From Paddington Basement to Shoreditch Statement: How Meet Bros Is Redefining London's Halal Steakhouses
- James Massoud
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
London’s dining scene has never been short on steakhouses. But halal steakhouses that feel genuinely design-led, culturally confident, and creatively ambitious? That’s still a far narrower field. Enter Meet Bros: an Asian-fusion, halal-certified steakhouse quietly building momentum from an atmospheric Paddington basement, now preparing to make a far louder statement in Shoreditch.
In this article, The Knife explores what Meet Bros is doing differently.
A Steakhouse with Southeast Asian Soul
Tucked beneath the streets of Paddington, the original Meet Bros feels deliberately transportive. Descend into its vaulted, medieval-inspired basement and the city noise fades quickly, replaced by warm lighting, stone textures and subtle Southeast Asian flourishes. It’s a space designed for immersion rather than spectacle; intimate, moody, and quietly confident.
The menu mirrors that same East-meets-West philosophy. Classic steakhouse cuts – ribeye, sirloin, tomahawk and ribs – are the backbone, but they’re framed through a Malaysian lens, with diners choosing between classic seasoning or Meet Bros’ house marinades. Alongside the grill, Asian-fusion plates like Wagyu Fried Rice with sambal sit comfortably next to a reworked fish and chips, blurring genre lines without feeling gimmicky.
Importantly, Meet Bros isn’t meat-exclusive in its ambition. Vegetarian dishes are treated with the same seriousness, none more so than the Panko Portobello Steak: a deep-fried, crisp-coated mushroom served with Parisian mash and thyme onion jus; indulgent, thoughtful, and clearly designed to stand on its own rather than "fill a gap".
Inclusive by Design
Meet Bros’ fully halal-certified, alcohol-free model isn’t positioned as a limitation, it’s part of the brand’s identity. The absence of alcohol shifts the focus firmly onto food, service and atmosphere, creating a space that feels inclusive without being prescriptive. It’s semi-fine dining without stiffness.
Backed by Malaysia’s Serai Group and Palace Butcher Resources, the restaurant leans into quality sourcing and hospitality-led service, reinforcing its ambition to be more than a destination restaurant.
Shoreditch: The Next Chapter
If Paddington established the blueprint, Shoreditch is where Meet Bros plans to amplify it.
Opened in November 2025, the second site marks a significant step in the brand’s evolution. With 150 covers, outdoor seating and a brighter, more open design, the Shoreditch restaurant trades underground intimacy for light, greenery and natural materials – a look tailored to East London’s creative energy.
The menu keeps much-loved Paddington signatures while introducing Shoreditch-exclusive dishes, including new Asian-inspired small plates and seasonal specials. It’s an approach designed to reward loyal diners while giving newcomers something fresh to discover.
For Palace Butcher Resources CEO Syed Ashraf Syed Ali, the location choice feels deliberate rather than opportunistic: "The past few years have shown us just how much appetite there is for elevated halal dining done differently," he explains. "Shoreditch felt like the natural choice for our next chapter. It’s a cultural and culinary hub that shares our energy, creativity, and ambition. This new site is a statement of our growth and a sign of what’s still to come for Meet Bros.
Najib Hamid, Serai Group Managing Director, added: "With Shoreditch, we’ve designed a menu that keeps our classics but gives guests something new to discover – whether that’s the richness of a Wagyu ribeye with our house spice rub, or a fresh seasonal small plate inspired by Southeast Asian street food. It’s about keeping the dining experience exciting and memorable, every time."
A Broader Shift in London Dining
Meet Bros arrives at an interesting moment for London food culture. Diners are increasingly looking beyond labels – halal, fusion, steakhouse – and instead responding to places that feel authentic, design-conscious and genuinely welcoming.
By combining premium grilling with Southeast Asian flavour memory, and pairing it with spaces that feel intentional rather than formulaic, Meet Bros is carving out a niche that doesn’t currently exist at scale in London.
Paddington may have been the quiet opening act, Shoreditch is set to be the headline performance.