Viren A. 10 months ago on Google • 102 reviews
    I have given 5 stars to all given what it is. So here is the breakdown Food: The food is classic home fare. No pomp and show. Mildly spicy, if you have Indian taste, it might appear on 'bland' side. However, it is pure in its form, without colors or additives. It's how mother would have made, just a little less flavorful or spicy. Still good. Service: Personal attention and caring owners. I arrived after closing and the owner still made me a dish.Brought me water and gave me free sides. Atmosphere: It's a basic cafeteria style, like a school canteen. The cafe is located within a YMCA. Not for a romantic date but who knows your date might be happy coming here. Bottom line, if you are looking for home cooked, wholesome food, definitely go here. If you are looking for spicy flavorful dish, ask the chef to make it that way.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanshika J. 7 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Update: a year later, the food and juices are still great! Delicious, simple food at a great price. Would recommend the energizer juice. All the juices are freshly made.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne van D. 1 year ago on Google
    I LOVE THIS PLACE! Ask San to tell you about his idea behind this place. It's absolutely lovely. The food is great, just as the setting. It doesn't matter if you would come with a big group of people or on your own, In this living room setting with a nice variety of people, you will feel very welcome.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eirinn Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Yummy simple but flavourful food. Great value for money and great for vegans. With the canteen like feel it wasn't awkward eating alone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen H. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I live in the US, we discovered this restaurant during our trip to London, and we miss this place so much. We loved the simple and warm atmosphere and friendly staff. We got takeaway for one of our meals, and it was very neatly packed together. You can't go wrong with the daily lunch. We might book a hotel by King's Cross the next time we're in town just so we can eat here every day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annika M. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved it. All vegan, Indian food served on/in authentic metal trays. Best samosas I have had so far, lovely hosts, and while it's a simple place with a certain cafeteria character, it had very good vibes to it and I really liked being there. Great value for extremely fair prices.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gavin A. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and friendly staff. I had the Thali, which I would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 stephan m. 1 year ago on Google
    This places is fantastic. The food really does taste like it was cooked in someone's home kitchen. They're also knowledgeable about dietary needs like gluten-free and vegan. Can't recommend enough.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harshil T. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff are very friendly and you get a complimentary jug of water as you take your seat. It is not table service but you can pay at the end. I ordered a paratha and potato and a healthy shake which came to around £10. Service was speedy and food tasted good. No issues. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joy Jacob T. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place for breakfast or lunch. Service with a smile. Definitely recommended. Indian fare. Vegan.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane 1 month ago on Google • 155 reviews New
    Wonderful veggie community cafe. I had the daily menu, £10.50. Delicious. 10 minutes walk from Euston. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Stephen P. 1 month ago on Google • 153 reviews New
    An interesting healthy take on standard south Indian fare. Basic surroundings but very welcoming staff

  • 5/5 Di H. 5 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    Went for the lunch Thali plate. Pretty good! Wish it came with naan or roti. We also ordered dosa which was amazing! Good vegan options and clearly marked from vegetarian options. All in all would recommend but highly suggest getting the dosa over the lunch plate.

  • 5/5 Ana M. 3 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Definitely recommend it! Loved the food (all vegan). Very nice staff. Could stay a little bit more using the Wi-Fi and working on my laptop

  • 5/5 Ben R. 1 month ago on Google • 31 reviews New
    Incredibly tasty Vegan food at a great price! A gem of a find and well worth multiple visits!

  • 5/5 Sacha M. 1 month ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    A real hidden gem in the middle of London! It's been a bit tough to find reasonably priced, casual places to get lunch since going veggie... A lot of my favourite Bloomsbury spots have either closed or don't have great selection. I had a mango lassi and puri veg, which was amazing and rich with flavours. It was so good that my boyfriend, who'd already had lunch, wanted a few bites too! My boyfriend also had the beetroot smoothie, which was also delicious. All drinks were freshly made.

  • 5/5 A. van A. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    I love the communal and relaxed vibe of this café, it is the perfect place to have a meal (even solo) and kill some time. The wraps are tasty but the dal is really my favourite, and I wish it came in larger portions.

  • 5/5 Sidhant M. 4 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    I visited Thenga Cafe with a friend today and fell in love with the place. As a vegan, I’m always looking for a good place to eat and I’m so glad I’ve found Thenga Cafe. It really feels like home and as if you’re in a cozy kitchen. I absolutely enjoyed the vegan food and chai. I highly recommend Thenga Cafe if you’re looking for a delicious, hearty and homely meal.

  • 5/5 DuFrane W. 3 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    What an incredible gem! It is located in the YMCA facility, so keep an eye out. The food was amazing, and the service was even better. Thanks y’all for a fantastic meal!

  • 5/5 Sophie Soulsby W. 1 month ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Absolutely amazing vegan Indian nestled inside a community centre, close to St Pancras and Euston. Affordable and so tasty. Would definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 Holly D. 2 years ago on Google
    I come once a week when I’m working at the British Library! I’ve had almost all their options and each is delicious - the wraps are amazing, and the side of dal is awesome. They are very friendly too. It’s a shame this place isn’t more packed because everything I’ve had here is terrific.

  • 5/5 scott w. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious food and drink for vegans and open minded carnivores. I spent a couple of hours working happily.

  • 5/5 Hanna K. 2 years ago on Google
    What a gem! Really delicious food, lovingly prepared by absolutely delightful people! The space is big and has a wonderful view from large windows. You must go inside a building to get to the entrance of the cafe, it can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it!

  • 5/5 Astrusale M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little Café with a Vegan selection of drinks and dishes ideal for a quick bite. The owners are extremely welcoming and the food was delicious. The homemade chutney was a real surprise with a good spicy kick which complemented the wrap and the dahl was creamy and filling. I have had dosa before and it can be quite oily and heavy but this one was light and moist, not over crispy. I had a carrot orange and ginger cold juice but there is a hot drinks choice as well. I need to get back to work my way through the Menu, I have the feeling that I won't be disappointed... 😋

  • 5/5 John W. 2 years ago on Google
    Just finished our meal here. Excellent home cooked flavours we both had the Masala Dosa would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Emma W. 2 years ago on Google
    Really kind and polite service for cheap, solid and wholesome food. I recommend!

  • 5/5 Mick B. 2 years ago on Google
    If you like Indian vegan food you will like the food here. 👍

  • 4/5 Roland C. 2 years ago on Google
    Decently priced vegan cafe in relaxed surroundings and friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Anna R. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious every time, the stuffed paratha is to die for! And the family who runs the cafe are incredible. Would recommend in a heartbeat.

  • 5/5 Felicity B. 4 months ago on Google
    What a lovely surprise find! Was just walking past and the food smelled amazing. Had to stop in for a delicious dosa. Amazing food and really friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Deborah W. 2 years ago on Google
    The menu is small in this simple family run Cafe but prices are great and everything is freshly made. Super yummy food and friendly service.

  • 4/5 Judith F. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely meal here today sitting outside in the sunshine. Reasonable price and served by friendly, attentive staff.

  • 5/5 Gerald H. 2 years ago on Google
    I like coming here. A peaceful, contemplative place in the centre of London. Simple, delicious Indian veggie food, tasty and served with a smile. Tea, coffee and their famous banana cake. Small menu, great prices.

  • 5/5 Sian E. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible value vegan/veggie food just a short distance away from King's Cross. I got so much for my lunch I could barely finish it!

  • 5/5 Milo Lindsay P. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning authentic South Indian - especially enjoyed the dosa and puri. Such a welcome meal after a 10-day holiday of mediocre, non-vegan food. Friendly service too. Really nice vibe. Can't recommend enough.

  • 4/5 Jessica B. 1 year ago on Google
    Quickly popped in for a takeout masala dosa before I jumped on the train at King cross. Such a lovely welcoming vibe and the dosa was wonderful! Will be definitely coming back when I visit friends again!

  • 5/5 Matko B. 1 year ago on Google
    Heard about this place from others and wondered why so high scores. Well, because they serve cheap but great food and the service is fantastic. Went out feeling full and happy ^_^

  • 5/5 Ashleigh C. 1 year ago on Google
    Dropped in for an impromptu bite to eat after getting off the train from Newcastle. So glad we did! The daily lunch and the wrap were delicious! Proper authentic food served by lovely people!

  • 5/5 Felicia H. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice food, affordable price, friendly staff, relaxing environment, warm atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Tomaso C. 2 years ago on Google
    I don’t usually leave reviews but this place is phenomenal. Unassuming and cheap, it rivals this country’s greatest Indian eateries. The atmosphere is great, bossman is incredibly kind, and the food is clean and delicious. 5 beautiful stars.

  • 5/5 Damien H. 1 year ago on Google
    My favourite lunch spot in the Kings Cross area. All dishes are great but the stuffed paratha is my favourite.

  • 5/5 Adrian F. 1 year ago on Google
    Found this place almost by accident yesterday - note it’s in the YHA. Fantastic fresh tasty food. Friendly staff. And good value. Went back today. The stuffed paratha was amazing!

  • 5/5 Rachael K. 1 year ago on Google
    I was so happy to find this place. The staff were so friendly and the food was really good - a simple menu of classic south Indian food, done really well. I had a masala dosa and a fresh juice, which were both excellent. I look forward to coming back and trying something else. Sorry I forgot to take any photos.

  • 5/5 sana s. 1 year ago on Google
    The only place in London that really serves home cooked meals. Such a simple and delicious meal, I would recommend literally anyone who wants to have true soulful indian food. ♥️

  • 5/5 Andrew M (. 2 years ago on Google
    I had to wait a bit for my dosa wrap, as you can see there is only one chef in the kitchen, but well worth it. Authentic and delicious!! Warm, friendly staff

  • 5/5 Zander L. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place! I work in the library round the corner and lunch here a couple of times a week. It is my favourite lunch in central London. Delicious, extremely good value and run by a delightful couple. I couldn’t recommend the place more highly, a real hidden gem.

  • 5/5 chiara p. 1 year ago on Google
    Very relaxing and quite place in the centre of London. Prices are unbeatable, food is simple, there are 4 plates of choice, but all very well prepared and worth to try. The owner and cooks are absolutely polite and friendly. Will go over and over as it is closed to my job

  • 5/5 Lilith D. 1 year ago on Google
    Whenever I'm in the neighbourhood i make sure to visit Thenga Café. Fully vegan, their pricing is super affordable, and the service is always friendly and kind. I really recommend the Masala Dosa and their selection of snacks - the pakora in particular are delicious. They also have a small selection of fresh juices to choose from. A total hidden gem and somewhere I always recommend. You genuinely would be hard pressed to find better Indian food anywhere else.

  • 5/5 Olivia H. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    You cannot go wrong visiting this place. The food is delicious, the staff are so so friendly and the atmosphere is super relaxed. Whenever I come to London this is always at the top of my list to visit


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Vegan restaurants nearby

Sky Garden image
1
Sky Garden
Scenic spot
Known as the walkie talkie due to its unique shape, this skyscraper features a top-floor restaurant.
4.60 (58.6K reviews)
Dishoom Shoreditch image
2
Dishoom Shoreditch
Indian restaurant
Buzzy destination for Indian street food in Bombay-style digs with vintage decor & upscale touches.
$$ $$
4.80 (23.2K reviews)
Royal Nawaab Perivale image
3
Royal Nawaab Perivale
Pakistani restaurant
Elegant, modern restaurant serving sophisticated Indian & Pakistani halal dishes.
$$ $$
4.40 (20.4K reviews)
Liberty London image
4
Liberty London
Department store
Tudor-revival building filled with high-end fashion and luxury homeware, with its own fabric line.
$$$$
4.50 (19.4K reviews)
Gloria image
5
Gloria
Italian restaurant
Italian fare in an elevated dining room with a marble bar, mirrored ceiling, & rich, eclectic decor.
$$ $$
4.80 (14.1K reviews)
Last updated:
()