Laila is to South Asian cuisine what Tilda is to mainstream UK rice shelves — trusted, premium, and rooted in heritage. Yet for many years, it remained absent from the spotlight in British supermarkets. Thanks to platforms like 4Way Foods, that’s changing.
When you think of a perfectly fluffy biryani or a fragrant daal simmering gently on the stove, chances are, Laila rice or lentils are somewhere in the mix. Established with the needs of Asian, Middle Eastern, and African households in mind, Laila has become a trusted staple in the diaspora kitchen — delivering quality, authenticity, and cultural pride in every pack.
Brand History: From East End to Everywhere
Founded in 1996 by Surya Foods, Laila was born in the heart of East London — a multicultural melting pot where global communities built their lives and preserved their traditions through food. The founders recognised a gap in the market: quality ingredients tailored to the cooking styles of South Asian and Middle Eastern families, who often had to make do with inferior products or limited access.
Laila started with just a few core offerings — most notably Basmati rice, flour, and lentils — but quickly grew a loyal following. Word spread about the brand’s consistent quality, affordability, and respect for traditional foodways. Over the next two decades, Laila expanded not just across the UK, but internationally, becoming a name trusted by millions of families from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and beyond.
Today, it stands as one of the UK’s leading ethnic food brands, housed under the Surya Foods umbrella, and available in more than 30 countries. But its heart remains where it started: at the centre of home-cooked meals rooted in culture.
Cultural Importance: More Than a Label, It’s a Legacy
For many diaspora households in the UK, Laila is more than just a brand — it’s part of everyday life. Whether you’re making sehri during Ramadan, preparing a Diwali feast, or throwing together a comforting weekday curry, Laila brings familiarity, consistency, and cultural connection to the kitchen.
It has also become a bridge between generations — allowing second-generation British South Asians to maintain culinary traditions while navigating modern lifestyles. With Laila, home cooks no longer have to compromise. It provides the exact quality ingredients needed to replicate time-honoured recipes passed down through families — and makes global cooking accessible to a wider audience of food lovers in the UK.
In a market still learning to appreciate and stock the full diversity of world cuisines, Laila has carved out a space that is proudly multicultural and uncompromising on heritage.
Signature Products: Your Essentials at 4Way Foods
At 4Way Foods, we’re proud to offer a range of Laila’s most iconic products — from pantry essentials to mealtime favourites. Here are some of the top picks available to order online for UK delivery:
Laila Basmati Rice 5kg
Known for its long, slender grains and rich aroma — a must-have for biryanis, pilafs, and every day cooking. Laila Basmati Rice 5kg is a premium-quality long grain rice celebrated for its fragrant aroma, delicate texture, and consistent fluffiness when cooked. Cultivated in the Himalayan foothills, this basmati variety is naturally aged to perfection for superior cooking results.Laila Turmeric Powder 100g
Revered for its rich golden hue and earthy aroma, this ground turmeric is an essential addition to any spice rack. Ideal for enhancing curries, soups, marinades, rice dishes, smoothies, and herbal teas, Laila’s turmeric delivers both taste and natural goodness in every spoonful.Laila Gram Flour (Besan) 2kg
Made from finely ground chickpeas — perfect for pakoras, bhajis, and gluten-free baking.Laila Green Lentils 2kg
A plant-based protein powerhouse — quick to cook and essential for comforting daals, soups, salads, and curries.Laila Chana Dal 2kg
Split chickpeas used in South Asian and African cuisines — hearty, nutritious, and rich in flavour.Laila Chakki Flour (Atta) 10kg
A daily essential for soft, fluffy rotis and parathas — ideal for traditional flatbread lovers.Laila Coconut Milk 400ml
Adds creaminess to Thai curries, Caribbean stews, and South Indian dishes — a true multicultural staple.
Each product reflects Laila’s commitment to quality and authenticity, supporting everything from everyday meals to festive feasts.
Why It Matters: Food, Representation, and Belonging
Mainstream UK supermarkets have historically overlooked brands like Laila — brands that serve the heart of multicultural Britain. While you may find world food aisles tucked away in some large chains, the selection is often limited, inconsistent, or lacks the cultural insight needed to cater properly to diverse communities.
The inclusion of Laila at 4Way Foods isn’t just about convenience — it’s a powerful statement. It says: your food matters, your culture matters, and your ingredients should be accessible, no matter where in the UK you live.
It also signals a new era where authentic world foods aren’t an afterthought — they’re front and centre. And that matters to every home cook trying to preserve tradition, share stories, or introduce their children to the tastes of their heritage.
4Way Foods x Laila: A Shared Mission to Serve Every Kitchen
At 4Way Foods, we’re proud to champion brands like Laila — brands that understand the unique needs of diaspora communities and elevate traditional cooking through quality and care.
By partnering with Laila, we ensure that every household in the UK, no matter their background, can access trusted staples with just a few clicks. Whether you’re shopping for Ramadan, a weekend family dinner, or a midweek daal, Laila is available at your fingertips — delivered straight to your door.
We stock a wide variety of Laila groceries because we believe in celebrating cultural diversity, empowering home cooks, and making the world’s kitchen feel just a little bit closer.
Bring Home the Taste of Tradition
Laila’s journey from East London to kitchens around the globe is a reminder that food is not just fuel — it’s identity, heritage, and connection. Now, with 4Way Foods, it’s easier than ever to cook the meals that matter most.
Browse the full Laila range and enjoy the flavours of home, wherever you are in the UK.
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