Aba Ra!

I’m at the famous Brick Lane today but surprisingly enough, I’m not here for a curry. No, I’ve found an excellent looking Georgian restaurant which has only recently opened and after my first ever experience of Georgian food at Kartuli in East Dulwich, I was ready to give it another go!

The restaurant was incredibly vibrant with paintings decorated across the interior and if you’re into your wines, look no further. They have their very own wine shop at the side of the restaurant featuring some of Georgia’s finest. Do remember, Georgia is one of the best producers in the world for wine.

I ordered the crepe rolls (£9.00), the chakapuli soup (£15.00) which consisted of tender baby lamb, fresh tarragon, cilantro, spring onions, green chillies, tangy green plums and subtle notes of white wine. In addition, I also treated myself to their special meat feast khachapuri (£18.00). A delicious mix of crushed meatballs (cooked in rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, fresh herbs) on top of a delightful cheese-filled bread. Yum yum.

The crepe rolls were fantastic. The beef nicely soft and tender with a little kick of mustard and other Georgian spices. The chakapuli soup was without a doubt the best soup I’ve ever had on the channel and potentially my whole life. Presented in an unusual clay pot with bread on top, I carved the bread off before getting stuck into the broth, it was a taste sensation. Earthy and rustic, a perfect soup for a cold day. The lamb was exquisite but the strong hint of tarragon gave the biggest punch. Incredible starters.

Onto the main, the meat feast khachapuri. I wanted to be messy but I decided to use my fork to scoop up the meatballs and mix it in with the authentic Georgian cheese, which by the way, Abu Ra are one of the very few Georgian restaurants do have their cheese imported directly from Georgia – hence the higher pricing. You could taste the different immediately, absolutely divine. I was in heaven. The meatballs were soft and nicely grounded.

A wonderful glass of red wine accompanied the meal, a taste of Georgia. On the whole, it was an unforgettable experience at a superb restaurant. I can understand why it gets such high praise online and that’s because of owners and staff that care. It’s the secret ingredient.

Overall bill came to just over £50.00 including the wine. An easy 10/10. Brilliant.