World Foodie Guide

I had been looking forward to eating at Mangal Ocakbasi ever since it was recommended by a good friend. She’s been a regular since 1995 and has never been disappointed. I don’t get to eat meat at home, as vegetarian husband does the cooking, so I’ll grab any chance to indulge in a bit of carnivorous activity when I eat out!

Mangal is a Turkish ocakbasi (open charcoal grill restaurant). The sizzling smoking hot grill is located in the middle of the restaurant, next to the meat counter. It’s a very simple, basic set-up, with about ten or so tables, half of them at the back. I don’t think I would have walked in off the street though, had I not known about its reputation. When we arrived, it was just after 6pm and practically empty, but by 7.30pm, it was packed, with people waiting outside either for a table or for their take-away. Of course, it’s first come, first served, so get there early if you don’t like waiting. And incidentally, it’s BYOB, with no corkage charge either.

You order whatever takes your fancy at the refrigerated counter, which is packed with a variety of different raw kebabs. Although their website states that there is no menu, there is a one page laminated sheet stuck on the wall and it’s also available online. The gentleman recommended the lokma kebab (grilled boned fillet of lamb with salad – £8.00), saying that it was very fresh. I love lamb, so that was my decision-making done.

Our friend Simon ordered the mixed kebab minus the chicken (£12.00) with salad, while vegetarian husband chose the humus (£2.50), cacik – cucumber & a hint of garlic in creamy yoghurt sauce (£2.50) and the patlican salata, which is Mangal’s famous lightly grilled aubergine and pepper chopped and topped with yoghurt and butter (£5.00).

We sat directly in front of the grill so that I could watch and take photos. I didn’t envy the man who had to operate it, as he looked very hot and bothered, and it’s such a tough job that they do it in shifts. If you’ve seen it all and want to eat quietly with friends, then sit at the back, but I think the front of the restaurant is far more interesting and atmospheric.

I was delighted when my plate arrived, with three large pieces of lamb, with an equally large portion of salad. I’d already sampled the humus, cacik and aubergine salad, all extremely fresh and delicious with a basket of warm home-made bread, but was impatient to try the meat for which Mangal is renowned. The lamb, with just the slightest bits of grilled fat, was superb and intensely flavoured, having been well marinated. I can’t stand overdone meat, and this was perfection. Simon was also overwhelmed by his portion. There was much mutually appreciative nodding at regular intervals!

We left Mangal very content. The service was swift and friendly, and the food had arrived quickly. We also felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the meal. And best of all, the bill came to £29.00 for three, excluding tip. If I lived near Mangal, I would be hanging out there every night! It is highly, highly recommended to all meat lovers. There are loads of other Mangals in London, so make sure you go to the right one. I think this Mangal now owns another one around the corner on Stoke Newington Road.

10 – Perfection, 9.5 – Sensational, 9 – Outstanding, 8.5 – Superb,
8 – Excellent, 7.5 – Very Good, 7 - Good, 6.5 - Above Average, 6 – Average

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Contact details:
Mangal Ocakbasi
10 Arcola Street
London E8 2DJ
Tel: 020 7275 8981
www.mangal1.com

Helen Yuet Ling Pang @ World Foodie Guide

Tags: dining out, food, London, Mangal Ocakbasi, meat, restaurant review, restaurants, traveleating, Turkish