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Kebabs get a hard time, their image sullied by those Saturday nights spent cradling a grease-caked styrofoam box. A trip to Green Lanes will help dispel this myth and is a must for any self-confessed London-based foodie, being the kebab scene’s answer to Rusholme’s Curry Mile in Manchester. However, venture a little further north, past Turnpike Lane, and you’ll come across some of the most authentic kebab joints in the UK. Here are three of them:
Capital
Whatever else you do, make sure you come here with an empty stomach; the portion sizes are mammoth. For those fully prepared, why not try the 1.6-metre kebab for size? It comes with 63 chop shish pieces, 32 lamb ribs and 16 chicken wings, among other ingredients. If you’ve patiently worked your way through that lot, the attentive waiters will be poised, waiting to offer complimentary bread, dips and Turkish tea. Don’t fret, vegetarians, as the mezze are impressive, particularly the sarma (stuffed vine leaves) and ispanak tarator (fresh spinach with creamy yoghurt). Capital is also an ideal location for celebrations with its lively atmosphere and stellar service. Make sure you book well in advance, though. Both floors are constantly packed. The Broadway, 1-2 High Rd, N22 6DS.
Tarshish
Looking for an oasis of calm just metres away from the hustle and bustle of the High Road? It’s not hard to see why Tarshish won Best Newcomer at the 2017 British Kebab Awards. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more romantic spot in the UK to devour a kebab (in spite of stiff competition) with the sleek interior, intimate live jazz and interesting range of cocktails. In terms of food, you can’t go wrong with the vegetarian starters, such as baba ganoush (grilled aubergine) and tabbouleh (parsley salad), or the braised lamb shanks. Your bank account and waistline will be smiling, provided you go easy on the ayrans. First and second floor, 16-20 High Rd, N22 6BX.
Kervan Sofrasi
Kervan Sofrasi is located in one of London’s most divisive buildings, The Mall Wood Green. It’s either labelled as an architectural monstrosity straight out of a dystopian sci-fi film or a loveable local relic. Once you enter the restaurant, you’re transported straight to Turkey. Feeling adventurous? Try the Turkish breakfast, which includes several different cheeses, eggs, spicy sausage, borek (cheese-filled filo pastry) and thick yoghurt among plenty of other ingredients. Elsewhere on the menu, lahmacun (Turkish pizza) is served piping hot and fresh while the sarma tavuk beyti (a mix of chicken, yoghurt and tomato sauce with rice) comes highly recommended. Those with late-night cravings will be pleased to hear that it stays open till midnight every night of the week.
183 High Rd, N22 6BA.
For more neighbourhood spots, check out three places to go for a great Italian in Queen’s Park.