Having ordered my mexican food from my Indian waiter in an Irish-American themed diner in the outskirts of Doha, Qatar, I asked my Nigerian friend what he thought of food in London. "I bring my own chef." DBanj confessed.
We laughed and talked about the problem of finding enjoyable food on the road. Yes the life of a musician is varied and we're privileged to travel the world, sampling sushi in Tokyo, BBQ in Texas or pasta in Rome, but we more often end up in airports and hotels eating mass produced sandwiches and drinking coffee that makes you want to cry. Food isn't always terrible on the road, but it's rarely excellent. When you get to your destination you hope for something better. You crave food that was carefully prepared and served with love. If you're lucky it will be somewhere glamorous but you don't really care as long as it's good.
Now when you do find somewhere good you want to tell others. I often find myself making long lists of recommendations for others, whether it's a friend going to NYC for the first time or a new arrival in London Town. Either way I get a kick out of knowing that they will be able to eat well and that a good restaurant might have a new customer.
It is in this spirit that I would like to recommend a few spots in London Town which i will arrange in no particular order. Some will be expensive; some will be cheap. Some will be glamorous and some pedestrian. Some are new, some are ancient. If you have already been to all of these places before, forgive me being obvious. But if one reader is saved from one disgusting meal then this is worthwhile. If in doubt call ahead. And Bon App!
PIZZA
I'm a big fan of Pizza East on Shoreditch high st. You get the same quality of food as upstairs in the members club Shoreditch House, but you don't have to be a member. Result. It's not just about pizza. Lovely salads and grilled meats. It's chilled on a Sunday. Otherwise
book ahead. Tell em Mr H sent you and they'll look at you blankly.
SUSHI
It's still all about Nobu. Yes there are authentic little places on Brewer St, Soho, there's AsaKusa behind Mornington Crescent tube and there's an amazing place in Hampstead called Jinkichi http://www.jinkichi.com/jinkichi/#/SlideShow where i've only once managed to get a table, but for the showbiz factor and inventive menu head to Berkerley St. Tell em Mr H sent you and you might get some free wasabi.
STEAK
Ok this one's a bit pricey but you'll never forget this steak. Worth living on porridge and sardines for a week to save up. Hawksmoor. Try the steak that's been hung for almost two months. It's incredible. Don't know what else to say! Probably the best steak i've had.
TAPAS
The jewel in Clerkenwell's culinary crown. This is better than any Tapas i've had in Spain. Delicious and fast food. Loads of flavour. Order as you go or you might overdo it. Real men start with a gilda and a dry sherry. I've never tried crack-cocaine but i reckon it feels like a
gilda exploding in your mouth. This is food to share so bring a friend.
CURRY
Don't go to Brick Lane (sorry!!!). Rasa on Charlotte St is excellent and authentic and if you want some old school flavour book a table at Veeraswarmy (Est.1926) on Regent St. Last but not least is Masala Zone. Affordable and authentic and everywhere. I wouldn't normally recommend a chain but this is worthy.
MEXICAN
Until recently it was difficult to find anything but awful mexican food in London. Now they're seems to be a good choice. Bodega Negra in Soho is more Spanglish than strictly mexican but it is top drawer. Their margaritas are magic. You can drink an infinite number
without getting a hangover. Don't quote me on that. The fish tacos and leg of lamb are highlights. And they've got a DJ playing Rolling Stones to The Roots. What's Not To Love.
BURGERS
Should be a safe bet (though i remember recommending the burger at The Roosevelt Hotel to Dappy from N-Dubz when i bumped into him in LA: "Erm Hud-Hud, I'm not feeling this bruv..."). My favourite in London is Meat Liquor. Tell em Mr H sent you and you might get a free
napkin. Warning you can't reserve a table so best to go off-peak. You can queue for an hour easily on a Friday night. Try the Chilli-cheese-fries and the deep fried pickles. Cocktails are crazy.
Ben's current project BIGkids www.bigkidsmusic.com singles Drum In Your Chest & Superhero out now on iTunes, album out in early October. He is DJ-ing at The Huffington Post's First Birthday Party on 18 June.