About Us
Méli-Mélo
The Team
On one side of the coin our front-of-house team at Meli Melo is the heart of our hospitality. Friendly and approachable, they take pride in delivering outstanding customer service with a personal touch. Highly trained and knowledgeable about our menu and offerings, they are always ready to guide guests through their dining experience, ensuring comfort, satisfaction, and a memorable visit. From warm greetings at the door to attentive service throughout the meal, our team goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like part of the Meli Melo family.
On the other side of the coin our chefs at Meli Melo are the soul of our kitchen, combining passion, skill, and creativity to craft unforgettable dishes. With a commitment to using the finest halal ingredients, they expertly balance tradition and innovation, ensuring every plate is a masterpiece. Their dedication to quality and attention to detail shine through in every bite, delivering flavors that reflect our love for exceptional cuisine. Whether it’s a perfectly roasted meal or a signature dish, our chefs work tirelessly to provide a dining experience that delights the senses and exceeds expectations.
My Story So Far...
I am a seasoned chef with over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry. My culinary journey began in my native Guadeloupe, where I was fortunate to be mentored by my highly skilled mother, a discerning father, and a passionate chef brother.
At the age of 14, I embarked on a four-year culinary education, earning two culinary diplomas. In November 2000, I relocated to England and commenced my professional career at the prestigious one Michelin-starred Connaught Hotel in Mayfair.
Since then, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most renowned names in the restaurant industry, including the late Michel Bourdin, Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and Pascal Aussignac. My career trajectory has taken me from commis to head chef of several esteemed restaurants in London, where I honed my skills and gained valuable experience.
In 2011, I embraced Islam as my new faith and way of life. While this brought about certain challenges in my professional journey, I remained dedicated to my craft and spent nearly four years as the chef of a vegetarian café. This experience allowed me to focus on creating delicious and innovative dishes without compromising my religious beliefs.
Subsequently, I transitioned from one culinary experience to another, eventually becoming the head chef at the esteemed Brioche Burger. For three years, our establishment garnered widespread recognition and acclaim within the halal community for its exceptional culinary offerings. However, despite the success achieved, I found myself yearning for the intricacies and sophistication of fine dining cuisine.
In an effort to experience a more refined dining experience, in 2018 I reached out to two halal restaurants via email. The establishments in question were Cona in Bradford and The Great Chase in London. While both restaurants responded to my inquiry, The Great Chase demonstrated a greater level of responsiveness and enthusiasm in accommodating my request. As a result, I chose to work with The Great Chase. The owners, Rolo and Mabs, gave me the opportunity and support to use my creative thinking to perhaps try to transform TGC into a more sophisticated halal dining establishment. This was a truly rewarding and delightful four-year experience.
So fast forward… In 2022, I encountered a unique business opportunity through a neighbour of mine who introduced me to a woman renting out a restaurant in London Camberwell. The property required no premium or substantial down payment, only a straightforward contract and a £6000 deposit.
I commenced operations in February 2022 and, by May 2023, successfully relocated to a significantly larger location in London’s Aldgate/Whitechapel area. And here we are now… The story continues .
Today, families and friends gather here to enjoy flavourful meals that honour tradition and bring people together. Join us, and become part of our story one delicious bite at a time.
Our Contact Info
Get in touch with us for reservations, Enquiries, or any assistance—we’re here to help!
What People Say
Discover what our happy customers are saying about their unforgettable dining experiences with us!
aamna haroon2024-11-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was extremely impressed, my first time having a full halal Sunday roast. I felt the mains were worth the price, but the sides were quite small for the price. However overall thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Himayun Baksh2024-11-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best halal place to eat in London, been 5 times and not done yet! Safiya Abdulaahi2024-11-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Food is absolutely amazing, Meli Melo is one of the best restaurants in East London for sure! The staff are super friendly too. Would definitely recommend trying the super saiyan burger if you like beef burgers and tiger fries. Kashif Siddiqui2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent food and service. Will be going back in the near future