Last week I had the pleasure of visiting London and while touring England’s capital for its historical sights or beautiful parks, which might pique the interest of most visitors to the country, I had my sights set on one thing: Food.
In this article, we will explore the epicenter of the largest Jewish population in Europe, Golders Green. With almost 50% of it’s residents identifying as Jewish, there are a lot of mouths to feed! We will start with Sweet (Because who doesn’t love dessert first) and then Savory options, and lastly, a cafe that’s a little outside of Golders, but definitely deserves a visit. So, grab a fork and pen, and let’s dive into Craving Kosher in London? Head to Golders Green's Best Eats!
The Sweet:
1. Soyo Cafe
The first place on our list is Soyo Cafe. All one has to do is scroll down their homepage and the words “The Home of the Froyo” are big bold letters, and they’re not wrong! While Soyo serves amazing savory foods, like their salmon schnitzel with a side of delicious mashed potatoes, or delightful shakshuka, bursting with flavor, their Froyo caught my attention!
First, you must choose a base, that comes in a classic froyo flavor and seasonal base.
Then (the best part) choosing the toppings. They have fruity flavors: strawberry, mango, pear, and pomegranate just to name a few. Nutty flavors include. almonds, chia seeds, coconut shavings and dates. Some “Naughty” flavors: Carmel, chocolate, vanilla halva, and yes, even marshmallows!
Last but definitely not least, the sauce. You can pick from a bunch including dulce de leche, passion fruit, and peanut butter.
With so many options it was hard to pick, so I asked my server what he liked and I was suggested an original base with chocolate chunks, strawberry sauce and pears (I asked for gummy bears because when in Golders…)
2. Head Room
I Cannot write this article and not talk about Head Room. They are more than just a restaurant with an amazing all-day brunch menu, they bring the Jewish community together. I walked into the restaurant one afternoon a few hours before shabbos and what I discovered made my heart swell. They are part of an organization called Jami that helps bring awareness to mental health.
Here is a quote straight from their menu:
Head Room is a social enterprise café by mental health charity Jami, where we offer so much more than just coffee and great food. Our free daily groups and activities provide mental health support and education to everyone, improving mental health, raising awareness and creating connection throughout our community.
What headroom does goes far beyond any service I have ever seen before. They help those with special needs and you can show your support by paying it forward by buying a drink for a stranger.
Also they have board games! Who doesn’t love playing trivial pursuit while chowing down on a tasty halloumi pita sandwich, or (That’s right you guessed it, Shakshuka.) Some other fun menu items are their pancakes and shakes.
While Head Room might not have the most desserts, they are the sweetest restaurant and worth a visit if you want to see Chesed in its purest form.
The Savory:
3. Hummus Bar:
This was a tough list to narrow down because there are so many fantastic options in Golders Green when it comes to savory meals, but there is something that Hummus Bar offers that makes it stand out from the others: A ten-pound lunch menu. That’s right, ten pounds! Kosher food never sounded good! Just wait till you try the food!
The first time I visited Hummas Bar I had to give their lunch special a go. I ordered the crispy chicken schnitzel burger with fries on the side. Let me tell you, it was huge! For ten pounds you will not go hungry! The chicken was moist and I would have been fine just eating it by itself, but I am so glad it came with fries. They were delicious and crispy.
My second trip to Hummus Bar was one I’ll never forget. I decided to have my go at the main menu and boy did they deliver. Upon scanning the sandwiches I discovered they make Sloppy Joes. Instantly, I was twelve again, holding a styrofoam tray while the kitchen staff at my summer camp plotted on top of it a hamburger bun with strange orange meat inside it. Without hesitation, I ordered the sandwich, and after being handed a monstrous sandwich, which thankfully wasn’t orange, I took a bite out of it and was once again reminded of my summer camp, only this was better, way better!
4. Pita
While Pita is a great spot to visit after Shabbos since they open so quickly after it ends and stay open pretty late, it is their giant TV that makes them stand out from all the other restaurants. Pita is a perfect spot to grab a beer and their (and I truly mean it) juicy chicken wrap while watching the game. And since it’s London the game will always be soc- football.
Pita offers some really delicious and hearty soup. When shabbos ended at 10:30 (Yes I wrote that right) I was eager to go out, but I wasn’t so sure I wanted a whole meal. Pita’s chicken soup was the perfect option. It was flavorful with large chicken pieces, vegetables, and a broth that made you want to lift the bowl to your lips and get every last drop.
5. Tuk Tuk
Who doesn’t love Pan-Asian cuisine, Hookah, and outdoor seating with heating lamps? Tuk Tuk, is a little bit of Asia and the perfect place for meeting up with friends or having a date night. They have Bao Bao buns, curry, pad thai, and plenty more. Looking at Tuk Tuk’s menu was a whirlwind because I wanted to try it all!
The last time I was at Tuk Tuk I ordered their edamame, popcorn chicken, and beef Szechuan noodles. There was a cute spicy emoji next to the title and I am not one to shy away from food with heat. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty everything was. The beef in particular warmed my lips, but the spice didn’t take away from the flavor. And for those looking for late-night hookah, Tuk Tuk offers their hookah for only 25 pounds for your entire stay, which is quite the bargain!
6. Rubens Cafe (Bonus)
Taking inspiration from the Big Apple, Rubens Cafe located in central London is one place you can’t miss on your trip to London. From bagels to baked goods, Rubens Cafe has a little bit of something for everyone looking to satisfy their dairy cravings.
The first time I visited the cafe, it was around four PM and I was looking for an afternoon snack. I was teetering between a White forest bagel, made with forest fruit and mascarpone, and a cereal shake. I once again sought the advice of the servers. My server suggested an Oreo shake and once again it was a fantastic choice! It was a black and white shake topped with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, sprinkles, and of course Oreos!
On my second visit, I arrived with an appetite. I ordered their pizza of the day, which included mushrooms, onions, and peppers, a croissant with strawberries and brie cheese, a pistachio mini cake with fresh fruit inside and on top, and of course the forest bagel I missed out on my first go around. I washed it all down with violet tea. (which was purple!) Thankfully, I had help eating everything!
My trip to London was not only delightful, it was delicious! There are plenty of options for those looking for something kosher to eat in London, and you can throw out that myth about British food because the restaurants at Golders Green set the record straight. Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, there is something for everyone and I didn’t even get to mention the sushi or pizza! So check back for a part two!
Comments