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Long established, Alounak has possibly the best Iranian food in London.
My first visit to Alounak was in 1993, when they started in a small premises (portacabin) in Olympia. Since then they moved round the corner to Russell Gardens and later opened a second branch in Bayswater’s Westbourne Grove. Popular with local Iranians (and those visiting), Alounak has been firmly established as one of the best Iranian restaurants in London for many years now. It is definitely one of our favourites.
As you enter the restaurant, you are met with the smell of freshly made naan, from the tandoor. The naan takes only a few minutes to make and is an excellent accompaniment to the starters: the Mast-O-Khiyar (homemade yogurt with diced cucumber and herbs, Salad Olivieh (diced chicken, eggs, potato, pickled cucumber, peas and mayo) and the Salad Shirazi (diced onions, tomatoes, cucumber, sumac and lemon juice).
The lamb and saffron coloured chicken kebabs are delicious, served with Chelo rice, butter, and a roasted tomato. A shaker of sumac is available to sprinkle over the rice for that truly authentic flavour. In particular, the Chelo Kebab Koobedeh (two skewers of mince meat kebabs), the Chelo Kebab Makhsoos (a skewer of mince meat kebab and a tender fillet of saffron marinated lamb), are very good. There is also a mixed kebab grill for two to share which includes the marinated chicken cubes and lamb cubes.
Doogh, the popular salty yogurt drink, is available to order by the bottle or jug. To round off the meal, there is Iranian tea, coffee, and some incredibly sweet desserts.
Alounak does get very busy on weekends and it is best to book, but even with a booking, be prepared to wait for your table to become available. Staff are quite friendly, but are usually very busy.
10 Russell Gardens, London W14 8EZ
Tel. 020 7603 1130
Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday 12:00pm – 12:00 am
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Love Alounak! My family always come for tradition for Nowrooz. Interesting to see others opinions on Iran food 🙂
Thanks Minoo, it’s one of our favourites too ?