Month: September 2026

ARABICA Borough Market – Stylish Setting, Mixed Feelings

Arabica Borough Market, London
Photo credit: Arabica London (official website)

ARABICA Borough Market serves modern Middle Eastern cuisine in a beautiful industrial-style space with high ceilings and an airy, contemporary feel. Our server was warm and friendly, although once the restaurant filled up, it became quite difficult to get anyone’s attention.

Our original plan was to explore Borough Market, but unfortunately it was closed, so after wandering around the area we decided to have lunch here instead.

We opted for the £28 lunch set menu, which included a dip, a selection of meze, and a side. The presentation was attractive and each dish arrived looking well thought out, but the portions were much smaller than we expected for the price.

The food was enjoyable enough, but nothing really stood out. We left feeling a little underwhelmed and, considering the cost, not particularly satisfied. It was one of those meals that made us wonder if we should have chosen somewhere else.

The warm, pillowy pita bread was one of the highlights, although the accompanying pickles were noticeably too salty for our taste.

The Arabica Hummus was smooth and creamy. The Beetroot Borani-ish was rich and velvety, but it leaned heavily towards the tangy side. The acidity was a little too pronounced for my taste, making it difficult for me to fully enjoy.

Among the meze, the Chicken & Pistachio Shish was juicy and tender with a lovely pistachio crust. The Lamb Kofte was cooked well but could have been more boldly seasoned, while the Arayas had good flavour despite being a little dry.

To finish, we had the Hipsi & Walnut Salata, which was light, fresh and crunchy, with toasted walnuts adding a pleasant nuttiness and the lemon dressing keeping it bright and refreshing. The Batata Harra was decent, but fairly ordinary and not especially memorable.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about ARABICA. The restaurant itself is attractive, the service started off well, and the food was thoughtfully presented. However, the modest portions and flavours that didn’t quite match the price left me feeling it wasn’t the best value. It’s a pleasant enough place if you’re already in the area, but I’m not sure it’s one I’d go out of my way to revisit.

 

Arabica Borough Market

Borough Market, 3 Rochester Walk, London SE1 9AF, United Kingdom

A Creative Plant-Based Lunch at Bath’s Award-Winning Green Rocket

The Green Rocket is an award-winning independent vegan restaurant located just a stone’s throw from Bath’s Old Town. We were meeting friends for lunch, and since we were staying at Hotel Indigo, it was conveniently just around the corner.

The menu changes regularly, featuring an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, European and Mexican influences. While the restaurant is entirely vegan, most of the dishes are also gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.

Lunch orders begin at 12:00 pm, and despite arriving around opening time, we didn’t have to wait long for our food. The staff were warm, friendly and happy to answer any questions about the menu.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. We chose to sit outside, but as the tables are right beside the road, traffic noise can be noticeable. Indoors, the tables are placed fairly close together, so it can feel a little cosy during busier periods.

The food was fresh, vibrant and wonderfully wholesome—light enough to leave you feeling comfortable, yet satisfying enough for a leisurely lunch. Each dish showcased thoughtful fusion flavours with gentle spices that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the ingredients. Portions were generous, making the meal excellent value.

For lunch, we ordered:

  • Soup of the Day, served with warm sourdough bread and vegan butter.
  • Parvade Olives, accompanied by a fragrant herb sauce, walnuts and pomegranate, creating a lovely balance of savoury, nutty and sweet flavours.
  • Kaju Maluwa, a Sri Lankan-inspired coconut curry with cauliflower and chickpeas, topped with herb yoghurt and pomegranate, and served alongside rice and crispy sweet potato fries. The curry was creamy, aromatic and comforting, with just enough spice to add depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the coconut.

Overall, The Green Rocket is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for fresh, creative plant-based cuisine in Bath. Its inventive menu, welcoming service and wholesome flavours make it an easy place to recommend, whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy a delicious and thoughtfully prepared meal.

The Green Rocket

1 Pierrepont St, Bath BA1 1LB, United Kingdom

Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare

Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare is just a two-minute walk from Ginza Station. This elegant tonkatsu restaurant specializes in premium Miyazaki beef cutlets and Joshu pork cutlets. The interior is clean, bright, and welcoming, creating a calm and comfortable dining atmosphere.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles, and the staff spoke English.

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch special called Anzu-zen, limited to just 20 servings each day. It features an aged pork loin cutlet served with freshly cooked rice, miso soup, carefully prepared pickles, and dried daikon radish, allowing diners to enjoy a little of everything the restaurant is known for. Unfortunately, it was already sold out by the time I arrived.

I was seated at the counter, where I had a front-row view of the open kitchen. One of the highlights was watching the rice being cooked to order in an earthenware pot over a traditional kamado stove.

I ordered the fillet katsu set, which came with freshly cooked rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage salad, pickles, and seasoned daikon radish.

The meal began with the daikon radish, which had a refreshing, lightly savory crunch that perfectly stimulated the appetite. The fillet itself was exceptionally tender and practically melted in my mouth. The coating was light, crisp, and beautifully golden without feeling greasy at all. Every bite was satisfying, and the presentation of the meal was just as impressive as its flavor.

The portions were also quite generous, making it a filling and satisfying lunch. With its attentive service, high-quality ingredients, and meticulous preparation, Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare is well worth a visit for anyone looking to enjoy an exceptional tonkatsu experience in Ginza.

Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare

和心とんかつ あんず はなれ

Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−3−5 小池ビル 1階