Mosob

A mosob is a hand-woven table traditionally used in Eritrea at mealtimes. It is large enough for a family to sit around, giving comfortable access to the same plate. Mosob, the restaurant, has recreated this community spirit by providing extremely friendly service in its modern yet atmospheric dining room. The walls are adorned with Eritrean artefacts and covered in wallpaper patterned with tiny mosobs.

Customers are of mixed age and background. The menu offers the staple Eritrean dishes of quluwa (spicy tomato-based stews) and alicha ahmelti (spiced carrots, cabbage, split peas and onions), as well as less well-known dishes such as bamia (okra stewed in onions, tomatoes and traditional seasonings). Stews are eaten with rice or injera. Disappointingly, our bamia was dominated by the potent red onion. Nevertheless, the meal began and ended well.

Mosob's samosas, stuffed with spiced potatoes, lentils and carrots, made an appetising starter; and we finished with a sweet, pleasant torta macao: chocolate cream on crushed biscuit.