LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Chuku’s
Included In
We know very little about the digestive system and for the sake of our innocence, we plan on keeping it that way. We do however have a baseline understanding of how eating works and we’re not just saying that for job security. Your teeth bite, your jaw muscles do some snazzy gymnastics to get you chewing, and then our personal highlight kicks in. Your jolly little mouth troopers—official title: Taste Receptor Cells, thank you GCSE biology—get involved and that’s the moment words like salty, spicy, and sweet enter the equation. What does any of this have to do with a small Nigerian restaurant in Tottenham? Well, Chuku’s is a place that’s going to take your taste buds on a wild ride.
An upbeat dining room exclusively painted a cheerful pink, this restaurant has the ability to create loud and proud unforgettable flavours and make it look oh-so easy. Seriously, just watch people’s reactions as a bite of beef ayamase turns into a certified grin. Sometimes this sensory party comes in the comforting form of the hearty pumpkin and peanut paste that comes on top of their fluffy rice pancakes. Other times, it’s the full-wallop hit of the scotch bonnet in their tangy chicken ata din din. And then, there’s the taste trip that is their salty, savoury, nutty chicken wings being lathered in a sticky salted caramel sauce. And the best part is that these are flavours for everyone; the meat is halal, the gluten-free options are endless, and all of their small plates are vegan. They’re even providing a valiant service for anyone who is hungover or experiencing a brutal dose of the Sunday Scaries with their plantain waffle weekend brunches.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
The thing is, no matter whether you’re rocking up here solo on a Sunday morning or filling up their large back table with all your hungry friends for a casual birthday dinner, Chuku’s will make you feel at home. In fact, as soon as you walk in through that pink door, it makes total sense that this is the brainchild of two siblings. The banter’s flying, the playlist is as strong as the Ginger My Swagger cocktails, and locals are full-body embracing the host as they enter. From £40 vegan date nights to catch-ups involving a whole lot of suya rub and £5 glasses of wine, this instant Tottenham classic will work for any occasion. Even if that occasion is just that you and your taste receptor cells are in need of some big buzzing flavours.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Moi Moi
photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley
Sinasir & Miyan Taushe
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Egusi Bowl
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Suya Prawns
photo credit: Chuku's
Suya Meatballs
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Caramel Kuli Kuli Chicken
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Beef Ayamase
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Plantain Waffle