Chef Javid — Review by Eating With Tod
London, United Kingdom — Persian
Chef Javid serves exceptional Persian cuisine highlighted by an impressive 1-meter kubideh kebab and flavorful grilled meats. The reviewer praised standout dishes like the kashke bademjan, kubideh negiri, and perfectly-prepared tadig rice with butter. At around £19.99 for a mixed grill with sides, it offers great value and comes very close to competing with other top Persian restaurants in London.
What was great: 1-meter kubideh kebab, Persian olives with pomegranate molasses, kashke bademjan, kubideh negiri, chicken wings, crispy tadig rice with butter, Persian spices including saffron and turmeric
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The meal began with two exceptional dips that set the tone for what was to come. The Persian olives, blended with pomegranate molasses, delivered a perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor that proved incredibly addictive. The kashke bademjan, featuring slow-roasted aubergine with crispy onions, paired beautifully with fresh, crispy bread and meat.
The main attraction was undoubtedly the 1-meter kubideh kebab, a showstopper that weighs over a kilogram and can feed three people, or as the reviewer joked, one very emotional man. The meat was juicy, buttery, and ridiculously tender, though the reviewer suggested that ordering a mixed grill might provide better variety than a single massive kebab. The kubideh negiri became the favorite, presenting a perfect balance of fatty lamb and lean chicken that complemented each other beautifully. The chicken wings were described as mandatory, showcasing the Persian spices used throughout, including saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon.
The rice deserves special mention, arriving with crispy tadig (the prized bottom-of-the-pan crust) and served with generous amounts of Lurpak butter. The process of drizzling the melted butter over the rice and mixing it in creates an explosion of flavor in the mouth. The meal concluded with traditional Persian tea served with sugar sticks, though the reviewer expressed uncertainty about whether they were meant to be eaten.
The Experience
Chef Javid appears to be a well-regarded establishment with a strong reputation, as evidenced by numerous viewer comments from the previous week's video recommending the restaurant. The atmosphere seems casual and focused on the quality of the food rather than fine dining formality.
Value and Pricing
A meal consisting of mixed grills with sides and salad costs only £19.99, representing exceptional value for the quality and quantity of food provided. This price point makes Chef Javid an accessible option for enjoying authentic, high-quality Persian cuisine.
Notable Moments
This guy is like the Zoro of the kitchen.
It takes up the whole grill, weighs over a kilo, and can comfortably feed three or one very emotional man.
The rice just explodes in your mouth.
The Verdict
Chef Javid delivers some of the best Persian food in London, coming very close to competing with other top-rated Persian restaurants like Berenjak. The combination of exceptional grilled meats, properly prepared traditional dishes, and outstanding value makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Persian cuisine in London. Whether you opt for the dramatic 1-meter kubideh or a more varied mixed grill, you're in for a memorable meal.