The new Turkish restaurant in New Parade, opened its doors in January 2015 a day earlier than intended due to demand from hungry Chorleywooders keen to sample the amazing looking kebabs.
It is no surprise that Mezze Mangal, the new Turkish restaurant in New Parade earned itself a bevy of regular customers within weeks of opening. The passion and enthusiasm of the team headed by Halil and Kamil (Kem) are matched by the quality of the food, value for money and the welcoming environment.
The eaterie opened a day earlier than intended due to demand from Chorleywooders keen to sample the kebabs.
The menu has been developed and the interior designed specifically with Chorleywood customers in mind from the Jenga-like walls and voluminous wine glasses to an ever glowing log fire (DVD) complete with crackle, copper canopied charcoal grill and jewel coloured glass lanterns.
Such care in getting things just right is indicative of the whole approach at Mezze Mangal (MM), not least the dishes, which are all made fresh to order. You may have to wait a fair while to be served when the restaurant is busy but it’s worth it.
Unlike some kebab restaurants, the doner kebab meat that rotates on the spit is not bought ready compressed as frozen mince, instead Mezze Mangal doner kebabs are made from thin sliced leaves of fresh meat.
“The quality is controlled by us” says Kamil, “we know where the meat comes from and select only the best parts of the meat then discard the rest.”
We tried out some of the dishes, kicking off with Halloumi Kebab, Sarma (Stuffed vine leaves) and Cacik (Yoghurt with cucumber and mint) – the ultimate in refreshing starters. Olives came on the house and were a decent size, plump and firm. Our mix of mains were made up of Mangal Special (Lamb Shish, Chicken Shish, Kofte Kebab, Lamb doner and Chicken doner), Humus and Falafel
(crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside) and Akcaabat Kofte – spiced minced lamb meatballs, all with rice and salad. The pudding option is baklava (baked fresh every day) or home made banoffee pie and coffee is served with Turkish delight. All was voted to be delicious and the portions generous, plus it’s a big bonus being able to bring your own wine with no corkage charged.
A message on a blackboard outside the door explains that Mangal is the Anatolian term for an open charcoal fire used for cooking, around which family and friends gather to eat drink and socialise.
The style of dining at MM is definitely social…so many of the dishes are perfect for sharing and everybody gets involved which makes the experience relaxing and even more enjoyable.
If there is a down side to MM it’s that it’s tricky to fit in a crowd. If there’s a big gang of you, opt for a takeaway. Mezze Mangal is definitely worth a detour en route home.
It is one classy kebbaby.
Skewered charcoal grilled shish kebabs and burgers, wraps, chips and more. Veggie options are available.
Takeaway or eat in, bring your own wine – no corkage. A set menu for 2 people starts at £16.50 .
Mezze Mangal, 6 New Parade, 01923 354 379
More informaton in the February issue of Chorleywood Magazine
Main Pic: Efkan (Alex)
Insert: Halil and Kamil (Kem)
