The Somali cuisine has to be the best kept secret, if not one of the best, in the food scene. Thanks to social media globalisation, more and more people are trying Somali food and more and more of these little Somalis restaurants and cafes are getting more recognition. Brother’s Cafe and Restaurant in Tottenham London is probably the most famous of them all and it is truly a gem and a half! I cannot stress how much we loved this place. The food, the staff, the service, the price and the charm!! It had it all. Haven’t had this nice of a dining experience for a looooong time.
The food:
Bariis – spiced rice
Hlib – meat – we got the chicken steak and lamb shank (beef steak is also an option) – the rice with the meat was just marriage made in heaven!
Basbaas – spicy hot sauce – green and red – such great accompaniments! A bit on the spicy side, so if you’re not used to spice, be careful.
Maraq – complimentary vegetable soup is served to start off the meal. Heartwarming.
Banana – traditionally served alongside Somali food. Works surprisingly really well with the rice and meat.
Some complementary salad too.
Mango milkshake and coke to drink.
All of the above was for £25 (food was £21)! You won’t find a better deal in London!
The staff and service:
We were greeted instantly and with a big smile, which lasted the whole time we were there even when we asked numerous questions. We were the only non-Somali people in the place, yet we felt right at home. They got the perfect fine balance between making you feel special and not overdoing it. Literally treated like their own – lot of love. The food was out within 5 minutes. Maybe even less. Faster than fast food chains!
The charm:
A small restaurant; size of a standard takeaway. Yet, they find the space to add a barrier down the middle to make a makeshift family section – giving families the comfort of eating in with the social aspect of eating out. Best of both worlds.
Also, the place was full of locals and most fascinatingly with Somali aunties (old women). Aunties are notoriously picky when it comes to food from their own cuisine, so to see so many of them dine here, suggests the food must be authentically good!
Another charming attribute was that they don’t have a menu – you get the options verbally. And also they don’t take cards. Some may not like these things, but I loved it. It just gives it that small authentic feel to it.
Overall, Somali cuisine is the perfect representation of the community. My experience of Somali people has always been positive. This place is a must try. An absolute must try!
The place is small so if you don’t get a table, you can try out Rayaan a few doors down. Another Somali joint – if you think the above description was intimidating, you can try this place as it looks more spacious, they have a menu and there’s more of a typical restaurant feel to it. We popped into their cafe and picked up some Kac Kac, which is like Somali shortbread/doughnuts/biscuits. Goes perfectly with some Somali spiced tea.
Getting there
Parking: Lidl car park (1:30 hours and this is monitored, we overstayed and got a penalty)
Nearest Mosque: Assunnah Islamic Centre (across the road)
Nearest station: Bruce Grove
