Review: Shaka Zulu, Camden

Catching up with my friends over dinner is one of my favourite things to do. Catching up with my friends somewhere as individual and exciting as Shaka Zulu, based next to Gilgamesh in Camden Lock, is even better.

I’ve been to Shaka Zulu just once before this visit, to party held by the very friend who accompanied me for dinner. However, I’d never actually eaten there before, so was intrigued to see just what the South African menu, from South African Executive native Stephen Boucher, had to offer.

I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw the menu. There were some unusual choices, but also many that were recognisable, with a twist. Nothing scary, and all looked really appetising. As we watched the dishes (which were all stunningly presented on the plate) make their way to our fellow diners, we had high hopes.

Now, before we move onto the food, I’d like to point out how INCREDIBLE Shaka Zulu is as a venue. You cannot help but be impressed as you enter, with the escalators, mood lighting, vast, expansive spaces and intricately carved, high wooden walls. It’s unlikely to remind you of any place you’ve entered before – and certainly not in London. It’ a beautiful, multi-functional space, with bars, a club and of course the restaurant – which we headed to without delay.

Once seated at a lovely table with view into the kitchen, I opted for the Seared Tuna to start; which was perfect in texture and taste and beautifully presented (see above). My dinner date chose the Spicy Prawns – which were fabulous in flavour, but oddly, stone cold. We questioned this with our (somewhat confused) Waiter who insisted that all Starters were mean to be served cold. A surprise for us – as in our opinion, this dish would have been more enjoyable warm, not straight out of a fridge.

For mains, my friend and I decided to indulge ourselves and go all out for the South African experience, with the King Shaka Game Board – a selection of meats including Springbok, Zebra and Waterbuck. We were asked how we liked that cooked, and both of us expressed our carniverous love for rare meat. We waited almost excitedly for this new experience – having never tried any of these beasts before. How filled we were with disappointment, then, when the food arrived at our table cooked beyond recognition, well done and slightly tough. At over £70 for this main course, it was not what we expected. However – we both agreed – the flavours were delicious and if cooked slightly less, this would have been amazing.

We had a chat with the Manager regarding the concerns over the main course, who explained that unfortunately on the day we were there, the Head Chef was off and they were horribly understaffed. They were brilliant about the whole thing, offering more wine to compensate (they must know me..) and whilst it was a shame, the flavours of the meal were so good I genuinely do believe that the pressures of the evening may have overshadowed our experience – and I’m going to put it down to bad timing in this case. I’ve heard good things about Shaka Zulu before, and it’s such a fabulous venue I want to give it the benefit of the doubt. So much so, that we’re actually returning for a friends Birthday in a couple of weeks, after which I’ll update you!

Costs: Around £40 per head for 3 courses (without wine).

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