Our latest food diaries adventure took us to a place that asks the important question: "If you haven't been to Bubala yet, what ARE you doing!?" 🤔

We headed to their buzzing Soho spot (they also have sites in Kings Cross and Spitalfields). Walking into Bubala is like stepping into a vibrant, modern oasis of Middle Eastern flavours. It's chic yet super welcoming, with a lively buzz and an atmosphere that perfectly sets the stage for a feast. The energy is infectious, and you just know you're in for something special the moment you walk through the door.

Favourite dishes

Bubala is all about sensational vegetarian Middle Eastern cooking, and they absolutely nail it. Every dish is bursting with flavour, texture, and colour. We ordered a true spread (for research, obviously!), and here’s what absolutely blew us away:

• Halloumi with Black Seed Honey: If there’s one dish that perfectly encapsulates Bubala, it’s this. Salty, sweet, perfectly grilled halloumi, it’s pure magic and utterly addictive.

• Confit Potato Latkes with Garlic Toum: These little golden parcels of crispy joy are legendary for a reason. Seriously, do not miss them off your order.

• Hummus: Creamy, dreamy, and exactly what you want from perfectly made hummus. Served with their fresh, fluffy pita, it’s a masterclass in simplicity done right.

• Fried Aubergine with Zhug & Labneh: A textural and flavour triumph. Crispy aubergine, spicy zhug, cool labneh, perfection!

Every dish felt like a celebration of vegetables, spices, and innovative cooking.

Beyond the incredible food, what truly makes Bubala shine is their amazing team. Every person we encountered was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about delivering a fantastic experience. They navigate the bustling restaurant with grace and efficiency, making you feel completely looked after from start to finish. It’s that dedication to seamless service and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that really stands out. And that's exactly why we're SO excited to have Bubala onboarded with SIDEWAYS! We're incredibly proud to be their learning partner, helping them to train their teams, ensure compliance, and support them in continuing to develop their brilliant people.

The Verdict: Go To Bubala. Now.

Bubala isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. It’s a testament to how exciting and flavourful vegetarian food can be, delivered with genuine warmth and incredible style. We left absolutely buzzing, bellies full, and already planning our next visit (and what halloumi dish we'll get!). If you haven't been yet, seriously, what are you waiting for?!