Le Bab

I recently visited Le-Bab, touted as the UK’s poshest kebab shop, located in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, central London. It’s been a while since I shared a kebab review, and I was excited to see if this place could live up to the hype, especially after my last kebab experience at German Doner Kebab, which left much to be desired. That visit was disappointing, marked by mass-produced dishes that lacked character. But Le-Bab promised something different, with its seven locations around central London and a reputation for elevating the humble kebab.

As I entered the restaurant, I was struck by its upscale atmosphere, featuring an open-plan kitchen that adds a sense of warmth and openness. The décor is modern and inviting, setting the stage for what I hoped would be an exceptional meal. I quickly perused the menu, ordering the famous hummus with peanut curry pesto and flatbread for £7.40 from the meze section. For my main course, I decided on the vegan spice roast aubergine sabich for £13, a dirty Bab for £16.50, and a butter chicken kebab for £15.50. I was aware of the higher prices, but I hoped the quality would justify them, especially given the prime location.

When the hummus arrived, I was delighted by its beautiful presentation. The creamy hummus, with peanut pesto swirled inside, offered a velvety texture that was simply divine. Adding a squeeze of lemon elevated the flavours even more, creating a refreshing zing. The flatbread, warm and thin, was the perfect accompaniment, making every bite a joy.

Moving on to the main courses, I was eager to the vegan option first. The generous portion combined tender aubergine with crunchy onions and a delightful garlic mayo. It was a little messy, but that only added to the experience as I savoured the rich flavours and the significant spice kick. The butter chicken kebab was a standout, not just for its presentation but for the aroma and the perfectly seasoned chicken. It was a far cry from my previous kebab experience, and I couldn’t help but smile at how satisfying it was.

The dirty Bab also impressed me with its colourful presentation and a combination of flavours that included tender lamb, crunchy peanuts, and a cheesy fondue that brought everything together beautifully.

As I finished my meal, I felt a genuine sense of satisfaction with the quality and presentation of each dish. The attention to detail from the chef was evident, and I appreciated the friendly atmosphere created by the staff. My total bill, including a 12.5% service charge, came to £58.95, which I found reasonable given the overall experience.

In conclusion, Le-Bab has truly redefined what a kebab can be, offering high-quality dishes in a lovely setting. I’m happy to give it a rating of 9.