No reservations. This is the best "Best Mangal" in London. It might have been a lucky night. That…read morewe were extremely famished. But no matter. I will hear no word against it. It's the best!
We decided upon this place after a pool tournament at the nearby hurricane rooms. Having both been knocked out in the first round, it was quite a fortunate circumstance as we wouldn't have discovered this place otherwise!
Upon entering the place was well lit and clean. It wasn't in the least bit smoky unlike some Mangal's that absolutely leave you smelling of charcoal. There were only two other tables taken so I thought it might have been a wrong move...
Our orders taken, straight away we're brought the complimentary turkish bread and dips that all mangals normally serve. Quite often this bread is cold and chewy, or given with a nasty dip that smells a bit off. Not here. The bread was warm and super yummy, and a good portion of it too! I absolutely stuffed myself on this because the dips, of which I don't know the names, were so good! Remembering that we still had out mains to come, I stopped. But at this point I was around 50% full!
Our mains come out and boy are the portions gigantic. Lots of meat, extremely fresh looking and tasting salad and your choice of fries or rice. With a thin pitta as the base. There was oil in the doner chicken, but not as much as you normally find. It was very tasty. The chilli sauce, wasn't that hot, but the flavours were full and a welcome addition to the slightly charred moist chicken.
As we were about to ask for the bill, (note: Earlier to this I had heavily complimented the staff on how good the food was) they were exceptionally gracious in offering us some complimentary turkish tea and delights. That was a nice touch and perfect end to a perfect meal. I honestly felt like a guest in somebody's home, as all the staff from the cooks to the waiting staff were super nice and friendly. This is apparently a chain (same owners), with another in Shoreditch which I've visited. But it's nothing close in either food quality or staffing at this branch. So it's fair to say they only share the name (along with many dozens across London)
Give this place a visit if you're around King's Cross Station and looking for a quick bite. For just over a tenner, you're sure to leave stuffed and more importantly happy.
Now isn't that what life is about.