London Eats: Mosob

Monday’s family dinner came with a lot of pressure, as it was my responsibility to pick the restaurant for the whole group. I had a lengthy list of London restaurants already, so it was essentially an easy task, but I needed to take into account price points, the cultural diversity of the cuisine, location, and the fact that it was Saturday night and I needed to book a place that could sit 16 people by Monday. I had two places in mind that both served African fare. The likelihood that the other students had tried this food before (especially since I myself had not) was very unlikely, so I figured it was a solid bet. However, both my options were pretty popular spots, so I couldn’t squeeze our oversized party into the restaurants before 10 pm. Using my foodie resarch skills I found another African eatery with raving reviews: Mosob.

After a few hiccups in our trek to the restaurant the group finally made it to dinner a little past 7. I could definitely see some skepticism in the others’ faces as the backdrop to our walk was rather sketchy, but the moment we stepped inside, intrigue flushed over everyone’s faces from the traditional African décor to the lively owner.  We were seated in a large room built to support a group atmosphere. With cushioned seats lining the walls, small tables dispersed throughout, and woven stools pushed alongside, it felt very communal and together. As I plopped down next to Lee, our other advisor for the trip, I felt like I was back in kindergarten at the coloring table, but it was a good feeling. I enjoyed the change from long tables and stiff quarters where you could only talk to the few sitting around you to the open space, where everyone could be heard. The name Mosob itself stands for the traditional hand-woven serving table where people gather to eat together.

 

Our host for the evening and son of the owner boomed with excitement to share the traditions, customs, and food of his culture. He interacted and engaged with us, explaining the origin of the Eritrean culture, which comes from Sinus Erythraeus, the name given to the red Sea by Greek tradesmen in the third century BC. During this time, the Red Sea was known as the “Spice Coridor” in which Eritrea was the hub where all kinds of goods, such as spices, coffee, frankincense, and precious metals were traded. This explains why Eritrean cuisine has flavors stemming from Africa, Arabia, Asia, and Italy.

The food is centered around an Eritrean staple: Injera. This slightly sour, yet pleasing yeast-risen flatbread is unique with its spongy texture. In making injera, teff flour is mixed with water and allowed to ferment for several days, much like a sourdough starter. Ready to bake, it is tossed onto a specialized electric stove or a clay plate placed over a fire. The resulting product is a large, flat pancake with a relatively smooth texture to the side that touched the heating surface and a porous structure on the opposite. This porous structure is what makes injera so convenient for scooping up sauces, vegetables, and meats.

With each course came a grand presentation of the food’s history as well as the customary way to eat it. Our main course arrived on large platters covered by what looked like woven hats, which were then removed to reveal an array of meats, vegetables, and sauces. From the unveiling to the great spectacle of cuisine before us, silence fell across the room as excitement to dig in swept through. The mix of flavors, textures, and spices alone set this meal apart from any I’ve had before, but the way in which we were taught to eat is what made it so enjoyable for me. No utensils and barely any napkins provided, one is supposed to tear off a piece of injera bread and use it to scoop up every delectable bite. This of course leaves your hands and face dripping of sauce, but no cares because they are too mesmerized by the tangy yogurt and fiery harissa that pair magically with each mouthful. I loved the relaxed atmosphere that stripped the air of regular, uptight table manners.

 

Mosob transforms the norm of restaurant eating to one centered on experience, community, learning, and of course the unique food. The staff is welcoming to the point that the restaurant feels more like a neighbor’s home. If I had a permanent residency in London, I would definitely be a regular to this place.

Weekend In Review: May 31-June 2

I went into this experience dreaming of the time I would spend working, living, and studying London, but it’s become so much more than that. It’s a chance for me to get to know people I would never have met otherwise. It’s a unique opportunity for me to grow as a professional and stronger individual. It’s a time for me to make mistakes, get lost, and keep moving forward. More than anything though, it’s provided me a quirky group of people I can honestly call family. Yes, it’s only been a two weeks, but I feel like I’ve known these people forever. I can be my awkward, strange, foodie self and feel completely at home doing it. This past weekend really solidified that.

Friday

I officially started my internship with Roast Restaurant working a 10-5 day, 4 days a week (I’ll give my full rundown of how amazing my job is in a later post, so stay tuned). Not bad hours at all, but it is pretty exhausting by the end of it. Though, the best part of it is lunchtime when I can head downstairs and I step straight into the heart of Borough Market, a thriving food market with accents from every corner of the world. Packed with travelers and locals alike eyeing the street food carts, surrounding shops, and produce selections, it is the place to be in London come Thursday-Saturday.

This day in particular was a treat because Katie and Maggie came by to snag some lunch with me on their break. I headed for an Italian run meat and cheese shop to pickup a sandwich my supervisor recommended. I am not sure what it is called, but for now we can just name it DELICIOUS. A blend of arugula, fresh Parmesan shavings, and prosciutto wrapped in what looks like a tortilla and pressed. Such simple ingredients, but combined make utter perfection. The sharpness of the cheese mixed with the saltiness of the prosciutto and the strong notes of arugula work together to knock your taste buds on their butts. I tried to wait for Maggie and Katie to pick up their lunch items, but my hunger and foodie joy couldn’t stop me from consuming my sandwich in 2 minutes flat. They didn’t seem to mind when we came by a fresh-out-of-the-sea oyster bar. When I told Maggie I had never actually tried oysters before she made sure to set me up with a fully loaded shell of vinegar, onion, and the slimy mollusk. It was definitely a food I am glad I can say I have now eaten, but will never order again. I mean who wants to eat something you have to toss back and not even fully enjoy the taste sensations?

When I came home from work I managed to get a run in around Hyde Park and met Maggie at the grocery to pick up items to make our very own Pimm’s, a popular London drink featuring gin, soda, and various fruit wedges. One of my great passions in life is perusing the grocery for fun items to try, so it made me a little giddy inside when Maggie expressed these mutual feelings.

After properly circling the store about 20 times, we grabbed enough food to make a feast of various eats and drinks. Maggie was the chef for night and she did a fine job between her smorgasbord of cheeses, toasted bread, dips, Indian chicken curry, and of course our refreshing Pimm’s.

Saturday

Struggling to pull myself out of bed, I had a rather large list of things I wanted to accomplish throughout the day, but the prospect of that happening was rather slim. However, Lauren, Raquel, and I did manage to meet the other CAPA students at Westminster for a reenactment of the famous Beatles pose across Abbey Road. Almost getting hit by the frustrated London traffic, we definitely stuck out as some touristy Americans.

Lauren and I then moved on to Portobello Market for some food and shopping. Located in Notting Hill, the market is surrounded by beautiful, eccentric buildings that lead you down the never-ending road of vintage thrifts, antiques, eats, edgy clothes, produce, and pretty much anything your heart desires. If I could sum up my experience in one word it would be OVERWHELMING. On a mission for some mind-blowing street food and something to take to dinner at Lynch’s home later in the day, I pushed through the fighting crowds like a lost puppy. I wanted to make sure I surveyed all my eating options before settling on a decision, but my stomach was beyond angry at that point, so Lauren and I broke down at a stand with chorizo, grilled onion, arugula, and tomato sandwiches. Quickly moving on as we had so much ground to cover and very little time before we needed to meet at Lycnh’s, I scarfed down my purchase as I walked. It only took Lauren a block before she informed me my face was covered with half the entities of my sandwich…seems to be a common occurrence for me.

Sadly Lauren and I didn’t find the haven of all things glorious in the food realm until after we stuffed our faces. I was legitimately pissed as I examined this international food section of dreamy creations. My mind said get everything, but my stomach was already in physical pain from the other food we ate. However, I did manage to buy some Japanese dumplings along with a rather dashing army jacket.

Meeting up with the rest of the group in Chelsea, we made our way to Lynch’s family home where his mother, father, brother, and family friends were cooking for us. This home is probably the cutest, most gorgeous little place I’ve ever seen. When I move to London after college, I am buying this house and Lynch’s mom is well aware of this.

So for the next four hours we popped bottles, threw back some Pimm’s, ate an amazing home-cooked British meal, and fell even more in love with Lynch’s family by every second. This day is by far one of my favorites as dinner was the perfect setting to relax, eat, and enjoy good company.

Sunday

Rise and shine! It’s Bath time! Maggie, Katie, and I thought it was only necessary to put our Brit Rail passes to some use and take a daytrip somewhere. After much consideration, we settled on Bath to explore the Roman Baths.

A quick hour ride and we were plopped in the middle of a Harry Potter film with the great overlooking mountains, castle-like buildings interspersed among the storybook Roman architecture, and the flowing rivers throughout the city. For me, it’s a city with not a whole lot to do, but you could spend days wondering the streets, gawking at its beauty.

We took a quick tour of the Roman Baths and stopped at Gascoyne Place for some lunch. Obviously, I was in a state of euphoria the moment I realized they had a meat and cheese plate, but when our Sunday beef roast arrived, my day was officially made. My first British roast and it was a magical experience.

We then toured the Jane Austin experience before settling at a quant café perched over the main city river. With a perfect view of the city, we admired its beauty for a good hour, while munching on various niblets. Bath is breathtaking and it’s definitely a destination everyone should check off their bucket list.

Afterthoughts

A quintessential weekend after our first few days of work, I can’t think of anything that could have made it better. London has so much to offer and I am loving every minute of it.

London Eats: Lahore Kebab House

The London experience isn’t just based around an internship abroad. A central part of the program is nightly class after work for a little lesson on globalization as well. The real perk to this is Monday night class, which meets at a local restaurant with authentic food from different cultural regions far different than anything we could experience back in the States. Now in saying that, I promise we do actually learn concrete information in a classroom the other three nights of the week, but this is what makes Professor Lynch the great mentor he is. We have the opportunity to not just hear about the history and breakdown of the world, but we experience it as well.

Week one took the group down the road of curry lamb, spiced dahls, sweet onion bhaji, tender naan bread, and endless helpings of spiced chickpeas. Pakistani food is one of my favorites, but one I rarely indulge in back home because it’s so hard to find. Guaranteed there are restaurants around that I could venture into, but the genuine flavors, cooking techniques, and tradition are not there. That is why our journey to The Original Lahore Kebab House was one for the books.

To start, we munched on popadums, a crisp dish-shaped dough made of black gram and fried to utter perfection. It may just be the fact that I am Texan and love some good tortilla chips with my meal, but they definitely hit the spot. Accompanied with a vegetable salad, mint yogurt sauce, and sweet chili sauce, popadums may only be separated for distribution Ninja style. With a swift karate chop down the center, hands then swarm upon the plate for a sizeable portion to consume.

As the waiters brought out our food gradually with many portions to pass around, we were really able to try everything Pakistani food has to offer. Between spicy tandoori chicken, jeera rice, kahari chicken, grilled spicy lamb chops, chana masala, and so much more, I shoveled great portions of each dish like I hadn’t eaten for days. It was as if my taste buds were in a state of utter disbelief of the flavor and texture combinations. I am so used to the Americanization of cultural foods such as this that when I actually experience it, it’s as if Lahore conducted some foodie miracle.

This dining experience mixed with flowing conversation and great friends, made for a perfect start to our London journey. I highly recommend Lahore to anyone in the area, as it is a great price for some of the best Pakistani food I have experienced. Now my only issue is finding food that can compare even in the slightest back in the U.S…