Namji, Xscape Review

In a city packed with restaurants from every corner of the globe, Namji at Xscape Milton Keynes has become a firm favourite with the community over the years.

Independent, family-run and proudly rooted in the local community, Namji is a restaurant with real heart. Serving authentic Punjabi homecooked food in a welcoming, family-friendly setting, it’s the kind of place where every dish tells a story — and every guest leaves feeling like part of the family.

Founded by Naseem Khan, Namji is built on love, tradition and the belief that food brings people together. Naseem is not just a restaurateur; she’s a much-loved figure in Milton Keynes, known for her community work, charitable projects and dedication to supporting local people. That same generosity shines through in everything Namji does — from the friendly service to the evident care and pride behind every dish served.

A Celebration of Authentic Punjabi Cuisine

Namji’s menu is a celebration of Punjabi cooking at its finest: rich, flavourful dishes made with love and time-honoured family recipes. During our visit, we sampled some of the restaurant’s most popular options, starting with the Punjabi Chole Bhature (£10.50) — A breakfast dish - Degi-cooked chickpeas served with two freshly made bhature, a salted lassi and a sharp onion pickle. The chickpeas were perfectly spiced, the bhature beautifully soft and golden, and the whole dish felt like the kind of comforting, homecooked food you could happily eat every day.

Next, we tried the Lunch Box Takeaway Deal (£9.99), available from 12–4pm, which offers a smaller selection from Namji’s much-loved Thali Platter (£18.99). It’s an incredible value option that gives you a true taste of everything Namji does best. Ours included Matar Aloo (potato and peas), Karahi Chicken Curry, and Mazedar Dahl Makhani — a standout dish of three lentils slow-cooked for six hours with onions and tomatoes. Every bite was rich, comforting and layered with gentle spices that built beautifully without overpowering. Served with chapatis, pilau rice, and a delicate Ras Malai dessert (cheese in sweet milk), it was a feast of flavour and texture that perfectly captured the essence of Punjabi home cooking.

Being a chicken tikka masala – or even chicken-with-fruit – kind of girl, I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved the Karahi Chicken Curry. It was rich, flavourful and beautifully spiced without being overpowering. I think it might just have convinced me to venture out of my comfort zone more often.

Vegetarians are equally well catered for, with a Veggie Thali (£16.99) that’s every bit as satisfying. What’s wonderful about Namji is that there’s something for everyone — whether you’re after a light lunch, a hearty dinner or a takeaway to enjoy at home.

Beyond the Food – A Place for Everyone

But Namji is much more than just a restaurant. It’s a space that brings people together — whether it’s through family meals, community events or creative gatherings. Upstairs, you’ll find a spacious private area that’s available to hire for parties, events or special occasions. It’s already proving popular for Christmas parties, birthdays and festive get-togethers with friends or colleagues.

Namji also hosts regular Sip & Paint events, offering a fun and relaxed way to enjoy great food, good company and a creative evening out. The team have truly thought of everything when it comes to making their restaurant a versatile space that suits the diverse Milton Keynes community.

Families will also love Namji’s welcoming atmosphere. Their Kids Eat Free offer makes dining out as a family even easier, encouraging parents to enjoy authentic, freshly made food without worrying about the cost. And in keeping with the restaurant’s commitment to accessibility and affordability, Namji also operates a bring your own drink (BYOB) policy — so you can enjoy your favourite wine or beer with dinner without breaking the bank.

A True Part of the Milton Keynes Community

What makes Namji really special, though, is its deep connection to Milton Keynes. Naseem Khan and her team are passionate advocates for the city, regularly supporting local causes and giving back to the community that supports them. That sense of pride and purpose shines through in everything Namji does.

It’s also worth noting that Namji proudly accepts the Milton Keynes City Centre Gift Card, making it an ideal choice for those looking to support local, independent businesses. By choosing Namji, you’re not only enjoying an incredible meal — you’re helping sustain a small business that truly contributes to the soul of the city.

A Taste of Punjab, Right Here in MK

With its authentic recipes, welcoming atmosphere and community spirit, Namji at Xscape is one of those rare restaurants that manages to feel both homely and exciting. Whether you’re dining in, taking advantage of their great-value lunch deals, or looking for somewhere special to host your Christmas party, Namji offers a warm, flavour-packed experience that you’ll want to repeat.

Every dish tells a story of tradition, care and pride, and every visit is a reminder of why independent restaurants like this matter so much. If you haven’t tried Namji yet, make it your next stop in Milton Keynes City Centre — and discover just how good authentic Punjabi cooking can be.

Namji at Xscape Milton Keynes – where flavour, family and community come together.