Cabana

Ella Price - Tuesday 15th 2012f May 2012


When the words 'Brasilian Barbeque' appear after the name of a restaurant, you know they mean business. Bright, quirky and pure cool, Cabana has been made to feel as true to Brasil as possible in every way - be it from the food, that is always communal; to the decor which reflects the uplifting urban collage of the eccentricity of the cities in Brasil; to the positive vibe, which comes about from the unmistakably Brasilian outlook on life: 'tudo bem', which translates as 'everything is good' - the spirit that is in everyone's heart, whatever cards you've been dealt.

At Cabana, I am glad to say that we were dealt delicious cards, with consistently good food. Choice and combination is the name of the game with a menu comprising street food, skewers, sides, salads and even 'The Beirut' -toasted Syrian flatbread with fillings invented in Sao Paulo in the 1950's by two Syrian brothers using their native flatbread when they ran out of regular sliced. We commenced with starters - the street food. I chose the typical pastels - crunchily crispy pastry pockets stuffed with four cheeses. Served with organic smoked peppers, I took a bite, closed my eyes and was transported straight to Brasil. Before long I was just closing my eyes and daydreaming since I'd finished the pastels all too quickly. Resisting the urge to order another portion, I resorted to staring longingly at my partner's starter of chicken coxinhas. This dish of croquettes of shredded chicken and spices was simply scrumptious - I know because I persisted and managed to grab a bite, in the spirit of the sharing communal atmosphere. And mains got even better. Choosing a couple of skewers from four sections - 'green', classic Brasilian, Cabana spicy and premium - was mission impossible, but I managed to whittle it down with a succulent chimichuri black gold steak and flavoursome Bahian spiced aubergine. The Brasilian barbeque at Cabana seasons the best ingredients with signature spices and gives them a delicious, flame cooked char. My partner's skewers of chilli cumin lamb fillet and charred corn on the cob had to be tasted to be believed. We chose great sides to complement our meal: Biro-Biro rice (named after the famous footballer who loved it) - long grain rice filled with garlic, herbs, spring onions and shallots - and mouth-watering sweet potato fries sprinkled with paprika.

Cabana have thought of everything and really kept it quintessential with a favourite Brasilian dessert, frozen yoghurt, to cool the mouth and provide a sweet finish. I kept mine as typical as possible by choosing the Great Taste Award-winning frozen yoghurt in a doce de leite (caramel) flavour and going for a pacoquinha (Brasilian peanut candy) topping, all sealed with a moreish acai (Amazonia superberry) sauce. My partner's banana and Nutella pastel was so good, it bordered on sinful: two crisp pastries oozing with hot Nutella and further served with a ball of vanilla ice cream needs no explanation, really. It really was a good as it sounds.

Throughout our meal I felt like I was in Brasil - this place is totally different to the average subdued - and even loud - restaurant in London. It is truly unique, not only owing to the decor, but also due to the vibe, which is helped along by enthusiastic, positive, knowledgeable staff. This, together, the lively and lovely Brasilian cuisine - the main attraction - makes it a great homage to Brasil and is what makes Cabana so popular. Tudo bem, indeed.

Cabana
7 Central St Giles Piazza
London
WC2H 8AG
Tel: 020 7632 9630
Email: stgiles@cabana-brasil.com
Web: www.cabana-brasil.com