Visiting Al Waha is the de rigueur option when in this part of town. It’s either this or Nandos.

It’s my benchmark for Lebanese food in London.

You’ve got a bit of conundrum though. If there’s two of you, at least you get to eat more of what you like? But you can’t order too much due to stomach capacity and price. Better if you come in a larger group, you get to try more things? But then only bitesize portions.

I wanted to try everything and have lot’s of it. Too much to ask for?

That is usually a good sign though. Shows how good the restaurant is.

As of a month ago I’ve been on a bit of a hummous tour. Wasn’t going to stop here.

Hummous Kawarmah / حمص قاورما

Hummous topped with fried diced lamb and pine nuts.

For me a smooth consistency is key with hummous. Almost silk like. This was on par with versions I’ve eaten in Beirut or Dubai. You’ll notice more so when you see other more coarser bowls. Mixed with the kawarmah (topped afterwards with a bit of olive oil), can’t go wrong.

Fresh salad / سلطة

This visit was the closest I’ve ever come finishing this bowl. Nearly managed apart from the spring onion and lettuce. So refreshing.

Falafel / فلافل

Mixture of ground chick peas, broad beans, garlic, onions and spices (deep fried).

I’ve yet to try other falafel as good as these. The crispness and the lightness. Always makes them a must order. The tahini seemed slightly tart compared to previous ocassions. Who doesn’t love tahini though.

Kafta Nayeh / كفتة نيّة

Prime cut of raw lamb minced with onions, spices and parsley.

At this stage it was a should we order this or have we already ordered too much. Nayeh (tartare like raw meat) is one of those dishes which rarely appears on other menus (you really need high quality meat with this dish otherwise not worth risking it, given that it’s raw).

I thought it was Friday night, end of the working week, party time. Why not get the kafta nayeh! Even better because I was the only one who likes it. For me I’d probably have a few more sprigs of mint leaves to eat with. Next time I’ll retry the kibbeh nayeh. Miss that and the other versions.

Shish Taouk / طاووق

Boneless chicken, marinated in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and grilled on skewers.

This here is the ultimate grilled chicken. Comes wrapped in the khobez. Crispy char on the outside. Moist inside. Joy of joys. An extra helping of toum (garlic sauce) for dipping would’ve been happily received.

Finished the meal with some baklava, maamoul and Lebanese coffee. Hard to fault anything with this London summer night.

Al Waha, 75 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UL