Mangal Ocakbasi

East London has its fair share of ocakbasi (Turkish barbecue) restaurants, but Mangal Ocakbasi is the daddy. At first glance it looks little more than a hole in the wall, but due to its success it now extends much further back. You’ll often find queues for a table in the caff-like interior, where there’s much bargain feasting to be had. There’s no menu; instead, choose from the display of raw meat at the front & wait for sizzling skewers of chicken wings, lamb cutlets or kofte, & a cracking mixed grill to come off the glowing charcoal. Mezze, finely chopped salads sprinkled with sumac, baskets of soft warm bread & the veggie favourite of grilled green peppers complete the picture.