Mid Range in East London

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Pasta al tartufo

A satisfying, 'dank bowl' of fresh mafalda ribbons littered with black Molise truffle, mascarpone, and button mushrooms that critics call 'downright delicious.'

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Beef Barbacoa Tacos

Universally praised as 'juicy and piping hot,' these tacos feature 'soft, succulent' meat and nixtamalized corn tortillas that are 'vivid in flavour.'

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Pork Cheek Agnolotti

Consistently praised as 'flawlessly realised,' this pasta is served in a 'buttery porcini sauce ripe with parmesan' and is noted as a dish it would be a 'mistake to ignore.'

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Potato Scallops

These fried slices are served with 'dainty silver jugs of curry sauce' and are a menu staple that highlights the kitchen's 'fresh, hyper-seasonal and absolutely homemade' approach.

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Cochinito (Pork) Tacos

Described as confit pork with dripping and 'wobbling amounts of jalapeño relish,' these are a staple of the menu that critics claim are 'astonishingly good' and full of flavor.

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Fried Eggs with Caramelised Sage

Regarded as their 'most popular breakfast,' these eggs are served on toast with 'lashings of butter' and crispy sage, the scent of which defines the morning air at the cafe.

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Grilled Fish Special

Jay Rayner calls this 'a masterpiece' and 'a drama full of character.' Served in a deep dish submerged in a 'liquor the colour of a 2p piece,' it triggers a total physiological response with numbing Sichuan peppercorns that make lips 'vibrate and fizz.'

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Jade Lobster Dumplings

A signature standout resembling a green cabbage leaf, described by critics as an absolute winning dish packed with fresh, meaty lobster that lives up to the social media hype.

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Chicken and Spring Onion Skewer

Universally praised as a 'jubilation' of charred, juicy thighs that 'practically burst in the mouth' and offer the savoury goodness one craves when 'teetering on tipsy.'

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The Classic

A benchmark lox bagel with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and tomato that recently topped Deliveroo's global trending charts.

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Cold Sesame Noodles

Described as 'the proverbial steel fist in the velvet glove,' these are slippery, nutty, and buttery with a building chilli heat that critics insist you 'have to order.'

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Tonnarelli, brown crab cacio e pepe

This is the "dish you'll see most on Instagram" and for good reason. Critics describe the rust-coloured sauce as having a "deep, savoury kick" that is "VERY good."

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Whipped Labneh with Chilli Butter

Time Out describes this starter as 'airy' and topped with a 'rich and smoky chilli butter,' noting it as a perfect introduction to their 'impeccable seasoning.'

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Rib-eye Steak

Individual steaks like the 10oz rib-eye are noted as being 'very good value' and 'very good' compared to the overwhelming meat platters.

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Rare Beef Rump Noodle

Referenced as the Tainan-style broth, this light beef soup is a signature interactive experience served with a 400-day-aged soy-cured egg specifically for noodle-dipping.

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Manti

These 'house-special' Turkish dumplings are highlighted by critics as a time-honoured staple that is excellent at any time of day or night.

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Lamb Cumin Skewers

Tender, fatty, and heavily dusted with a smoky, tingly crust of cumin and chili powder.

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Lentil Pie and Mash

An East End classic translated beautifully into a hearty, satisfying plant-based dish with traditional liquor.

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Lamb Chops

Served 'dark and sizzling on a furiously hot iron skillet,' these are 'the sort of chops you eat twice' according to Jay Rayner—first to eat the meat, and then to 'chew away at the crusty bits' on the bone.

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Oysters on Ice

A staple of the shack that 'goes down a storm' according to The Good Food Guide; they are typically served simply to highlight the quality of the fresh seafood.

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Abura Soba

Reviewers praise this 'soupless ramen' for its 'thick, bouncy ramen noodles' served on a 'sesame-oil based tare.' Time Out notes it is a 'unique variation' worth 'ticking off your list at least once.'

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Uyghur Laghman

The restaurant's 'signature priority' featuring 'addictively chewy' hand-pulled noodles with the 'bounce of someone on their fourth espresso.' Critics suggest the beef version to 'soak up the aromatic peppery sauce.'

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Cumin Lamb Skewers

A signature speciality of the restaurant where 'cubes of cumin lamb' rotate on charcoal grills, 'dripping and popping with chilli-infused flavour' as they cook.

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Haleem

A glossy, rich, and deeply earthy slow-cooked barley and lamb dish best mopped up with fluffy kulcha naan.

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Aubergine Pad Phet

An 'absolute standout' and a 'must-have dish' that is double-fried in tapioca flour for a specific texture before being tossed with oyster sauce, wild ginger, and holy basil.

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

Described as a "must-have" and a dish the restaurant is "justifiably proud of," these are a consistent staple for any visit.

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Pappardelle with Pork Ragu Meatballs and Burrata

Regarded as 'among the best' ever had by critics, this dish features 'lovely lively pasta' and a 'big dollop of cooling burrata' on top.

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Smashburger

An impossibly juicy double patty that earns universal praise from critics and social media alike.

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Lor Bak

Acclaimed by critics as 'snax4eva,' these five-spice pork and prawn bean curd rolls are a crunchy, essential start to the meal.

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Gola Kebab

Soft, herby patties served with flaky lachha paratha and green chutney. A compelling reason to visit even solo.

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Lamb Chops

Described as 'excellent' and 'smoky, spicy and incredibly tender,' these are served with a generous plate of mixed salad.

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Bibimbap Beef

Described as the ideal 'first date' with the menu, this dish is praised for its flavor which is enhanced as you 'stir, merge, and fuse' the components together.

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Chilli Fish Sauce Wings

The restaurant's 'undisputed signature' featuring a 'crackly, caramelised exterior' and 'steaming, succulent, salty flesh' pungent with garlic and fish sauce.

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Hackney Wild Sourdough

The bakery's signature loaf since 2010, made using heritage cereals grown on their own off-grid farm and stoneground on-site.

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Korean Fried Chicken

Praised for its exceptionally rigid, crunchy batter and clean pickled radish pairing.

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Matcha & Cherry Brioche French Toast

Labeled a 'Must-Eat' by critics, this fluffy, matcha-infused brioche is paired with a cherry creme patissiere described as 'phenomenal,' 'rich,' and 'fantastically sharp.'

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Kashmiri Lamb Chops

Acclaimed by Andy Hayler as 'one of the best versions' he has tasted, these chops are so popular that CN Traveler notes guests often end up 'fighting over them and ordering more.'

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Pork and Crab Siu Mai

Described as "plump and misted perfectly with steam," these dumplings are a staple that critics suggest eating "as many as your body can handle."

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All In Platter

The quintessential order: a stack of lamb, beef, and pork chops piled onto juice-soaked flatbread.

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Chongqing cauliflower

Universally loved by critics; described as 'craggy, almost southern-fried boulders' and a 'bhaji-lover’s wet dream' that delivers just the right amount of tingly fire.

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Smoked Pork Bun

A smoky staple featuring pickles, sriracha marmite mayo, and smoked garlic mayo, described as a 'dead cert' for flavor.

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Mixed Grill

While reviews of the lamb chops vary, the seekh kebabs are praised as 'fresh and juicy' with an 'intense' interior, and the chicken tikka is 'tender rather than hockey-puck hard.'

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Pork Dumplings

Handmade on-site by a specialist in a side booth, these dumplings feature a thick, hearty pastry that stands up to boiling and a savory, 'piping hot' filling.

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English Breakfast Udon

The restaurant's iconic dish, tweaked here into a 'kamatama style' where the heat of the noodles 'cooks' a raw egg yolk into a sauce, accompanied by bacon and mushrooms—critics warn 'don't call it a Japanese carbonara'.

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Lamb Ribs

Universally acclaimed as the standout dish; described as 'Dalston's finest' with perfectly rendered fat and tender meat.

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Kerala Chicken Fry

Cited by Eater as potentially the best in London; crisp, light, tender, and fried with sweet onion slivers.

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Korean Fried Chicken

Celebrated for being crisped to sheer indulgence without the 'grease-soaked regret' often found in lesser establishments.

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Gochu-Gang Wings

Described as a 'match crafted by the food gods,' these wings feature a fermented rice and chili sensation that critics call 'damn good flappers.'

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Lamb Barbacoa Tacos

Reviewers preferred these over other taco options, noting they are served with beans, pickled onions, and a "great roasted salsa" on "excellent" corn tortillas that are a world away from supermarket versions.

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Hot and Sour Soup

Described as a 'nostalgic embrace' that 'truly surpasses' expectations by evoking the genuine comfort of 'Beijing's bustling street vendors.'

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Hat Yai Chicken

Universally praised as "better than good," these juicy fried chicken thighs are marinated in coriander and garlic and topped with crispy shallots. Critics recommend using a spoon to clear up every bit of the "delicious shallot debris."

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Spicy Tuna

Consistently praised by critics as the standout pie; it balances chilli heat, lemon freshness, and sweet red onion perfectly.

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Duck Duck Rice Toast

This signature dish consists of three deep-fried, sando-style slabs so delicious they'll have you "contemplating another round," though reviewers warn that portions are already quite generous.

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Classic Guilin Rice Noodles (Dry-Mixed)

The Infatuation identifies these as the 'ones to get,' specifically recommending the dry-mixed style over the soup to ensure the chewy texture of the noodles and the punchy gravy aren't 'watered down.'

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Lobster Roll

Described as a 'classic' and a 'signature' item made with 'fresh Scottish Native Lobster arriving daily', it is the cornerstone of their seafood menu.

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Yun Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles

Regarded as a signature dish that is 'legit,' this benchmark meal helps transport diners to the 'rich culinary landscape of Yunnan' with authentic flavors.

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Chargrilled Quail with Honey, Garlic and Spices

Described as 'heavenly' and 'sensational,' this dish features perfectly charred, honey-glazed skin with aromatic notes of cinnamon and star-anise.

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Reblochon and Honey Pretzel

Described as 'pretty much perfect drinking food,' these filled pretzels are a mainstay of the menu inspired by the owner's Swiss heritage.

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Potatoes and onions on a lovage sauce with melted stinking bishop

Explicitly cited as one of the 'standout dishes of the evening,' featuring a flavorful lovage sauce and rich melted cheese.

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Skinless Cod & Chips

A signature item and rarity in the area, owner Mustafa Has hand-cuts 32oz cod to achieve a specific shape and serves it with a complimentary sample of homemade tartare sauce.

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Nasi Kerabu

The house signature: vibrant blue butterfly pea flower rice served with ayam goreng berempah (spiced fried chicken).

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Mafaldine

An 'explosion of Italianity at each bite,' this dish showcases the technique of a chef who mastered her craft in Florence to create food that 'comforts the heart.'

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Vodka Margherita

The 'star of the show' featuring a creamy vodka sauce and a zingy tomato tang that makes it the essential first-timer's order.

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Piccante Pizza

A reliable red-base choice that showcases the 'blistered, chewy Neapolitan pizzas' produced in an oven that reaches 450°C by an ex-Pizza Pilgrims pizzaiolo.

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Fresh Sandwiches

The deli focuses on the owner's "culinary heritage" and serves as a "community place" for a quick, reliable meal in what is dubbed one of Hackney’s liveliest hang-outs.

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Dum-Style Biryani

The fragrant and expertly spiced rice dish is king, cooked sealed with a pastry lid, though some recent diners have found it inconsistent.

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Sabzi Nan

Described as a 'hallelujah!' moment in an otherwise dismal review, this nan is noted for being large, hot, and well-made.

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Lechon Kawali

Cited by multiple reviewers as 'cooked to perfection' and a benchmark for the menu.

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Jerk Chicken

Described as richly spiced and a menu staple; marinated for 24 hours.

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Lamb Shank (Haniid)

Slow-cooked, melt-in-the-mouth tender lamb marinated in traditional Somali spices that easily pulls away from the bone.

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Stir-fried Noodles

A classic staple noted among their authentic offerings.