
Desi Express
Quick info
About Desi Express
Desi Express is a Pakistani restaurant on Radford Rd in Nottingham, specialising in Lahore taka takk dishes. Lamb karahi is among the items prepared taka tak style, alongside biryani, chicken handi, and Tawa dishes served in portions for two to three or four people. Larger platters bring together kebabs, curries, rice, roti, and naan for sharing, and Chae Tea rounds out the menu. The restaurant is small with a decorated interior, sitting on the main road. Payment is cash only, and there is no dedicated parking, so customers park nearby and walk in.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · Usually plenty of parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · High chairs · Kids' menu
- DietaryVegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lamb karahi, biryani, taka tak / tawa dishes and no parking available.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lamb karahi, biryani, taka tak / tawa dishes and no parking available.
Customer Review Summary
Grilled Taka Takk dishes and shareable platters anchor most praise at Desi Express, with reviewers repeatedly singling out the Platter for 4, the BBQ, and lamb chops as generous and full of flavor. Close behind, the lamb karahi and Tawa draw consistent mention, and the chae tea gets called out for its real desi taste. Several also note good value for groups and families.
Customer Review Summary
Grilled Taka Takk dishes and shareable platters anchor most praise at Desi Express, with reviewers repeatedly singling out the Platter for 4, the BBQ, and lamb chops as generous and full of flavor. Close behind, the lamb karahi and Tawa draw consistent mention, and the chae tea gets called out for its real desi taste. Several also note good value for groups and families.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I got 2 portions of biriyani for takeout. I didn't realize they gave me cold biriyani from the freezer and I noticed it when came back home. How disappointed. They even didn't tell me its cold and from freezer. I warm it up inside oven and it was stinky. Definitely it was ways old. They didn't maintain food hygiene and food safety for the customers.”
- Google user
“Hard to rate above a 3Star to be honest, because the food at this place is really hit and miss. Somtimes the food is exceptional and somtimes it really disapoints. Today we ordered the Tawa for 4 people and the Lamb karahi was just not right too watery and sweet. They were kind enough to offer a replacement and that was even worse even after they prepared it on the Taka Tak. 😒”
- Google user
“We ordered Platter for 4 people, and it was absolutely fantastic! The portions were generous, the presentation was beautiful, and every single item tasted fresh and full of authentic flavour. The mix of kebabs, curries, rice, roti, naan, and sides made it a perfect meal to share. The spices were perfectly balanced — rich, aromatic, and comforting without being overwhelming. The meats were tender and well-marinated, and the biryani had that classic, irresistible Pakistani aroma. The naan was soft and fresh, and the chutneys added the perfect finishing touch. This platter is great value for money and ideal for families or groups. We all loved it and will definitely be ordering again. Highly recommended!”
- Google user
“Food was old chicken was dry old recooked as u can see in picture plz Don’t go to this place you will get food poisoning services bad they even charge you taking out food after you eating in not good place going with family bad”
- Google user
“From healthy hearty food to good soul food, Desi Express has it and is THE place to go. From a very young age, I’ve been coming here to eat and it’s beautiful to see how the people working there, the food and the interior has progressed. I am both enamoured and impressed with the devotion that the staff have to their work and the service they provide. For me, as a mixed desi Asian I have attended many food places that try to really conceptualise and deliver traditional food. It also makes me someone who is very particular about what she likes and she knows her stuff. However, nowhere holds a place in my heart like Desi Express.”
Highlights
“Simple, modern cafe serving Pakistani food, specialising in Lahore taka takk dishes.”
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Family-friendly
Show more amenities
- Vegetarian options
- Salad bar
- Casual
- Free water refills
- Quick bite
- Brunch
- Offerings· 2
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Dining options· 6
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Crowd· 3
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Parking· 3
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Family-friendly· 3
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Location
Restaurants near Desi Express
- 0.4 mi
dry chicken, cold fries, order payment issues
- Smile Grill4.7860.5 mi£10–20Vegan optionsVegetarian optionsWheelchair accessible
grill platter, lamb chops, chapli kebab
- M.A.K Halal Nottingham4.72,3120.7 mi
ottoman doner pizza, hair in pizza, parmesan cheese quality
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desi ExpressVegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.2417 | — | £10–20 | lamb karahi, biryani, taka tak / tawa dishes |
| Peri Peri Sizzlers | 2.76 | 0.4 mi | — | dry chicken, cold fries, order payment issues |
| Smile GrillVegan options · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.786 | 0.5 mi | £10–20 | grill platter, lamb chops, chapli kebab |
| M.A.K Halal Nottingham | 4.72,312 | 0.7 mi | — | ottoman doner pizza, hair in pizza, parmesan cheese quality |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.


