About Us

About

More Than a Restaurant - A Legacy of Flavour

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.

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The Journey from Middle EAST to Lancashire

What started as a modest 12-table eatery on Fylde Road became Preston’s most celebrated Middle Eastern dining spot through:

Generational Recipes

Our Chicken Mandi still uses the exact 14-spice blend rooted in authentic Middle Eastern techniques. Our Tawouk marinade remains untouched since it was first grilled using traditional methods passed down through generations.

A Clay Oven Built for Flavour

We constructed Preston’s first authentic Mandi oven, replicating traditional Middle Eastern sand-pit cooking. It took 3 months, imported clay, and confused builders to make it happen.

Authenticity Over Compromise

We stone-grind spices weekly for maximum aroma. No shortcuts. No stock cubes. Just honest cooking the way it’s been done for centuries.

Our Values: More Than Just Food

Hospitality
  • Every guest is treated like family.

Excellence
  • Our dishes are perfected, never rushed.

Respect
  • For ingredients, tradition, and our community.

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Have Any Questions

Are you really family-run?
Why the name 'Khayal'?
Do you source your spices locally?