Imad's Syrian Kitchen

Imad's Syrian Kitchen is a Michelin bib gourmand restaurant that I've been hankering to try for a while now, and finally got around to it this past weekend. Kingly Court, just off of Carnaby Street, is not exactly the nicest place for a restaurant - especially at the weekend when it's rammed - but Imad's on the top floor is far enough away from the throng that it feels somewhat homely (though not quite as much as that other stalwart of Middle Eastern fare in Central London, Berenjak). 

Imad's is owned by Imad Alarnab, a chef from Damascus, Syria, whose businesses were destroyed in the war. Coming to London in 2015, Imad's Syrian Kitchen has been met with high praise. Praise that I can echo.

With complimentary still or sparkling water offered for the table, the food at Imad's comes out at a pace one would expect from a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant! I started with two meze: hummus and mtuma bitinjan (fried aubergines, yoghurt and barberries), along with a grilled pita. The hummus was deliciously creamy. While not quite as nutty, I'd say it's a match for Berenjak's. But perhaps more than the hummus, the mtuma bitinjan - the first time I've had it - was sensational. I could happily spoon that up sans pita.

For my main, I had makmour jaj: yoghurt-marinated chicken, bulgar, pomegranate seeds, and fried vermicelli. The chicken was succulent and sliced into manageable pieces, the pomegranates offering nice little pops of sweetness. There was absolutely no need for accompanying rice with this dish, as the bulgar and fried vermicelli was plenty a bed enough for the chicken.

Though my time at Imad's was brief, my impression was a very good one, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone wanting to try Syrian cuisine. 

The recent trips I've had to restaurants offering cuisines from the Middle East in London have been exceptional. More of these would be greatly appreciated.

Value for money? £40 for two meze, a main and service. This is good value, especially given the quality.

Would I return? Yes! I certainly hope to.