Our History

About Dawat

How It Started

Dawat’s journey began in 2010 under the name Laziza, a small restaurant in Tooting focused on bringing authentic Pakistani cuisine to London. Demand for our dishes grew quickly, prompting a move to a bigger premises and a rebrand to Dawat in 2011. This expansion also marked the launch of Dawat Catering, enabling us to share our flavours with private events and special occasions. Over the years, we continued to refine our craft, relocate to accommodate more guests, and even establish a function venue in Pakistan. Today, Dawat is proud to be an award-winning restaurant chain, highly regarded for its traditional cooking methods, innovative dining experiences, and commitment to fresh meats, spices and ingredients.

What Drives Us

Our Vision

To become the leading name in Pakistani and Indian cuisine across the UK and beyond, connecting communities through flavourful, high-quality dishes and memorable dining experiences.

Our Mission

To preserve and celebrate the authentic taste of Pakistani and Indian cuisine in every dish we create.
To innovate and evolve our dining experiences, from pioneering decor to futuristic features such as robot waiters and water tables.
To expand responsibly, ensuring that each new location upholds our commitment to quality, service, and community engagement.

Our Values

Authenticity: We honour our culinary roots by using traditional recipes, fresh spices, and time honoured techniques to create dishes that transport your taste buds back home.
Quality: From carefully sourced ingredients to meticulous preparation, we maintain the highest standards to deliver consistently exceptional meals.
Innovation: We believe in merging culture and technology, whether it’s our interactive water tables, robot waiters, or immersive ambience, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the dining experience.
Community: We see food as a bridge, bringing people together from all walks of life. Through events, charity work, and local partnerships, we aim to give back and strengthen the communities we serve.

Our Awards

Dawat Restaurant Of The Year 2022 _ 2024

Dawat PAA Pakistan Achievement Awards International

Dawat Excellence in Community Services 2018

Our Journey So Far

Dawat’s timeline of growth and success

2002 – Beginnings in Tooting

2009 – Rebranding & Catering Launch

2014 – Second Tooting Relocation

2018 - Present: The Start of Our Accolades

We won our first accolade in 2018 and have continued to solidify Dawat’s reputation by earning multiple prestigious awards, including:

Restaurant of the Year (2024, 2022, 2021, 2020)
Curry King of the Year (2022, 2021)
Taste of the Year 2020 (Pakistan Achievement Awards International)
Brand of the Year 2019
Excellence in Community Services 2018

2019 – Expanding Internationally

2020 – Norbury Branch & Dream Suite

2022 – Pearl Suite

2024 – Mitcham Branch

2025 – Chiswick & Selsdon

Looking Ahead

With established locations in Tooting, Norbury, and Mitcham, plus upcoming branches in Chiswick and Selsdon, Dawat aims to expand throughout London and eventually the UK, sharing its award-winning Pakistani and Indian cuisine far and wide.

Learn why Dawat is more than a restaurant, it is a celebration of culture, community and taste:

1. Authentic Cooking Methods:

Our chefs prepare every dish from scratch using traditional Indo-Pak cooking techniques, fresh spices ground in-house, and recipes passed down through generations. Whether it’s our slow-cooked Nihari, rich Haleem, or perfectly spiced Biryani, every bite is a masterpiece.

2. Fresh-to-Order Meals:

At Dawat, quality matters. We only use the finest, freshest ingredients to ensure every dish is a true representation of Pakistani and Indian culinary excellence.

3. Innovation Meets Tradition:

From robot waiters to digital tables, Dawat blends cutting-edge dining experiences with a deep respect for tradition. Our venues feature water tables and stunning indoor waterfalls, creating an unforgettable ambiance.

4. Family-Friendly Atmosphere:

Perfect for families, friends, and professionals alike, Dawat offers a warm, welcoming environment where everyone can feel at home.

5. Catering and Venue Hire:

Planning an event? Dawat offers exceptional event catering and venue hire in London and Pakistan. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, we bring authentic flavours to your table.

Invest in Dawat: Your Gateway to a Thriving Franchise

Step into the success story of Dawat, an award-winning Pakistani and Indian restaurant chain, known for its rich heritage, innovative dining experiences, and exceptional standards of quality. With multiple accolades, including Restaurant of the Year, Curry King of the Year, and Brand of the Year, Dawat’s reputation for excellence is well-established across the UK.

By opening a Dawat franchise, you’ll leverage our proven business model, benefit from ongoing support and training, and tap into a loyal customer base that spans our branches in Tooting, Norbury, Mitcham, and soon-to-open locations in Chiswick and Selsdon. We are on track to expand throughout London and eventually across the UK, offering entrepreneurs a chance to grow alongside us.

Ready to be part of our success story? Visit our Franchise page to learn more about how you can join the Dawat family and bring authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine to your community.

Contact Dawat Head Office
(Tooting Branch)

Dawat is opening branches throughout the UK. Please check our Branches page for individual branch details, and visit our Events page to reach out about your catering needs.