26 Grains
Our friend recommended that we should visit this place before we leave. 26 grains is a gluten free, dairy free, vegan friendly restaurant hidden behind the colorful walls of Neal’s Yard. It is one of the most instagramable areas in London. Although they don’t have a lot of seating available, it is a chic, modern café that serves delicious breakfast porridges, dahl and grain bowls. The portions are big so be prepared to be full! I would highly recommend their:
- Nordic Pear Porridge with Coconut Milk Oats, Spices, Seeds, Cacao Crumble, Coconut Yogurt, Pear, Maple
- Yellow Daal with Garlic Yoghurt, Seeds, Aubergine Pickle – (without the Flat Bread and coconut yogurt for df, gf option)
Sitting outside on their stools, we excitedly watched them prepare our steaming bowls of porridge in deep ceramic bowls. Decorated with edible flowers, seeds and fresh fruit – this is a feast for the eyes as well as the tongue. Their Nordic Pear Porrdige is cooked in rich coconut milk and served with Cacao Crumbles, fresh pear, roasted almonds and syrup! I went back to search up for the recipe and discovered that many other people had attempted to recreate this recipe. I thought I hated porridge but this changed it all!
So for any oatmeal/ porridge/ breakfast haters out there, 26 grains will change it all for you.
Shoryu Ramen
After being in London for about 2 weeks, we were all craving Asian food. We started our journey around Oxford Circus looking around at all the restaurants. London wasn’t quite as big as I had imagined and wandering around on foot was an absolute pleasure (especially in the gorgeous fall weather).
We decided to check out Crumbs & Dollies (Cupcake Jeema’s Store) upon my sister’s request and came across this beautiful open marketplace. We noticed Shoryu Ramen immediately because of its minimalist decor giving off a traditional japanese vibe. Don’t’ be deceived by its simplicity because it is a restaurant recommended by the Michelin Star Guide.
We were also extremely lucky to have been there on a Monday where we got a great deal for their famous Gluten Free Bao – a Taiwanese Delicacy of Fluffy White Bun stuffed with Chicken Karage, Lettuce and Spicy Sauce. We also got their top Ramen recommendations:
- Tonkotsu Ramen (Pork Bone Broth) – DF
- Vegan Ramen (Soy Milk Miso Broth) with Rice Noodles – GF, DF, Vegan
We enjoyed a warm, filling dinner sitting outside listening to the busy chatter and admiring the fading evening sunlight. Both their soup broths are absolutely delicious! Surprisingly thick rice noodles were fitting substitutes for ramen noodle! I didnt’ even miss regular noodles.
Despite having only 1 vegan option, we all agreed that the Soymilk Ramen was our favorite one. The broth is rich, creamy and flavourful.
Duck and Waffles
The name is probably no stranger to those of you who have been in London previously. This is one of the London’s top restaurant. Situated on the 40th floor of a commercial building, Duck and Waffles gives you one of the most magnificent views of London. You really pay for both the meal and the experience.
Make sure you book in advance! Although it is opened 24 hours, it is extremely popular thus we were forced to opt for an early dinner at 4pm.
They do not have an extensive gluten free or vegan menu but if you just come to have a taste of their signature dish: “Duck and Waffles, with Maple Mustard dressing” I promise you won’t regret it. Upon special request you can ask for a gluten free waffle. Outside of London, besides China, it is extremely hard to find places to eat duck, so enjoy it while you can.
Taking inspiration from the classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles: The crispy roasted duck is paired so perfectly with the waffle and especially with the sweet-mustardy dressing. The combination was to die for!
We also had their Octopus with Lentil Hummus, chili oil and pesto which was also a winner!
Dishoom
If you’re looking for vegetarian places then Dishoom would be the place to go to. This is a gourmet Northern Indian-Iraquian fusion restaurant. And no, you will not find curries, but rather will discover a less well known style of indian cooking that on the contrary is much less rich, creamier than what we are use to.
Dishoom takes no reservations (except 1 week in advance for: meals before 6pm OR a larger parties after 6 pm). Our initial attempt to walk in at peak hours was a disaster as we saw the huge line outside. It is best to walk in before 6pm or make a reservation.
For those of you with allergies, Dishoom is very gluten free and dairy free friendly! They provide separate menus for both dietary restrictions.
- Creamy Black Dahl (is their most popular dish) – GF, but not dairy free
- Prawn Masala (GF, DF)
- Chicken Tikka (GF, DF)
All 3 were fantastic! I personally am very picky with the way my meat is cooked but the chicken was tender and the prawns were perfect. Fresh, tender and succulent – seared with delicious aromatic spices! My younger sister loved the dahl with her rice and announced it was the best she had ever eaten.
Check out their menu and different locations
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