Al-Kahf Restaurant — Restaurant in London

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.8/5) | 🔟 7/10 Visited: Al-Kahf Restaurant – Authentic Somali Cuisine 🇸🇴🍽️

My first ever Somali food experience… and honestly, I’m glad I started here 🙌🏽. We ordered the Platter 5 (£41.99)… an absolute feast that could easily feed three (maybe even four 😅). It came loaded with two slow-cooked lamb shanks, pan-fried beef suqaar pieces, and a marinated quarter chicken 🍗. On the side, you get two portions of Al-Kahf’s seasoned rice and one portion of tomato spaghetti 🍝… plus salad and sauces to balance everything out.

We also ordered three Malawaks (£1 each)… soft, buttery wrap skins that reminded me of Caribbean roti 🇯🇲🇹🇹… along with two teas (£2 each) and two bottled waters (£1.50 each). Altogether roughly £52 total 💷… and honestly, that’s phenomenal value for what you get 👏🏽.

We shared the platter between three of us, and even then we couldn’t finish it 😅. The lamb was the clear standout… succulent, tender, and literally falling off the bone 🔥. The rice was soft and flavourful, the potatoes perfectly cooked, and the spaghetti added a nice, unexpected twist 🍛. The flavours were mild overall… not bland, but I would’ve liked a touch more herbs and seasoning to really lift the dish 🌿✨.

I’m not the biggest spice lover, but for those who are… be warned about the green chilli sauce 🌶️😂. It might look calm, but it’s deceptively hot… definitely not a “green light.”

Now, service-wise… everyone was friendly once we got talking, but the organisation needs tightening up 👀. When we arrived, no one really greeted or guided us, so we just seated ourselves. I also purposely asked for the teas to come before the main dish… but they didn’t arrive at all until I had to ask, “Where’s my teas?” 😅. By the time they came, I was nearly ready to leave. The Malawaks also took longer than expected to come out. With a bit more attentiveness and structure, the overall experience could easily go from good to great 💬.

The atmosphere was buzzing… both upstairs and downstairs were busy, which says a lot about the popularity 💯. I didn’t catch any music, but the crowd energy gave the place a nice vibe.

Pricing was excellent 💰… in today’s climate, getting this much quality food at that price is rare. Portion sizes were generous, the food was authentic, and for my first Somali dining experience, I was impressed.

Highlights: the lamb shank 🔥, the Malawak wrap 🍞, and the generous portions 💪🏽. Tip: ask for a banana 🍌 on the side… it’s a traditional Somali touch that I didn’t get this time but definitely would next visit.

Overall, a solid 7/10… great food, unbeatable value, and flavours that felt comforting and homely 🇸🇴🌿. With slightly better service and seasoning tweaks, Al-Kahf could easily...

Somalian food, anyone?

I had never tasted Somalian food before, and neither had I ever been to Somalia...So, when Fahim began to promote and propose me to visit this Somali restaurant since we were still at Kamal's house in Brighton, he had definitely picqued my interest. "They serve the dishes in a big platter Uncle, together with all the meat, lamb, chicken, salmon, rice and vegetables...I hope you wont mind..", Fahim sounded worried. But I am always game to try...

Upon our arrival at the East London restaurant, Fahim & Kamal and their respective family members were already there, waiting in line. As our party of 9 adults and 5 children would require a sizeable seating area, we had to wait for another 20 minutes for them to prepare a proper long table for us downstairs, where there was a bigger dining area, compared to the smaller eating area on the ground floor.

I noticed that they do provide a small "Solah Corner" at an alcove, which had really came handy for travellers like us to perform our prayers on time. After we were all comfortably seated, and the small children pacified, Fahim placed the order, keeping in mind that we were all terribly starving by then. It took them another 15 minutes for them to serve the first big platter, but the delicious foods were definitely worth the wait!!

Fahim had requested for two big platters of the meat feast, with all the delectable food I had described earlier, plus two more big platters of the most succulent chicken legs ever! The meat and lamb shoulders were so soft and juicy they practically melted in your mouth...Even the rice was not too strongly spiced, as mentioned by my wife because she doesnt normally eat aromatic or spiced rice. But she finished her plate with no complaint, even tasting some of the succulent lamb shoulder without any hesitation! Bravo, I would say...

Najwa and Atiq were sitting facing each other with a big platter in between them. In Malaysia we call this "makan beradap". I think this sitting arrangement was done by Fahim on purpose... True enough, we practically finished all the foods, as everybody was obviously hungry. And those tasty Mango Lassi drinks went well to keep our...

Al-Kahf: A Culinary Gem in East London

Nestled in the heart of East London's vibrant Whitechapel neighborhood, Al-Kahf stands as a testament to Somali culinary excellence. From the moment you step through the doors, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity, with the tantalizing aromas of spices and freshly baked bread wafting through the air.

The star of the show at Al-Kahf is undoubtedly the lamb shank. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meat falls off the bone with the slightest touch, releasing a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The rich, savory gravy, infused with fragrant herbs and spices, complements the lamb perfectly, creating a culinary masterpiece that is sure to leave you wanting more.

Beyond the lamb shank, Al-Kahf offers a delectable array of Somali dishes, each prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. The samosas, filled with a savory blend of spiced potatoes and peas, are a crispy delight, while the flavorful berbere chicken and the aromatic goat stew are true testaments to Somali culinary heritage.

The service at Al-Kahf is as welcoming as the atmosphere, with the staff eager to guide you through their menu and ensure that you have an unforgettable dining experience. Their genuine hospitality and passion for their cuisine make you feel like you're part of their family.

Whether you're a seasoned fan of Somali cuisine or eager to discover its rich flavors, Al-Kahf is a must-visit destination. With its exceptional food, warm hospitality, and charming atmosphere, Al-Kahf is a culinary gem that will leave you...