Mangal Ocakbasi

VictoriaM

Unpleasant Experience 20th April 2009

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We had a really bad experience at Mangal 1, which was disappointing as I heard the food was great and I was looking forward to the meal.

We were rushed to our table and left for 30 seconds to review the menu. We asked for 5 minutes more to look at the menu and the waiter looked very put out, then came back 20 seconds later and tapped his foot until we ordered. The food arrived very quickly, a basket of bread pretty much thrown on the table and we were left to it... for 10 minutes. The waiter came, gave us out bill, advised us that they needed the table and started taking our food away whilst we were still eating! It was hilarious! We'd been there all of 25 minutes. I spoke to the head waiter on the way out and there was no apology or anything, he just waved us away.

The food was OK - nothing special, and the cuts of meat were pretty ordinary.

I've since heard that Mangal 2 is far better, or if you are up for walking up to Stoke Newington, Teste is amazing.

miggy

mmmmmmm Mangal 12th January 2009

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I have been to this vibrant Turkish restaurant twice now and will certainly be returning in the future.

On both occasions, I have shared the special meat platter, which consists of lamb chops, lamb cutlets, whole quail and chicken. The meat is cooked beautifully. The tender lamb makes you quiver in delight with each bite and the unusual but delicious quail goes down just as nicely.

Although on my second visit, they had run out of rice (i was slightly disappointed by this) I was convinced to give the spicy red couscous a try instead. I'm glad i did. It was a lovely replacement. Not too spicy but fluffy and flavoursome.

Another reason I love the place, is for the 'bring your own' policy, which means you can take your own wine/beers along with you.

The staff do make you feel as though they couldn't care less whether you're there or not - but hey, they are constantly running around like headless chickens, delivering fresh Pide to tables and clearing empty plates.

There is a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere in Mangal Ocakbasi. Go and enjoy it!

bellaphon

Near perfect kebab. 28th November 2008

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I wouldn’t be here without giving credit to World Foodie Guide, thank you Helen. Her write up on this place was measured and enough to convince me to make the pilgrimage. Stoke Newington is as a whole pretty much loveless and simply lack the vibrancy and excesses of the coalescence of Hoxton and Shoreditch. However what Stoke Newington has on the upper hand over the other two hip areas is the thriving proliferation of Turkish related restaurants, mini marts, bakeries and shops. On the restaurants alone I’ve had delightful meals and kebabs at Istanbul Iskembecisi and Somine Restaurant. And now we have Mangal Ocakbasi Restaurant, which might well be the home to one of the finest kebabs in London.

The street where this restaurant is situated is nondescript and suitably grim, the shop-front is typically reminiscent and generic of most fast food joints found in any misunderstood inner city corners. Upon entering and finding ourselves a table, I couldn’t help but adjudge that it wasn’t really a restaurant but instead a takeaway with seats and tables. The ambience is non-existent (like the service, but at least the men in black enjoy smiling) and the dining area veering towards shabby side of things. Like all restaurants of this ilk, the sight of the multi tasking man sitting by the brazier manning, fanning, cooking and preparing the salads can only encourage the appetite even more.

The breadbasket arrived first, it was fresh and lovingly warm but I couldn’t help but gulp at the quantity of it all. An order of mixed kebabs for two was epic and huge, the accompanying mixed salad was well-dressed and equally generous in portion, probably too much IMO (I hate wasting food). All the meats were beautifully fresh, impeccably seasoned and skilfully cooked except for the Lokma. For instance the Adana Köfte is quite often bland and made from dodgy lamb mince, but the ones we had at Mangal was huge, lamby and properly spicy. The Sis kebab, lamb chops and chicken wings were all equally fantastic as well. The only let down was the Lokma Kebab (grilled deboned fillet of lamb), for it was too overcooked and as a result too chewy. Despite the glitch, I can confidently say that this place serves the finest kebabs to date.

Mangal Ocakbasi Restaurant is indeed a wondrous find, superior food at stupendously affordable prices. I can’t really imagine anyone being let down here, even the vegans will be happy with the impressive salads. Afiyet olsun! (Enjoy you meal).

Niamheen at 29/11/08

Sounds wonderful. Again, to my disgrace, I heard about Mangal Ockabasi YEARS ago in Rick Stein's Food Heroes but have yet to go. I really must. Especially after reading your description of the lamb.

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dvstuff

1st September 2007

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Nice Food and at a very good price.

trobinson

26th July 2007

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Don't let Arcola Street, a dodgy looking side street put you off - Mangal is one of the best proper Turkish grill places in East London with superb kebabs grilled before you by genuine experts. Prices are low, food is terrifically fresh and it's namechecked by Moro owners Sam and Sam Clark in their book (so it must be good).

gilka

20th July 2007

3 found this helpful

credit for Priya who showed me this place and also to Rose-Innes Associates who took me there as well...
This is a great Turkish restaurant with a big barbeque and a great selection of meat. The aubergine salad is not to miss but the humus can be improved. My best trick with this place is try to check what is showing in Arcola theatre and then combine the theatre experience with a dinner at mangal. The interior is simple+basic - it is a place to eat not for atmosphere... Price is quite cheap.