Bubala is a charming chain of three vegetarian restaurants located in London—Kings Cross, Spitalfields, and Soho—specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at the Soho location for lunch, and it easily ranked among the best meals I’ve experienced in a while, especially for an informal setting where the focus is firmly on the food and its presentation.
The restaurant offers two set lunch options, each priced at £33, catering to both vegetarian and vegan preferences. We opted for the vegan menu, which proved to include a delightful variety of dishes. Impressively, 80% of the offerings at Bubala are vegan, providing ample choices without compromising on taste.
From the moment the meal began, the quality of the food was outstanding.
The laffa bread served was a testament to the kitchen’s craftsmanship. As part of the set lunch, patrons can request a second serving, or even a third if desired.
Among the starters, the Baba Ganoush stood out, made from aubergines that are smoked for an impressive four hours. This preparation method yields a rich flavor, harmonized beautifully with curry leaf oil and pine nuts.
The hummus, featuring harissa, apricot, and jalapeño oil, was another highlight. While it may not have received as much attention as the baba ganoush, its delightful flavors were undeniable.
The falafel, served with tahini, amba, and sumac onions, was exceptional, and the grilled oyster mushrooms, seasoned with tamari and coriander seeds, offered a taste experience likened to ‘vegan meat.’
A unique salad prepared with daikon, pear, and rhubarb was a refreshing complement, followed by a beetroot and blood orange fattoush draped with black garlic, which was equally impressive.
Another notable dish was the Jerusalem artichoke, enhanced with ras el hanout and miso, delivering a complex and rich flavor profile that stimulated the palate.
The wine list at Bubala, while concise, featured well-selected low intervention options at reasonable prices, including a good variety available by the glass. We chose a Loire red, which harmonized perfectly with our meal.
For more details on the delightful culinary offerings at Bubala, you can read more here.