Hackney Magazine uncovers the gems in our local cuisine that celebrates the diverse culture on offer in Hackney
By Yasemin Cusack
HOME COOKING, EASTERN TURKEY STYLE
Istanbul Restaurant
Istanbul Restaurant is known for its grilled kebabs, but its menu also boasts an array of regional Turkish dishes. Saç kavurma – a mincemeat and vegetable fry; aubergine-based karnıyarık and Turkish-style casserole are just a few of the lesser-visited dishes on offer.
Stuffed içli köfte, specially prepared by local Turkish women, is a delicacy in Turkey’s east and southeast. It consists of a cracked-wheat shell filled with minced meat, spices, minced onions and parsley and is served with yoghurt.
Restaurant owner Hüseyin Üzüm, who hails from the southern city of Kahramanmaraş, says he is delighted to offer his home cuisine in Dalston. 9 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 8BH (020 7254 7291, istanbulrestaurant.co.uk)
NEPALESE DUMPLINGS
House of Momo
Serving momos, one of the most popular dishes in Nepal, the House of Momo is one the locals’ favourite. These are dough wraps with a meat with a meat or vegetable filling accompanied by spicy dipping sauce.
There are steamed or steam-fried options, all served in a relaxing canteen-café atmosphere alongside other dishes from Nepal. The restaurant is run by Shubha Giri from Kathmandu and also serves fresh “Thali Bowls” with aloo gobi curry, palak paneer, rice, daal, parathas and mango pickle. Along with Nepalese food, they serve Nepalese Himalayan organic coffee roasted locally and local craft beers. Prices start at just £4.
52 Boleyn Road, London, N16 8JP (020 3632 4208)
A VOYAGE OF FINE DINING TASTES
Perilla Dining
Perilla Dining is a restaurant serving high-quality European dishes with a creative twist in a fine dining setting. Its menu changes every day, giving customers the opportunity to discover different tastes, which is perhaps why the team describes its offering as “fine dining without the fuss”. The Cuttlefish Bolognese (£11) is particularly taste, while the preserved plum custard and pears poached in wine and citrus (£7) and blood orange custard with olive oil will change your understanding of what dessert is!
1-3 Green Lanes, London N16 9BS (020 7359 0779, perilladining.co.uk)
ECLECTIC BRITISH FOOD
Victory Mansion
This establishment, with its name coming from Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, is run by a team of five. World-class cocktails & eclectic British food on Stoke Newington High Street in the form of this beautiful, hand-built neighbourhood bar. Victory Mansion pays homage to the most significant literature, food and drink that has inspired London over the last Century.
Chef Sam Wilksinson brings his unique take on eclectic, casual dining, inspired by his time with Ottolenghi, Bentlies and Cole pepper. Stuart Binks and Benji Purslow put their names to an inventive cocktail list they can finally call their own. Cauliflower & turmeric bellini, poached river trout, pomegranate & lemon balm (£9), Braised beef cheek, purple sprouting broccoli, horseradish & cashel blue cream, apple salad (£10) are light and charming. A bottomless brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday (£17,50)
18 Stoke Newington High Street, London, N16 7PL (020 3441 6900, victorymansion.co.uk)
SaveSaveSaveSave