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I know what you’re thinking, we thought the same, “I wouldn’t know where to start cooking Chinese dumplings, let alone make them near as authentic as Grandma’s recipe”. Well fear not Mama Chen’s dumpling kits allows you to do just that from the comfort of your own home. With fond memories of her Grandma Chen teaching her how to make dumplings, Founder Michelle Liu wanted to share with people, not only the delicious flavours that have been passed down to her, but also the joy of learning how to make them. Each freshly prepared kit contains everything you need to create the perfect dumplings, cooking instructions, chilli oil, soy sauce and chopsticks. It really is hard to go wrong. We tried out the Little Emperors Pork Dumpling Kit, one of the newest dumpling kits on their menu. We received a beautifully packaged box of low fat pork mince, Chinese cabbage, shitake mushrooms, seasoning and dipping sauces. At £20 for 22 dumplings this was a bargain. Now dumplings don’t seem easy to make. We were expecting the first few attempts at producing the perfectly shaped and crimped parcels to be an epic fail. With Mama Chen’s easy to follow recipe and online videos it was a dumpling doddle. Ok we messed up the first one a bit but it was still wonkily delicious and learning was all part of the fun. We wouldn’t dream of insulting Mama Chen by claiming our first attempt at dumplings were anywhere near as her master quality, but we aren’t going to lie, we were pretty chuffed with ourselves. The results were not only delicious and authentic tasting, but they looked the part too, and we thoroughly enjoyed making them. The home dumpling kits are available to order at https://www.mamachens.co.uk If you can’t decide on what dumpling to try first, why not opt for the Full Moon tasting kit, where you can four different dumpling flavours. Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Nyla Sammons #Chinesedumplings #fooddiykit #dumplings #dumplingdiykit #mamachens

Pantry is one of Forest Hill’s latest additions to the neighbourhood and what an incredible welcome it’s had. The groceries, delicatessen & speciality coffee shop specialises in hand picked artisan products from across London & Great Britain. Pantry by name, the shop actually has a “pantry by nature” vibe, with shelves packed full of sought after artisan food and drink. Although British produce is the main focus, you can also find imported Spanish goodies such as olives, Guindilla chillies, Torres potato chips and Lechoso chickpeas (a nod to one of the co-owner’s early upbringing). They have teamed up with local florist Yolly, selling a selection of their beautiful flowers, so while you’re filling your basket with yummy artisan treats, you can also brighten up your home with the freshest of bouquets. Give yourself a night off from cooking and head on over to Pantry from 6pm on Wednesday to Saturday, and enjoy their charcuterie & cheese offerings, coupled with natural wines or craft beers, perfect for an evening with friends. They will also be hosting wine tasting and meet the makers, and supper clubs in the near future, so watch this space! So much exciting things to look forward to! There is something warm and homely about the shop, not just in the fit out and produce, but also from the husband and wife owners who welcome you into their pantry with open arms. They have been greatly welcomed by the locals and as locals ourselves (The Capturist team) we can’t get enough of them! Piece of advice, get there early to nab yourself some delicious fresh bread from Lockdown Bakehouse. You’ve been warned! Website: https://pantryforesthill.co.uk Address: Pantry, 14 for Perry Vale, Forest Hill, SE23 2LD Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Nyla Sammons #foresthill #pantry #southeastlondon #southlondon

Last year Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, India’s biggest TV chef opened The Yellow Chilli in Wembley, offering Indian and international cuisine in a relaxed but stylish setting. Internationally known for having his own TV channel in India and publishing over 200 cookery books, Sanjeev is a household name across the globe. Opening their doors in between lockdowns, we were excited to try for ourselves, having heard great things about the mix of creative small plates, large plates, desserts, and cocktails at The Yellow Chilli. Walking in you are immediately struck by the decor; floating fabric mushrooms, extravagant decorative iron seating and a stunning bar, so much thought was put into making the venue a stylish hotspot. Completely unable to choose from the extensive menu, we asked our waiter to bring us the star dishes. Starting strong with the Khasta Kaju’ Tikki, Whipped Curd, Nylon Vermicelli, ‘Anar’ Molasses, the attention to visual detail translated across to the food in the most delightful way. Towering extravagantly with little pink pomegranate buds finishing it off, it was the perfect mix of salty, sweet and tangy. Moving on to the Hadippa Paneer Tikka, Khamiri Naan; Tandoor (clay oven) cooked cottage cheese marinated in a blend of chilli & spices, served with a flatbread and the Buratta, truffled Nimona Charmagaz; a gorgeous creamy mountain swimming on a tasty green base, I can honestly say I’ve never tried Indian food like this. The menu had been carefully crafty to offer a side to Indian food not usually highlighted in the UK. My personal favourite, the dozen ‘Pav’ Brioche ( a cross between a famous bun from Bombay & France) is an absolute must try, naan’s will never taste the same way again. Finishing touches like carefully placed rose petals completed the visuals and although there was a spicy kick to the dishes, it was a thoughtful addition rather than an overpowering feature, perfect for more delicate taste buds. Our mains included the Sham Savera; Cottage cheese stuffed spinach dumplings dunged in shiny tomato sauce. Light and creamy dumplings with a tangy sauce, was accompanied by a side bread perfect for mopping up the moorish sauce. Insisting we sample a dessert, we agreed to share one, we opted for the Gulab Ki Kheer which is a very popular Indian milk-rice pudding, this one had a flowery twist with the flavour of rose. It was the perfect finish, tasting exactly like a creamy Turkish delight, one for those with a sweet tooth like mine. The Yellow Chilli is a hidden gem in Wembley and an absolute must try. Forget anything you know about Indian food in London, this is fun fine dining at its best. Top tip would be to let the waiters choose your meal for you, you won’t be disappointed. Address: Unit 17, Central Square, Wembley HA9 7AJ Website: www.theyellowchilli.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of The Yellow Chilli #indian #indianfood #theyellowchilli #wembley

South London’s iconic destination venue – Peckham Levels is returning with added style, having undergone a full transformative refurb. The addition of seven mouth-watering street food traders to the already robust array of food options only makes things better, alongside a list of exciting retailers and bars. The venue is home to streamlined spaces for eating, drinking and socialising as well as a coffee roastery, a barbers, a yoga studio, a crazy golf course and other activities to engage with. Known widely for its bars Near & Far and Lady Godiva, it’s also a great place to indulge in a boozy beverage, whether that be an ice-cold cocktail, wine, craft beer or spirits. The space is also home to Old Spike Roastery, a very special coffee roastery and social enterprise, which donates 65% of its profits to support people experiencing homelessness. As a big welcome back, Peckham Levels is offering 20% off all food and drink on Thursdays and Fridays (4-6pm) throughout July, an added bonus for visitors. Levels 5 and 6 of Peckham Levels now house a vibrant and diverse range of street food traders from South East London. There is 081 Pizzeria; offering a new generation of Neapolitan pizza and tapas-style snacks and Bando Belly; with their fusion soul food inspired by multicultural London. Boxwallah’s menu features Delhi-inspired street food, and Ipanema Grill’s has a mouth-watering Brazilian BBQ menu. There is also Plantain Kitchen; a charming mother-son team serving up delicious West African and Green Choy; classic Korean dishes made from ethically-sourced ingredients. Last but by no means least, Beza Ethiopian is a pure celebration of vegan Ethiopian cuisine. As well as a delicious food and drink offering, Peckham Levels boasts an impressive list of enterprising retailers from Peckham and the surrounding neighbourhood. This includes the new hairdressers Barber & Blow; resident tattoo studio Dog and Bone; minimalist, sustainable jewellery makers, Behô Studio; and Collaborate London, a store offering cleaning, restoration, and customisation for urban and fashion footwear. What’s more, Peckham Levels’ very own Create Shop will be selling wares from local traders and creators, including unique pieces of clothing, homeware, stationery, bags, outdoor gear, jewellery, accessories, arts and crafts and much more. Elsewhere, Peckham Levels’ favourites Level 6 Yoga Studio continue to offer a comprehensive programme of classes and healing treatments, and Plonk’s Crazy Golf are back and better than ever. You will come for the epic traders but stay for the vibe, with new and improved spaces with creative, comfortable, fun, and functional zones. Think refreshing green and yellow foliage, seating to match, homely lighting and festoons, ultimate alfresco summer vibes. Offer: 20% off all food & drink on Thursdays & Fridays (4-6pm) throughout July Address: Peckham Levels, Levels 1-6 Peckham Town Centre Carpark, SE15 4ST For more info visit: www.peckhamlevels.org Opening hours: Every Thursdays to Sundays: 12:00 – late #peckhamlevels #southeastlondon #southlondon #streetfood

Walking around the corner into Heddon street, just off London’s Regent Street, brightly coloured paper lanterns light your view, as if illuminating a pathway to a giant set of chopsticks. The chopsticks move up and down in an equally oversized bowl of Ramen as if to beckon “come inside” This isn’t some strange anime-style dream, this is Heddon Yokocho, and eagerly we obey the chopsticks and make our entry. We are transported into a 1970’s Tokyo-style Ramen bar, greeted with neon street signs, retro Japanese adverts, glowing lanterns, wooden screens and a buzzing atmosphere. Our spot for the evening is a comfy booth at the side of the restaurant with noren curtains, giving us a more cosy and private dining experience, but if you want to soak up more of the buzz, grab a seat in the middle section. The ramen menu is impressive and for each dish, you will find details of the place of origin, year created, type of broth, type of noodles and toppings. It may sound overwhelming, but this educational learning gives us the sense that the food is the real deal. I opt for the Tori Paitan ramen (£14.50) a 12 hour cooked broth with grilled chicken, nitamago egg, menma, spring onion, beansprout, kikurage and nori. The authentic broth is incredible and jam-packed with flavour, with complimenting toppings. The pork gyozas are deliciously substantial (£8.25 for 6pcs), and may leave you waiting a few minutes before ordering dessert. My vegan dining partner would not stop raving about the Vegan Napoli ramen (£13.50), and for those that prefer a plant-based dish, this is a winner. Heddon Yokocho has a great selection of tipples to accompany the food including sake, highballs, Japanese drafts, plum wines or chuhai. Dining solo in a restaurant can be pretty intimidating, but with the introduction of the new Shuchu booths (table for one), you’ve got nothing to worry about. Order and enjoy some me-time with your delicious bowl of ramen. Shuchu is translated as “focus booth” – so no need to feel guilty if you fancy turning your phone off and giving your full attention to your ramen. If you like authentic Japanese ramen, classic j-pop, and you want to be transported into a 1970’s Tokyo-style Ramen bar, then look no further, this is the place to be! Address: 8 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BU Website: https://www.heddonyokocho.com Written by Nyla S. #Japaneseramen #HeddonYokocho #ramen #japan #japanese

How would you like to become a master baker from the comfort of your own home? Well, this month is your chance! Baking Supremes Bread Ahead are running a digital workshop to help you learn all the skills you need to impress friends and family with expertly baked and decorated classic cakes. Aptly named ‘British Tea Time’, the online class walks attendees through the essentials of classic cake baking methods. The live Zoom session will feature 3 unique styles of cake, from the traditional Victoria sponge using the creaming method to the technical and lighter than air Genoise (Swiss roll) and a decadent moist chocolate sponge and ganache. Delicious! Under the guidance of the Bread Ahead expert teachers, the session will give the opportunity for attendees to develop their cake baking skills, whether they are a beginner or experienced baker. Running for 2 – 2.5 hours, the workshop comes complete with an ingredients shopping and equipment list. Tickets cost £25 pp, to book your ticket now visit: www.breadahead.com/product/british-tea-time-e-workbook Dates: Sat 7 August at 2:30pm – 5:00pm and 22 August at 11:30am – 2:00pm Written by Jordan Crowley #baking #breadahead

This month, Fatt Pundit will open their second restaurant to bring the unique influence of India’s Chinese community and culture from Tangra, Kolkata to Covent Garden, London. The new restaurant on Maiden Lane will be an evolution of the original site in Soho, continuing to tell the story Indo-Chinese cuisine, a melting pot of cultures found within India’s Chinese immigrant community. Borrowing classics from the Soho site, the new Fatt Pundit will bring fresh dishes and a new beverage concept to the forefront, starring signature cocktails inspired by the flavours and spices of India and China, and an unusual wine list, celebrating small, organic producers from all corners of the world. New dishes include: Crab 65 – crunchy soft-shell crab with spice and curry leave flavoured yoghurt; Saffron Butter Prawns in a coconut Malabar sauce; Honey Chilli Duck with steamed pancakes and Crunchy Jersey Royals in a chilli and garlic reduction topped with coriander. Favourites from Soho will also be joining the new dishes; highlights include their Crackling Spinach, a dish inspired by Chinese crispy seaweed; spinach leaves are fried two at a time, dried out for 24 hours to crisp up and served with a tamarind, date and plum sauce and topped with yoghurt and pomegranate; another favourite is the tender Lamb Chops with Black Bean Dust, chargrilled in a smoky stone flower masala rub, before being crushed with salty Chinese black beans. Also unique to Covent Garden will be a brand-new dessert, the Lady Kenny, inspired by the traditional ledikeni, a favourite Bengali sweet created for and named after Lady Charlotte Canning, wife of Lord Charles Canning, the last Governor-General and first Viceroy of India. Fatt Pundit Covent Garden will open for lunch and dinner in August. Website: https://www.fattpundit.co.uk Written by Claire Coveney #coventgarden #FattPundit

Arriving at Centre Point this November, JKS Restaurants have announced the launch of their Arcade Food Hall. Featuring eight new kitchens, an independent restaurant on the mezzanine level, two counter dining experiences as well as a standalone bar and outdoor dining. The site is set to showcase the brands’ philosophy of creating multiple unique outlets and championing emerging food and drink talent under one roof. Thai curries, Indonesian street food, North Indian fast food, Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern shawarma, Japanese sushi, and American-style burgers will all be on offer, serving up regional tastes from around the world. In addition, the space will house a daily provisions counter serving coffee, lunchtime sandwiches and pastries. There is also the promise of an intriguing immersive dessert experience from the UK’s most exciting confectionery connoisseurs. To make it even easier to enjoy the wealth of options available, all food and drink can be ordered direct to your table from the different Arcade kitchens. This service will also be replicated into a unique digital food hall, where you can choose dishes from the different Arcade kitchens to collect in one order. Happy days! Address: 103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB Website: www.arcade-london.com Written by Jordan Crowley #centrepoint #foodarcade

Plant based food lovers you are in for a treat! Plant based eatery KOJO is coming to East London and will be swinging the doors open to their second site on 2nd September in Liverpool Street. Always on the go, with very little time to enjoy a luxury sit-down meal? Don’t fret this is the first KOJO TO GO concept, focusing on grab and go only. KOJO are driven by an authentic interest in the community, caring for the planet and eating naturally delicious plant-based meals. Their natural and delicious menu includes: Goma ramen, freshly made kana maki, bonsai maki and Tulum tacos. Sweet treats include cinnamon rolls, gluten-free brownies, seedy flapjacks and miso brownies, what’s not to love! These guys don’t mess around, when it comes to healthy delicious food! All dishes are organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, free of all chemical additives oh and yes it’sall freshly prepared and made on site daily. At their flagship Hampstead site, you can take away or eat in, open from 8am-10pm and 9am-9pm on Sundays. Store menus vary depending on TO STAY and TO GO concepts. Feel like this could be your jam? Download the KOJO app and earn points for every pound you spend, unlocking tiers and receiving benefits and branded swag! Address: 10 Devonshire Sq, Unit 1, London, EC2M 4YP Website: https://kojo.co.uk Written by Nyla S. Photography courtesy of KOJO #kojo #liverpoolstreet #plantbased #vegan

With the summer months soon to be a distant memory, why not savour those last few chances to enjoy an al fresco experience at one of East London’s largest outdoor dining venues? Since opening in early 2020, Barge East Gardens has quickly become one of the best-loved outdoor dining venues in the area, and one of the hottest spots to socialise canal side in Hackney wick. During the month of September, as part of their own ‘East out to Help out’ scheme, Barge East Gardens will be offering 50% off all street food between Monday and Wednesday. Guests can enjoy casual food and drinks amongst the stunning waterside views and homegrown produce in the edible garden. There are covered and heated garden and terrace spaces available in case we don’t get that Indian summer we are all hoping for. Street Kitchen serves a selection of delicious street food, ranging from their signature chickpea panisses to their classic burgers and crayfish rolls. For more information visit: https://www.bargeeast.com/gardens Written by Claire Coveny #bargeeastgardens #eastlondon

If you like your burgers stacked high, your sides generous and sauces served with a measure of good humour, then you will love FOXDEN. Located in the heart of buzzing Fulham Broadway, Foxden offers all day dining in its cosy restaurant, as well as an award-winning takeaway service. Voted 9.7 out of 10 by the Food Review Club, we can certainly see why. Owner Paul Foxon knows a thing or two about beef, growing up on his family’s Warwickshire farm before moving on to a career in hospitality, he opened Foxden after noticing a gap in the market for a new kind of gourmet burger. His ethos is focusing on high end produce, sustainability and local sourcing, served with a fun twist. The result is Foxden, a perfect combination of his culinary creativity and cheeky humour. The menu includes stand out dishes such as the Duck Yeah crispy Asian duck confit burger, with rocket and chilli jam, an all-day Burger Breakfast with sausage, treacle cured bacon and smashed rosti bites (we can’t think of anything better for a hangover!) As well as classic faves like the What the Cluck breaded chicken and melted cheese burger with mouth-watering truffle mayo. For a meat-free dish try the sumptuous Vegan/Vegi burger made with Portobello mushroom, beans and quinoa, vegan chipotle mayo and crunchy healthy slaw. All burgers and sauces are made in-house from top quality ingredients, with gluten-free options available. Sides range from crispy lamb bites, healthy slaw, and tenderstem broccoli to chilli-cheese fries and rosti bites. Looking at the menu, we felt spoilt for choice, we opted for the Double Bacon Cheese burger with Bloody Mary Baked Bean Ketchup and Sweet Potato Fries. Our burgers came out piled high, oozing and sizzling with goodies, our fries had the perfect amount of crispiness and crunch. The in-house sauce being the icing on the cake. As we went on a weekday at noon I opted for a ginger Lemon Aid, but the drinks menu incorporates beers and wines from a range of consciously selected local makers. The list includes beers from London brewery Gipsy Hill, and wine from Chapel Down in Sussex. For those who want to indulge further the spirits list contains a great repertoire of classic cocktails as well as house specials, and if you really want to get the party started, shots of tequila! With burgers starting at under £10.00 for a classic dry aged grass fed patty with gherkins and homemade sauce, and sides from £3.50, Foxden provides decadence at a very decent price. Website: www.foxdenrestaurant.co.uk Address: 24 Jerdan Pl, London SW6 1BH Written by Claire Bloom #burders #foxden #Fulham #Fulhambroadway

September rain??? It takes more than a few showers to dampen the great British BBQ. Even the pandemic has resulted in Brits spending more on BBQ food and drink more than ever before according to a consumer behaviour study. So to keep those charcoals hot well into September, BACARDÍ Rum has launched its ready-to-grill kits. Partnering up with the award-winning Juici Jerk, the Latin-Caribbean inspired kits are sure to keep summer alive in our gardens. The kits include a smokey barbecue feast of jerk chicken tacos, empanadas, sweet pepper chimichurri and more,  with a limited edition BACARDÍ Spiced & Honey Sauce to drizzle over. “But what about the rum?” I hear you shout, well of course BACARDÍ have thrown in a bottle of BACARDÍ Spiced Rum and all the ingredients you’ll need to spin up a zingy BACARDÍ Grilled Pineapple Swizzle cocktail. So focus on entertaining your guests or playing DJ, as cooking up a storm is going to be a doddle. The limited-edition BACARDÍ x Juici Jerk BBQ kits are available for pre-order on the Juici Jerk Website for £55.00 Written by Rick Hartley #bbq #Rum #Bacardi #JuiciJerk #Foodkits