Patogh is one of those hole in the wall places that Anthony Bourdain would visit on his show, No Reservations. It is in central London, but really its kind of hidden on a little side street. The only reason Hubby and I found this place is through word of mouth. Otherwise, I know we never would have found it, and walking past, I would probably have no desire to try it. This is a place that makes McDonalds look fancy, but believe me when I tell you that they serve some of the best food in London. Their kebabs are without a doubt the best we have EVER tasted. It is absolute ambrosia to Hubby and I. Thats why we’ve been going here for about 10 years now.
I don’t know, these kebabs are like magic or something. Kebabs made out of ground meat have a tendency to be a bit rubbery. Or, if they are not rubbery, they tend to get rubbery after sitting on your plate for a bit. Not so with these. They are the most succulent and tender kebabs in the whole world (LOL, looking at the size of my bum right now, I really feel like I could be the authority on the subject). We have eaten other foods here: chicken wings, chicken shish kebabs, lamb shish kebabs, and its all good. They also do a special Persian bread (which is like a naan) that is as big as a giant sized New York pizza. I am always reminded of the closing credits of the Flintstones when we get it, you know, when the waitress brings Fred a huge plate or ribs which makes his “car” tilt over.
But, I digress… back to the kebabs. We always end up with the kebab (ground lamb and spices flame grilled on a skewer) because it is like no other. You can not eat these and not leave smiling. Oh and did I mention it comes with the best and yummiest rice EVER? Persian rice is beyond fabulous. It is white rice with saffron and butter. It smells sooooooo good. You could get fries/chips instead, but this is the only time where I actually prefer rice to fries.
To go alongside our meal, we also got a little combo plate of salad, hummus, yogurt with cucumber, and yogurt with shallots. The yogurts are a great accompaniment to the flame grilled kebabs.
Patogh doesn’t do deserts. They also do not have an extensive menu. They do a few things, and they do them to perfection. That’s something I really appreciate. You can order anything from the menu and know its going to be amazing. Don’t be expecting fancy plates or glasses though. You actually get your drinks in a plastic cup– but actually the food is so amazing that you just end up finding it really charming. Really guys, this is just simple good food at its best, no flashy gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors. There’s just no need. Oh and guess what? Its also very inexpensive. Each plate of two kebabs and rice (or other side) is only £6!!!!!!!!!! I’d like to see you eat at McDonalds for that. This is no cardboard on a bun, this is a dish worthy of royalty… or a housewife with delusions of grandeur.
If you are in London, or plan to go, you MUST visit Patogh! I promise you, you will thank me for this. The address is 8 Crawford Place, London W1H 5NE, tel 0207 262 4015.
Kebab making guy 
.
.He’s been here ever since we started eating at Patogh. He is very nice, and how can you not find a guy who makes the world’s best kebabs adorable?
