Akub Restaurant: A Palestinian Culinary Journey in Notting Hill

Nestled on a picturesque street in Notting Hill, Akub offers an authentic taste of Palestine through a contemporary lens. Named after the edible thistle that embodies the essence of Palestinian cuisine, this four-story townhouse restaurant has quickly established itself as a destination for those seeking to experience the rich diversity of Palestinian culinary traditions.

A Celebration of Palestinian Heritage

Founded by Chef Fadi Kattan, who hails from Bethlehem, Akub goes beyond typical Middle Eastern fare to showcase the distinct regional flavors of Palestine. The restaurant deliberately avoids reducing Palestinian cuisine to predictable tropes - you won't find standard hummus or falafel here. Instead, Chef Kattan, alongside his team, reinterprets traditional dishes while preserving their authentic essence.

Signature Dishes Worth Discovering

The menu is thoughtfully divided into sections representing land ('ard'), sea ('bahar'), and meat ('lameh'), offering a comprehensive taste of Palestinian gastronomy:

• Freekeh Risotto: A creamy risotto made with charred green wheat, infused with saffron and topped with dried laban jameed and pine nuts
• Crunchy Mansaf: A contemporary take on the classic Bedouin lamb dish, served as crispy golden parcels stuffed with tender lamb shoulder and rice
• Za'atar Bread: Warm, soft bread topped with sumac, thyme and toasted sesame seeds
• Hilbeh Baba: A delicate brioche-style bun soaked in fenugreek and cardamom syrup, topped with cream and pistachios

Atmosphere and Experience

The restaurant's interior creates a serene oasis with white-painted brick walls, tiled flooring, and ash-wood tables. Symbolic olive branches and antique keys (representing Palestinian homes) adorn the walls, connecting diners to the cultural heritage behind the cuisine. The glass-roofed courtyard dining area, complete with an olive tree, offers a particularly atmospheric setting.

Akub's drinks program further enhances the experience with Palestinian and Jordanian wines, Taybeh beer, and signature cocktails featuring distinctive ingredients like apricot leather, pomegranate molasses, and arak (an anise-flavored spirit).

A Meaningful Culinary Statement

Beyond simply serving delicious food, Akub represents an important cultural statement - presenting Palestinian cuisine on its own terms and preserving culinary traditions that deserve wider recognition. As one reviewer aptly noted, it's "a proper place of peace" where food becomes a universal language of connection and understanding.