Al Kahf, authentic Somali restaurant storefront at night

Whitechapel, London

Authentic Somali cuisine, served in the heart of Whitechapel.

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The Soul of the Kitchen

Slow cooked

Xaniid lamb shank simmered for hours until it falls from the bone, patience is the first ingredient.

Al Kahf Restaurant

A taste of Somalia in the heart of Whitechapel

Al Kahf is a dining establishment that serves traditional Somali cuisine. Influenced by the country's position on the Horn of Africa and its history as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange, our food carries centuries of flavour.

From slow cooked Xaniid lamb shank and marinated Hilib lamb shoulder to Somali Mandi, Sabaayad and homemade traditional soup, every dish is made to be shared, the way it always has been.

Discover Our Story

From Our Kitchen

Signature Flavours

Hover a dish to preview. Real plates, real prices, from our Uber Eats menu.

Slow cooked Xaniid lamb shank served on a bed of seasoned basmati rice with lime

£17.99

Al Kahf Lamb Shank (Xaniid)

Slow cooked tender lamb shank marinated in our special sauce, served over seasoned rice.

Explore the Full Menu

The Ritual of the Table

The Welcome

Every guest is met with 'Soo dhawow', an invitation to come closer. In Somali culture, hospitality begins the moment you are seen.

Somali Hospitality

Food is how we gather

In Somali culture, a meal is never just a meal. It is an invitation. A gesture of warmth offered to family, neighbours and the stranger who has just become a guest.

We cook the way we were taught, slowly, and in generous portions. Plates are passed, bread is broken, and the table belongs to everyone around it. This is the spirit we bring to every dish that leaves our kitchen in Whitechapel.

"Soo dhawow", come closer. You are welcome here.

Videos

Loved by our guests

Real customer moments and viral reactions, see what people are saying about Al Kahf.

Today we answered a few questions about the restaurant #somalitiktok #somali #somalifood #alkhaf #eastlondon

14.2K views

Iftar with the mandem at @AL Kahf Restaurant #somalifood #fasting #ramadan #iftar #london

46.6K views

Al Kahf in Whitechapel is one of our all time favourite restaurants 🔥 Somali haneeth is filled with a variety of succulent and tender meat: lamb shank, chicken pieces, beef and potato stew and salmon! An absolute must visit. #alkahf #whitechapel #somalia #somalitiktok #somalifood #halalfood #halalrestaurant #haneeth

8.5K views

Google Reviews

What our guests say

4.4

1,923 reviews

“The food here was incredible. Value for money is rare in London, but what you get here goes well beyond it. The lamb shank was tremendously well cooked and full of flavour. Will definitely be back soon.”
Ibro Tammam·Local Guide · 57 reviews

“First time in London and lots of recommendations for this place. Flavours — 💯, portions huge… come hungry! First time at a Somali restaurant and it didn't disappoint.”
Hoda Ali·Local Guide · 99 reviews

Rooted in tradition

Al Kahf is a dining establishment that serves traditional Somali cuisine. Influenced by the country's position on the Horn of Africa and its history as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange.

Opened in 2010, we have been serving freshly cooked Somali dishes, Xaniid, Hilib, Sqaar and more, alongside Sabaayad, seasoned rice and homemade traditional soup.

More than a decade on, the kitchen still cooks the way it always has, slowly and with the warmth of home.

A Somali Glossary: tap to explore

Slow cooked lamb shank marinated in our special sauce, served over seasoned rice, the dish Al Kahf is most loved for.

Choose your occasion

Weddings

A full Somali spread, Xaniid, Hilib, Sqaar and biriyani for every guest, served with the warmth of a family table.

Catering & Private Events

Let Al Kahf cater your celebration

From weddings to birthdays and corporate gatherings, we bring the warmth and flavour of Somalia to your special occasion. Our kitchen handles everything, so you and your guests can simply gather and enjoy.