Abu Zaad
29 Uxbridge Rd Shepherds Bush London W12 8LH
Having a meal at Abu Zaad is like stepping into another world (or at least like a quick visit to the Middle East). The exterior hints at what awaits – ornamental wood carved walls and windows straight out of Arabian Nights; inside it’s full of families and Shepherd Bush locals sharing a meal, there's Arabic channels showing football and Syrian waiters dressed running between the tables. It can get very busy, especially on weekend evenings so try and squeeze in a meal sometime during the weekday if you want to enjoy a dinner in a more tranquil environment. But whenever you come don’t just go for the safe options. Their kebabs are as tender, fresh and juicy as you would expect, but there are more exciting dishes on offer, like fattet makdous (minced lamb with aubergine, yogurt and pita bread) and fatayer bi sabaneakh (pastries filled with spinach and pine nuts), which they serve as starters, and main courses like bami bil lahmi (okra with lamb cubes cooked with tomatoes and coriander). After that you might be absolutely stuffed, but if you get complimentary baklava don't hold back. It’s really good.
