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Hala

29 Green Lanes, N4 1LG Full details & map

Café: Turkish

Time Out says 2 Users say 5/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 27 2011

Linger a little at this Turkish café-restaurant and takeaway and it will appear that Hala - meaning 'Aunt' - is a fitting name. The easy warmth, unhurried atmosphere and free tea at the end of the meal make it feel rather like hanging out in a family kitchen.

The rectangular space, hung with 'evil eye' ornaments and kilim, is heavy on the wood, with cool stone floors that recall hotter climes than Harringay. At the takeaway counter area, the overarching brownness is interrupted by metal panelling and a yellow wall menu.

Staff may be predominantly male, but (as befits the name) it's the two ladies at their windowside work station who most intrigue as they manipulate dough into gözleme (filled pancakes) and tiny mantı. The latter - springy, beef-filled pasta nuggets - may not represent the high point of Turkish cuisine, but think of them rather as comforting nursery food. Mantı is one of two Hala specialities; the other, íçli köfte, is also recommended.

The usual range of grilled meat, fish and kebabs are present, and our meze starters were flawless, particularly the lamb's liver, its richness tempered by a sprinkle of chilli and plentiful parsley and onion.

Tags: Middle Eastern, Turkish, Local flavour, North, Harringay, Budget, Café

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Hala details

Address

Hala

29 Green Lanes N4 1LG

Transport Manor House tube, then bus 29

Telephone

020 8802 4883

Meals served 7am-2am daily

Main courses £3.50-£11.50

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs; nappy-changing facilities ), Available for hire, Disabled ( toilet ), Takeaway service, Vegetarian menu

Hala map

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Comments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 2 ratings)

By Neil - Feb 7 2012

4/5

Great place particularly because they make lovely fresh bread, the gozlemi and for serving some dishes beyond the standard kebab range.

Its closed during Feb 2012 for a refurb. Call to check if its open or not. The refurb I'm told will add more covers and I'm hoping they'll replace the uncomfortable seating with something more modern,

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By hungry - Jan 6 2012

5/5

This place is excellent for lamb shish, imam bayildi and all the usual mezze suspects. Lamb's liver is particularly good and the staff are welcoming. Towards the end of the week is when the grilled meat is at its best (when the grilling A Team are on duty). A couple of new places have opened up next door and opposite but they won't do anything better than Hala.

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By Marcio - Aug 4 2011

We from oneplace2save.com, love the food and the service of Hala Restaurant...we normally buy take way almost every day...they offer tea and some snacks while we wait...the service and the price is just amazing!!! thank you guys for the good work