The Best Kebabs In East London

It was in 2003 on Kingsland Road in East London, back before that stretch became trendy, and when people were generally cautious to go down there unless they were drunk, that I first experienced the delights of the East End Turkish takeaway.

It was to a small inconspicuous takeaway and restaurant I turned to fill a whole in my stomach, having seen the notice in its window from the 242 bus every morning and evening on the way to and from work. ‘1st Kebab shop in East London, 3rd in London’ the message read, in marker pen, scrawled on to card.

I had been a kebab fan for some years, that being the only thing available late at night in the small town I had come from. So I arrived expecting a doner, the greying slithers of meat carved from a tree trunk of reconstituted lamb on a skewer. What I was given was quite different, and I struggle to remember exactly what type of kebab it was now, save to say that it changed my attitude to Turkish food for the better. The meat was succulent, healthy, the salad was crisp, and the price, around £2.50, was reasonable for London.

That particular takeaway has gone, turned into and Estate Agents, but it was quite by chance, some 5 years later that I ended up regularly in the same area, as my current girlfriend moved their – about a mile north, in fact, to Stoke Newington.

Little known to me, I found the area burgeoning with Turkish Café’s, Takeaways and restaurants, which I tried, one by one, adding the experience of eating in each of these new found joints to that of those I had found elsewhere in the East End over the previous 5 years.

I left London just 7 or 8 weeks ago to set up in Rome, Italy for a while, and though the food is fantastic here, if there is one thing I miss about London it is the Turkish restaurants. When I return, these are the places I’ll visit, in reverse order of preference, saving the best until last:

• Mavish Kebab

Lower Clapton Road

Cheap and cheerful, this Kebab takeaway and restaurant is by no means the best in London, but it does enjoy something in the way of atmosphere. The colourful and loud locals keep things lively here from noon until night, and the lamb and chicken shish are not to be scoffed at. Chips are also always good. Best place to go after a few drinks in ‘Biddle Brothers’ a nearby bar that plays host to artists musicians and locals, live music and performance. The bar and Kebab experience taken together is a genuinely East End reliable night out.

• Kebab Zero

Corner of Hackney Road, opposite Shoreditch Church

Just over from the trendy Old street and leading straight on to Shoreditch High Street, this is the number one place to get a Doner after the pubs and clubs close. Again it’s not great, but maybe the best place to pick up some gossip on where to head next, whilst refuelling. There are two or three more equally good Kebab shops further down Hackney road if the queue is too long.

• Stone Cave

111 Kingsland High Street, London

This is where it gets serious, or just less drunken, maybe – come here for a genuine range of Turkish food in a relaxed restaurant environment. You’ll get more than just Kebabs, and the Turkish style omelette’s, filled with Spinach or cheese, at around £2 each are a great filler at an affordable price. Note that in general, this being a more family oriented and gentler place the street corner take away we might be used to, portions are not huge and prices are a bit higher. Turkish and English style breakfasts also served.

• Mangal Ocakbasi

4 Stoke Newington Road, London

Ok, well, my only visit here was somewhat ruined as one, I was alone, and two, the waitress wouldn’t take my bankcard for less than ten pounds, which was a shame as you can get a good dish there with a drink and side plates for around £9. Anyhow, eventually she gave in, and I said that I’d come back soon with all my friends, and we’d pay in cash. So please go there, pay in cash, and mention this review. The food is excellent, attested to by the amount of restaurant reviews pasted in the window. Excellent succulent meat, brilliant baked onion side dish. A cut above the rest, and frequented often by Turkish families.

• Tas Firin

160 Bethnal Green Road, London

Further south in Bethnal Green technically, s atones throw from the Indian restaurants of Brick Lane. They do great yoghurt and meat dishes and excellent Lahmacun ( a kind of Turkish Pizza with minced meat, onions and herbs)) side dishes. Filling and reasonably priced with interesting arty clientèle. Ideally placed if you want to hang out in excellent nearby bar, The Redchurch, before or after your meal.

• Anatolya Kebab Shop

263a Mare Street, London – J.C.

What to say? The portions are more than sufficient; the Lahmacun is excellently priced, and great for starter, main or side dish, and the Kebab and even the speciality dishes are also affordable. No one need feel stretched. The atmosphere is lively, and it is a great place to go after frequenting the art private views/parties in nearby Vyner Street. I have been there with my girlfriend, with business partners, with groups of friends and with family, and I have always had a great meal and a good time. Do try the traditional lamb liver and tomato dish. Enough said.

Well, even if you are planning a long stay that should give you some reference points, from which to find some good Turkish tucker. I must add that it is with great sorrow that I cannot recall the names or exact whereabouts of some of the London’s finest, though I will say that the best place to get a takeaway Lahmacun, for just £1 is a small restaurant on Stoke Newington High Street, exactly opposite the opening to Farleigh Road. It is also an excellent choice to sit in and have a meal, where staff are exceptionally helpful and food is, again of a high standard, being frequented often by local Turks.

Buon Apetito – I’m on my way !

Photo of chicken kebab originally posted by secretlondon123

Topic:  Restaurants & Food | 0 Comments
Tags:  food, London

About the author

Mike is a freelance writer based in London and Rome. He is currently studying for a PhD in Visual Cultures at Goldsmiths College and has a particular interest in the social dimension of art (that is, aside from his interest in eating and drinking!).