Abu Zaad

Despite doing away with the deli counter, Abu Zaad is still very much geared up to takeaways and quick snacking. No amount of brass pots, lanterns and views of Damascus in oils can soften the hard edges of tiled floors and marble-topped tables. The food is canteen cuisine; it arrives quickly having been prepared beforehand and it lacks finesse. That’s not to say it’s bad. This is superior fast food , with lots of fresh Mediterranean salads and meze including standards such as tabouleh, fattoush and stuffed vine leaves. A good-value set option gets you any three cold dishes for just £3.90. Mains are similarly well priced, many at £4-£5. The menu includes plenty of dishes not commonly seen in London’s Middle Eastern restaurants: specialities of the Syrian kitchen. Unlike most businesses run by fellow Syrian nationals, Abu Zaad doesn’t feel the need to masquerade as Lebanese. Hence the odd spicy kebab and lots of oven-baking in yoghurt. Though you wouldn’t cross town for the food, you’d be here most lunchtimes if you lived or worked in the neighbourhood.

Services

Available for hire: Separate room for parties, seats 30
Child facilities: Babies and children welcome: high chairs

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