Egypt is a country I have always wanted to visit for its monuments and history, maybe in due time, I will go. I have never ever stood still about what the Egyptian cuisine is like and as part of Luxury Week London, I am going to Aladino’s restaurant in Kensington to try it out. Aladino’s markets its self as Alexandrian dining with European influences in a white cloth table environment with a cocktail bar. Chef Aladin Barakat an acclaimed chef and restaurateur by Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and others for 18 years in Egypt, brings his own special flavours from his former Alexandrian restaurant where he received the who’s who of the Middle East.
Meeting Aladin
Aladin Barakat is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He has such a passion for both food and people. In speaking to him he decided to personally cook for us which I was very excited about. Little did I know but for the next few hours, I was going to have an experience that would last a life time. He personally sat next to me to explain the dishes and tell the story of his amazing life back in Egypt that only writers would ever dream of scripting. You see in luxury places like this, there is never a moment where you get to meet the owner let alone the chef. This is what made it one of the best food experiences I’ve had. I was not familiar with this type of cuisine and I’ve never been to Egypt, so every dish was to be a whole new experience.
Chef Aladin meet team MenStyleFashion
The video below shows the Aladino’s experience as part of day 2 of London Luxury week.
The Restaurant Decor
When I walked into this restaurant I instantly fell in love with the lights. There is a really funny story here, in his own words Aladin Barakat explained that when he first saw the lights, he hated them. But anyone who visits the restaurant needs to understand that these lights are gold plated and add to the very essence of what Aladino’s Restaurant represents.
The Food Experience
Entrees
King Prawns Fried In Our Light Crispy Coating
Ethical Foie Parfait, Two Flavours
Butternut Squash
Beetroot-Cured Smoked Salmon
All 4 Entrees
Mains
Whole Or Half Lobster
Slow-Roasted Tender Shank Of Lamb – Infused with mild Egyptian spices and served with smooth mashed potatoes.
The slow roasted tender shank of lamb is to die for, it just falls off the bone and the taste is immense.
Pickled Aubergine And Poivron Salad
Desserts
* Top Right – Mehalabeya – Mastic-based milk pudding, with candied pistachios * Top Left – Om Ali – Crisp filo pastry, baked in a rich cream with a touch of vanilla, topped with baked almond flakes * Bottom – Apple Crumble, Vanilla Ice Cream
The desserts were something that I had never tasted before and I would order the whole lot. Trust me they are very unique indeed.
Conclusion
Take the time to explore the food at Aladino’s and whatever you do, make sure you ask to speak to Aladin. Aladin has a long list of Egyptian stories to supplement his amazing food which leaves you gasping for more. Aladin shared his secrets with me about the technique on mastering such food. But to be honest I’d rather take him home for breakfast, lunch and dinner myself. The food and the area speak for itself but the key to this fine dining is the staff and the master chef, Aladin himself.
Details
- Website: www.aladinos.co.uk
- Address: 38C Kensington Church St, London W8 4BX, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7937 2244
