Al Afadhil looks closed down at first glance. And assuming it was, we first went to the Kebab Bistro next door. They told us that their neighbour was very much open for business…and looked surprised when we turned around and walked straight back out again.
Heavy-set wooden tables and chairs with hand carved tapestry is the extent of the interior design at Al Afadhil. It’s basic to say the least. So is its menu, offering no more than about a dozen dishes. The food on offer is also basic. Basic but hugely flavoursome. We ordered the flat, minced meat Lucknow Kabab, Shami Kabab discs, Daal fry, Chicken Tikka, Veg Sabzi and a continuous stream of Parathas. Oh and also what this place is most famous for, their Lassi.
The Lassi, served in a chilled clay pot is thick, creamy and honey sweet. It’s more a dessert than an accompaniment to a meal. That said, we went through ours in an uncontrollable frenzy the waiter had obviously seen before.
Everything they brought to our table was OMG good and we were soon wiping our plates dry with our third (or fourth) paratha; no rice is served. I cannot decide which I like most, the Shami or Lucknow or Tikka or even the Daal; everything was that good.
Prices are good but not that good where the Tikka is concerned. Service gets better the more you order…
I enjoyed Al Afadhil tremendously and recommend it whole heartedly.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.