
Best Dishes at Al Kahf
Lamb Shank (Xaniid)
MainsA signature dish where lamb shank is marinated and slow-cooked until so tender a glance causes the meat to fall from the bone. Served with basbaas (Somali green chilli sauce), charred flatbread, and spiced rice. Reviewers call it 'the best shank in years, up there with the best lamb too.' The meat is juicy and falls apart easily.
Al Kahf Meat Feast Platter
MainsAl Kahf's most famous offering features juicy tender lamb shank, perfectly cooked salmon, and generous portions of flavorful chicken. Comes with four servings of rice and salad, making it a complete meal. Reviewers rave about the variety and quality of meat. Large portions meant for sharing.
Malawaks
SidesTraditional Somali pastries — thin, soft, and buttery wrap skins that are served warm. They're used to scoop meat, vegetables, and sauce. Simple but perfectly executed. A staple accompaniment that reviewers praise.
Tandoori Chicken
MainsChicken marinated in traditional tandoori spices and oven-baked until cooked through. The spices are warm and aromatic without being aggressive. A more traditional approach to chicken that's less heavy than the meat feasts.
Beef Suqaar
MainsTender beef cooked with green peppers, red onions, and potatoes in a savory, spiced preparation. Suqaar is a traditional Somali stir-fry done here with generous portions of meat. The vegetables add colour and texture while the spices warm the palate.
About Al Kahf
Al Kahf specializes in traditional Somali cuisine with a focus on slow-cooked meats. Located in a narrow passageway near Whitechapel High Street, it's known for tenderly cooked lamb shank and meat feasts with large portions at prices around £10 per main. The restaurant is Halal and particularly strong on their meat platters.
Top 5 dishes at Al Kahf:
- Lamb Shank (Xaniid) – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Al Kahf Meat Feast Platter – 90% recommended(Signature)
- Malawaks
- Tandoori Chicken
- Beef Suqaar
Details
- Cuisine:
- Somali
- Price Range:
- £
- Phone:
- +44 20 7247 7779
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery, Halal
Hours
- Friday:
- 2:00 PM - 11:20 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 2:00 PM - 11:20 PM
- Monday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Tuesday:
- 1:30 PM - 11:20 PM
- Wednesday:
- 1:30 PM - 11:20 PM
- Thursday:
- 1:30 PM - 11:20 PM
- Saturday:
- 2:00 PM - 11:20 PM
Al Kahf is tucked away down a narrow passageway near the bottom of Whitechapel High Street. Easy to miss if you're not looking for it, but worth finding.
You're getting a 10/10 meal for around £10 or less on mains. The platters are larger and more expensive but still represent incredible value for the quality and portion.
Evenings get really busy. Food takes around 30 minutes during peak hours. Go early afternoon for quicker service.
If you've never tried Somali food, Al Kahf is the place to start. Slow-cooked meats and generous portions are the signature style. Ask for basbaas (green chilli sauce) on the side.
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