I tried Blackburn’s most iconic Turkish restaurant.
After hearing rumours that Elaf was about to close its doors permanently, we knew we had to pay our respects at 336 Whalley Range.
Fortunately, the iconic Blackburn spot has remained open, possibly due to my passionate (and very solo) protest to keep it open.
Elaf, which means safety or security in Arabic, felt exactly like that: a welcoming place where good food speaks loudest.
Babaganoush and Hummus (Image: Safiyyah Tayyeb) We started with the hummus, and as a hummus connoisseur, I must say that this was up there with the best I’ve ever had.
Creamy, smooth, with just the right amount of garlic and lemon. If you’re a hummus purist, you’ll appreciate it. The babaganoush came next, and it was just as impressive. Smoky and rich, with a strong aubergine flavour that didn’t get lost in the sea of tahini.
A proper balance that demonstrates they know what they are doing. Both appetisers came with complimentary bread; it would be impolite not to.
The chicken shawarma wrap, chicken wings, and kobeda kebab (Photo by Safiyyah Tayyeb) We also ordered a single kobeda kebab with chips, which is where Elaf really shines.
The kebab was juicy and perfectly spiced, not too greasy, and fresh off the grill. The chips were golden and crisp, nothing groundbreaking, but they worked well with the kebab.
On the side, there was a fresh salad that was crunchy, cool, and not just an afterthought, as well as a warm, pillowy naan that was ideal for mopping up the last bit of sauce.
Read more: I tried Blackburn’s first Mexican street food spot and was impressed.
The chicken shawarma wrap was another hit. Wrapped tightly with plenty of tender, seasoned meat, the kind you wish you could make at home but never quite manage.
Each bite had a different mood depending on the dip you chose, which was garlic mayo, mint yoghurt, or a fiery chilli sauce. We couldn’t leave without trying the chicken wings, which didn’t disappoint.
Smoky with a slight char, these wings should be eaten slowly to make them last a little longer. The only thing that disappointed me was the Aynaz blue mojito. Unfortunately, it tasted like straight syrup. It might be best to stick with a classic virgin mojito.
The restaurant is completely halal, and while it can get crowded and the seating area feels a little cramped during peak hours, service is still quick and friendly.
Honestly, it’s difficult to beat in terms of portion size, taste, and price. Elaf is one of those places you do not want to miss. If you haven’t been, go. And if you’ve been, go back. While they do deliver, make sure to eat in because nothing beats food straight from the grill.
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.