Gulf Kitchen brings the flavours and hospitality surrounding the Persian Gulf, from Saudi Arabi and the UAE, to Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, to Ealing, with a menu that champions traditional recipes, generous rice dishes, grilled meats and classic regional sweets all together for West Londoners.
The easiest way in is with a spread of appetisers for the table. Fattoush brings freshness and crunch, while Shirazi salad keeps things light with a simple chopped style. There is also Gulf Kitchen’s yoghurt and cucumber salad, alongside moutabal, mixed pickles and a larger mixed salad for groups who want to order a few things to share before the mains arrive.
The heart of the menu is the selection of Gulf and Middle Eastern rice dishes. Chicken Majbous, shrimp Majbous and grouper Majbous offer different takes on the same comforting format, while Arabian chicken biryani gives another rice-based option with plenty of familiarity. The roasted lamb meal is an obvious choice for something more substantial, while Chelow Ghoosht and Chormeh Sabzi broaden the menu further.
There is also a dedicated grill section. Grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon and lamb chops all come with vegetables and a special sauce, with guests choosing two accompaniments from bread, French fries, rice or salad. That makes the menu easy to tailor depending on whether you want something hearty or a little lighter.
Drinks keep a strong regional identity too. A large Arabian coffee pot is ideal for sharing around the table, while Turkish and Ottoman coffee offer smaller, stronger finishes to the meal. Espresso and cappuccino are available as well. Dessert is where the menu becomes especially distinctive. Bahraini halwa and Omani halwa both offer a traditional Gulf ending, while Muhallabiah brings another classic option for anyone after something sweet. Personally, we love the sound of the warm cookies served with cream.