We love a fusion menu and Hometown Café proves that sometimes the most unexpected combos are the best. The Whitechapel-based restaurant and takeaway brings a Mexican twist to classic Somali soul food. Find halal-friendly dishes like chopped chicken and chopped cheese sandwiches, and burritos and quesadillas packed with East African flavours.
"A hood classic. One of the only places in London I know where you can have a chopped cheese, mac and cheese, and mango lassi in one sitting. The Somali x Mexican infused flavours are a very interesting mix but one that definitely works."
This buzzy neighbourhood cafe is the ideal spot for a weekend meet-up with friends. Brunch staples like shakshuka, avo toast and full fry ups are served until 3pm, while larger burgers, burritos and sandwiches are available from 12pm. Archie’s also plays host to frequent supper clubs, and if you’re craving an afternoon cocktail, the well-stocked bar is ready and waiting.
"I was not expecting the most from this place but when I tried it I was gobsmacked. The Full English Burrito and the Basque Cheesecake were particular highlights, they had a house sauce (which I never actually got to ask what it was made of) that severely elevated the burrito. "
If you like your sarnies supersized, you’ll want to get down to Crunch London pronto. They’ve got two sites – a standalone shop in Soho and a kitchen at Old Spitalfields Market – which are serving up experimental (and big) brioche sandwiches, with fillings including flat iron steak, provolone, roasted red peppers, garlic confit & chimichurri; southern fried chicken, lettuce, pickles & allioli; and za’atar roasted aubergine, spinach, crispy onions, red peppers & harissa hummus. You can continue the crunch with sides like 1000 layer potatoes, popcorn chicken, and pepperoni lasagna bites – and don’t forget to save room for the deep-fried French toast.
"I wasn't even supposed to go here but my manager walked me in and put me on and my word I was not disappointed. The prices were exorbitant to say the least but the £11 Patty Melt was insane. The patty had very high quality, juicy meat and was super flavoursome. Would honestly go again."
First landing in Southall back in 2001, Watan has been serving Afghan and Pakistani cooking in London for over two decades. Still family-run, the restaurant has now expanded to two further locations in Tooting and Ilford. The menu consists of dishes from tried-and-tested recipes passed down through the generations, including aromatic biryanis, tender kebabs and hearty curries, all of which showcase the rich heritage of Afghan and Pakistani cuisine.
"It was my first time trying Afghan food and after I first came here, I was obsessed. I spent £15 each on a platter for 4 (£60) with the mixed grill with the longgggg naan and Kabuli rice, left with pot bellies and satisfied tastebuds"
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why head anywhere other than Dobar, the self-proclaimed “best breakfast spot in town”? Whether you choose a Mediterranean-inspired dish like çılbır or sujuk, indulge in loaded pancakes or French toast, or stick with a classic fry-up, you’ll leave Dobar ready to take on the day.
"One of the best breakfast spots, if not THE best one I’ve ever been to, no joke. The most Instagrammable plates with flavours that aren’t compromised and great customer service. The OMG plate is a favourite of mine. Every time I introduce a friend to this spot, they never stop talking about it."
Family-run Hiba Express is a true celebration of Lebanese and Palestinian cuisine. Combining staples like shawarma, shish, taouk and a full array of hot and cold mezze, the flagship Holborn spot is perfect for a lunchtime takeaway or a casual evening meal. Additional takeaway sites can be found in Walthamstow and Fitzrovia. Hiba is a proud advocate for Palestinian causes, regularly catering for fundraisers and community events.
"A Palestinian-Lebanese restaurant with some outrageous flavours. I had the platter for 1 for £16, and the whole plate from the Shawarma to the Baba Ghanouj was so tasty but also felt a lot healthier than my other choices, with a lot of fruits and vegetables present the food having a fresher taste."
Craving a BBQ but tired of waiting for the sun? Look no further than Burnt Smokehouse. Established in 2023 by NHS mental health therapist, Sufia Khan, her partner, Abidur Tarafder, and grilling god Tiberius Tudor, this Texas-inspired joint serves up the very best barbeque dishes, whatever the weather. The menu is stacked with premium halal-friendly beef ribs, brisket, lamb shoulder and those smash burgers, all grilled to perfection in the open kitchen. Plus, it’s BYOB (no corkage!).
"Was put on by a friend who had only heard of this place through word of mouth, but we both thoroughly enjoyed. Quite pricey but with the quality of the food I guess you get what you pay for. My favourite bites were probably the smash burger or the corn ribs, which had a surprising amount of seasoning with the rub."
When it comes to Ugandan food, nowhere excels like Exceline. The Leytonstone-based, family-oriented restaurant serves up all the East African classics – tilapia, curry goat, oxtail stew, jollof rice, the lot. If you don’t want to be restricted by the menu, there’s always the well-stocked buffet with dishes that change daily.
"As an Ugandan, I had to include this one in the list. As far as I’m aware it's the best Ugandan restaurant in London, possibly the UK. Brings the flavours of home to a buffet setting with a price of £24 per person. Amazing food and the staple for any Ugandan family having a celebration."
Since 2016, founders and sisters Jess and Jo have been on a mission to bring the best Nigerian flavours to London. After a series of pop-ups across the city, The Flygerians has settled at Peckham Palms, London’s first Black women-led business hub, serving up signature dishes such as sweet’n’sticky wings and Naija fish and chips. They also oversee the menu at Norwood’s House of MOBO, a live music venue and cultural hub, inspired by the legacy of the MOBO organisation.
"I went to this place after seeing Keith Lee’s positive reviews on it to see if he really knows what he’s talking about, safe to say he does! The Agege Suya Sandwich I had was sly on the pricier side but was definitely worth it for me. Agege soft but toasted, LENG. The Suya, tender, well seasoned and spicy but not to exceeding levels. And the glaze on the side drizzled on top just took it from certified to elite."
After baking bread from her kitchen and delivering it to friends and neighbours during lockdown, Sophia and her husband Jesse have moved out of the house and into a proper pastel pink-fronted bakery in Crouch End. Sourdough Sophia specialises in sourdough breads (duh!) made using organic locally grown milled grains and fermented for 24 hours, as well as other treats like croissants, cruffins, brownies, danishes and cheesecakes. Everything is made fresh in-house and you can see all the goods on the counter in the shop.
"Out of all the bakeries I’ve been to in my Endz Department of Research series, this has to be the one with the best sweet treats. Bearing in mind I came in 10 mins before closing time with 2 friends, the service was still great and the food was even better, with my highlights being the Cruffin (???!!!!) and the Cereal Milk Cookie."
