Yesterday I was at the home of the owners of The Afghan Kitchen in Islington, working on a shoot with photographer Rachael Smith and her assistant Esther. We shot at home with the lovely Habib while his wife took care of the restaurant. At the end of our day [2pm, we were quick!] Habib phoned his wife and asked her very kindly to look after us, and we were sent off up the winding old streets of Islington to their pride and joy ‘The Afghan Kitchen’.
I wish I had taken more pictures as the Kitchen is a real independent treasure, they have no website and they don’t need to advertise. The restaurant/cafe thrives through word of mouth of their delicious home cooked fare and prices that haven’t changed in 16 years!.
Overlooking the Islington green, the Kitchen is layed out over two floors of a townhouse and is painted in a serene green. Utilitarian in design, candles dot the communal benches and it’s wide windows promise cosy and romantic dining with views of old London.
Food is simple and flavoursome and the menu is composed of 4 meat and 4 vegetarian dishes with a smattering of sides and freshly baked seeded Afghani bread in the evenings. As they closed up between 2pm and 5pm, we were treated to slow cooked chicken in a symphony of yogurt sauce [there is also a vegetarian alternative of this], melt in the mouth lamb curry with the most delicious soft potatoes, thick and creamy lentils and aubergines coated in yogurt and chilli oils – all accompanied by the fluffiest rice. Main dishes cost between £4.50-£6 – go here, you will not regret it! Thanks Habib and Zaheeda!
Sides
Banana and Dark Chocolate Bread from Lily’s Kitchen.
Kitchen Sink Dramas
