
The scent of cardamom, the crackle of lamb fat dripping onto hot coals, the rhythmic pounding of spices in a mortar – these weren’t just sounds of cooking. They were the soundtrack of a childhood steeped in Middle Eastern tradition. These moments didn’t just inspire Khayal; they formed its soul.
In 2002, we arrived in Preston with nothing but a suitcase filled with handwritten recipes, memories of a grandmother’s kitchen in Lebanon and Morocco, and a burning desire to introduce true Middle Eastern hospitality to the UK.
Since then, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving these authentic flavours and culinary techniques. Every dish we serve is crafted to honour this heritage—using ethically sourced, halal-certified ingredients and time-honoured methods passed down through generations. Our passion is to bring Preston an immersive taste of the Middle East, where fragrant spices, slow-cooked meats, and warm hospitality come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.

What started as a modest 12-table eatery on Fylde Road became Preston’s most celebrated Middle Eastern dining spot through:
Every guest is treated like family.
Our dishes are perfected, never rushed.
For ingredients, tradition, and our community.
Every pot of Mandi is carefully checked by our head chef, while the spice imports are overseen by our dedicated in-house team.
'Khayal' means legacy and imagination in Arabic – the essence of everything we serve.
We import directly from Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon to maintain authenticity.
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