London Kebabs Get A Posh Makeover At Le Bab

With London's increasing urge to fancify casual eats (burgers, hot dogs, etc.), it was only a matter of time for the trend to reach the almighty kebab. At the forefront is the recently opened Le Bab, once a humble street food startup, now a legit restaurant specializing in gourmet kebabs in Soho. For what it's worth, the Le Bab team has the culinary credentials to carry this "kebab renaissance project" with co-founder Ed Brunet and chefs Manu Canales and Angus Bell hailing from kitchen of two Michelin-starred landmark La Gavroche in Mayfair.  

You'll find Le Bab, a rather tiny venue, on the upper floor of the well-hidden Kingly Court complex off Carnaby Street, clad in white and blue Ottoman tiling with a dab of modern flair. Just as small is Le Bab's menu list, with open-faced kebab mains streamlined to five choices: one vegetarian, one venison, one chicken, and two pork options, with a similarly terse but well-curated list of wines, beers, and cocktails.

And it works. Recommendations? Start with the moreish meatlafel starter, two patties filled with falafel and tender lamb meat with a side of tzatziki sauce, and order a side of indulgent fondue fries, which comes with a poutine-like dip.  If you intend to go all-the-way-gourmet for your kabab, the roe deer adana laden with cavolo nero kimchi, artichoke chips, and damson and chili jam would be most appealing. Alternatively, go big with a "Large Bab" sharing platter of diced pig's head with separate servings of black turnip, carrot, and onions.

As this is no post-clubbing takeaway kebab joint. The price for Le Bab's kebab are premium but justified, capped at £13 ($18.50) for a single and £36 ($51.50) for the meant-to-share pig's head dish. This place is already a hit, so beat the crowds by visiting at lunch or book well ahead on Open Table for dinner; you won't leave hungry or disappointed.