North London Food & Culture

Babuji

Babuji, Kentish Town: exclusive 30% off takeaways all month

Take advantage of this brilliant offer until April 11th. Plus don't miss our 10 tasty tips on what to order

When Babuji opened two years ago, our verdict was simple: “near-flawless.”

A south Asian streetfood café, its bright turquoise exterior and engaging font shines irresistibly, its location opposite Kentish Town tube station perfectly placed for both visitors (remember them?) and locals alike.

Babuji
Eye-catching: Babuji exterior. Photo: Dimitra Sardi

If you were fortunate enough to visit before Covid, or between lockdowns, you’ll know how lovely the artfully mismatched interior is: traditional curry house this is not.

There’s wood panelling along the lower half of one wall, and glossy teal tiles on the other, under which a tan leather banquette runs. There are pendant lights, casual rattan bentwood repro chairs and patterned floor tiles – all a nod to a classic train station cafe.


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Artfully mismatched. Photo: Dimitra Sardi

Even the brushed concrete back wall is decorated with old family photos by the open kitchen.

So why the name? Quite simply, Babuji refers to owner Mo Miah’s father, who travelled through Bangladesh, India and Pakistan back in 1959 before settling in the UK.

The dishes on offer are those he encountered, from Bengali bites to traditional Pakistani homely fare. And these creations can all be found in the street stalls and cafés of Calcutta, Mumbai and Lahore – his three personal favourites.

“Our food can be described as Desi style,” says Mo. “Translated in English, it’s home-style Asian cuisine.”

Babuji: Ten Things You Must Try

Babuji
Street Food (Chaats)
The menu is divided into sections, and this one is especially recommended if you prefer to stick to a plant-based diet. Go for the textural pleasures of Padpri Chaat – crispy wafers with potato, chickpeas and red onion, jewelled by liberal use of zingy pomegranate seeds. Or the Bhel Puri, a sweet, spicy, tangy snack with puffed rice, chutney, coriander and crunchy deep-fried sev. Another must is the Onion Pakora, the fritter’s innards soft and giving, with a chickpea crust spiced perfectly. In fact, there are so many vegan and vegetarian choices you could order a different one each day of the week.

Signature Biryanis
Originating from Hyderabad, a city in southern India, each of the three biryani options comprises strands of fragrant, light basmati rice, and (on our last order) chunks of slow-cooked chicken – or lamb, or veg – topped with caramelised onions. They’re allowed to steam gently to release all the flavours, while yoghurt dip cuts through with its sour creaminess.

‘Ruby Murray’
Our top tip from the curries is the Dhal Makhni: this slow-cooked black lentil dish from the Punjab is loaded with indulgent notes of butter and cream. Deeply comforting, it’s served with a roti. Or take your pick from creamy Butter Chicken, Babuji fave Dabba Gosht, slow-cooked lamb in a spicy tomato sauce, or a Chole Masala, a wonderfully tangy vegan chickpea curry.

Garam Grills
Don’t miss the Sheek Kebab, whose spicy minced lamb has powerful notes of cumin and coriander, or if you’re veggie, the Paneer Tikka, squidgy, spicy cubes of chargrilled cheese. And, if that’s still not enough, there’s a whole roti and rice section, as well as Chai cups, side salads, wine, beers and much much more, too.

Babuji is at 343 Kentish Town Road NW5. They are kindly offering 30% off the takeaway bill for all readers until April 11th: for more info on the menu and what to order, head here. Customers must either pop in, or call 0207 485 5566, to place their order and mention Kentishtowner. The offer is collection/takeaway only and not available on Deliveroo, Uber and Justeat. Post-lockdown, they will have one table outside for dining from the 12th April, with indoor dining from the 17th May. Follow @BabujiUK on social.

Main image: Dimitra Sardi

This is a sponsored post created in association with Babuji. If you’re a business who would like to reach out to tens of thousands of North Londoners, please email: info@kentishtowner.co.uk


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