Chuku’s (Tottenham, London)
Discovering Chuku's: A Nigerian Tapas Experience in Tottenham.
Nestled in the heart of Seven Sisters, London, among other local stores, is a small restaurant I’ve always wanted to try: Chuku’s. This unique Nigerian tapas fusion restaurant offers a delightful twist on traditional dishes, bringing back childhood memories with a modern flair. The prices are reasonable, and the sharing-style dining makes it even more enjoyable. As someone who loves unique recipes and creative twists on familiar flavours, Chuku’s was a must-visit for me.
Our meal at Chuku's included:
Zobo
Cassava & Ati Din Din (Yam and spicy sauce)
Jollof Rice/Quinoa
Moi Moi
Egusi Bowl
Sugar Meatballs
Plantain Waffle
The Dishes
Cassava & Ati Din Din
The cassava is mashed yam, made into fried yam. While the mashing process altered the authentic yam taste, it was still soft and nicely cooked.
Egusi Bowl
The egusi soup, made with coriander instead of the traditional vegetable, had a strong and bitter taste, making it our least favorite dish. It lacked the authentic flavor of traditional egusi soup and could have benefitted from a bit more spice.
Moi Moi
One of my favorites, the moi moi had a wonderful texture and just the right amount of spice. It was full of flavor, with the top almost caramelized, adding a delightful touch.
Sugar Meatballs
The sugar meatballs had a nice texture, were easy to cut, and came in a good portion. The sauce was pleasantly mild, but I wished it had been used for the yam, as the pepper sauce for the yam was too liquid for my liking.
Plantain Waffle
While the plantain waffle tasted distinctly of plantain, I found it overpriced for a single waffle. It's an acquired taste that I might need more time to appreciate fully.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a great experience at Chuku’s and would definitely return to try the other half of the menu. Despite a few dishes not hitting the mark for me, the uniqueness and creativity of the food make it worth recommending. Chuku’s stands out as London’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant, and it’s a delightful spot for anyone looking to explore Nigerian cuisine with a twist.
