So I’ll just come straight out with it, Philip Juma is a genius. Over these past few years my love of food has spiralled out of control, yet in the thick of it all, the one thing I’ve never taken too, is supperclubs. This is only my third supperclub experience and it certainly won’t be my last. I love Philip’s story too. The man worked in the financial district for the first six years of his career, quit his job, moved his way into street food, to working for some of London’s top restaurants – it’s with this that Juma Kitchen was born. Philip himself is an eclectic mix of English, Iraqi & Irish – determined to bring this relatively unknown cuisine to the restaurant scene in London. I for one hope he does conquer the city, because the food is seriously good.
I was actually invited to Juma Kitchen by Philip himself, a good shout because I wouldn’t have taken any notice in a supperclub popping up on my Twitter account in the first place – the man has converted me, I think. Food wise we divulged on a set menu priced at £35. Alchohol is extra but given it’s the Jam Tree, it’s all very reasonable. We started our Iraqi journey with a refreshing cocktail, followed by a medley of starters. Lamb bourek, falafel and baba ganoush. All were effortlessly faultless. Perhaps they weren’t much to look at – but all the flavour was here. I hate black slate so that probably had something to do with me not enjoying the presentation. Even better however was the crispy chicken thigh, layered potato and saffron sauce. The saffron of course did most of the talking – a pure, pungent and ethereal flavour – with its smell wafting around the table. It’s all about communal dining here, lovely people and gallons of wine. My only one gripe so far was the size the chicken course, it was too good to be gone in a couple of forkfuls.
Unusual, but equally delicious was the Kubba hamuth. I’ve never heard of such a dish before but I only wish I had sooner. Again portion wise it was tiny, but the flavour was seeping out – a reason alone why I want more in my bowl. The dish was lamb dumplings covered in a sort of rice mixture (I think). drenched in tomato sauce, turnips, onions, garlic and mint oil. I’m sure you’re already drooling just reading this – so imagine eating it. Each mouthful was an explosion of exotic flavours – yet everything here still seemed modern in its approach and not alienating anyone into a bamboozle of unknown, it’s all very approachable. In fact Philip’s cooking and approach reminds me alot of Iranian born TV chef, Sabrina Ghayour. Of course both cuisines are different, but there are alot of similarities and both of these chefs style of cooking are made for the modern-day eater.
The main spectacle here at this supperclub was a huge serving of tender and moist lamb chops – accompanied by the most gorgeous warm dolma and roasted peppers, the smell of it all was amazing. Wafts of garlic and lemon leaking out all over the table. It’s dishes like these which make you wonder just why this delicious cuisine hasn’t stormed the streets of London quite yet – soon hopefully. Fattoush salad came served in a large pan and was the best example I’ve ever had. A mix of salad leaves, radishes, crispy fried bread and a medley of herbs and spices. A gorgeous dish which I could eat all over again.
By this point during the evening we were very full and struggling to find room for dessert – but of course we found it. Knafa – baked cream and filo pastry topped with blossom water syrup and pistachios. A lovely dessert which actually turned out to be our favourite dish of the whole evening. Juma Kitchen was such a lovely experience and I really can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re looking for good hearty food or simply an experience with a difference then keep an eye on Philip – he’ll no doubt have something special popping up sometime soon.
8/10
