Exotic Restaurants in London

Posted in Food & Indulgence on December 11, 2010

The offering of wild animals in menus is becoming increasingly popular in London. A look at some of London restaurants’ menus, one will be able to notice the introduction of exotic dishes with the use of exotic animals. Such exotic animals used on the menu include animals like crocodile, kangaroo and even the springbok. The main intention of including such exotic dishes on the menu is not merely to tap on the curiosity and interest of London diners. It is also designed to have diners consume these animals to gain protein and iron without having to also take in the fat and cholesterol that come along with consuming red meat. All said, it definitely requires a brave tongue to try out these exotic meats but they do not all taste like chicken! Below are some restaurants in London which are known for offering exotic dishes on their menu.

Zebra at Chakalaka

When at Zebra at Chakalaka, do not be put off by the garish zebra-striped exterior of the restaurant as the restaurant is known for serving exotic dishes. Decorated in true blue African style, the restaurant is decorated with not only zebra stripes but also images of other wild animals like elephants and lions. The restaurant which is named after a South African spicy tomato and onion salsa sauce, it is known for serving up delicious wine and game to its diners. Diners can start their dinner with appetizers ranging from kudu capaccio, zebra and ostrich or marinated ostrich salad. Worth noting on the menu is something called the “monkey gland sauce.” Unlike what the name suggests, no monkeys are used for the preparation of this sauce. Instead, this is the restaurant’s specialty which is made of garlic, onions, tomato ketchup and chutney. Diners to this restaurant sure have to try out this steakhouse’s specialty items.

eat zebra london

Crocodile at Vivat Bacchus

This restaurant has become so popular and is a hit especially at the Farringdon and London Bridge branches. Offering items like spring rolls made of crocodile tail and much more, this item has become very popular with London diners. The crocodile used for this restaurant’s specialty dish originates from South Africa and has a texture and taste which resembles that of chicken and monkfish. This tender white meat is also healthy because it is low in fat and cholesterol. Other exotic dishes include char-grilled springbok, smoked kudu risotto and so on. To complement these exotic dishes are a extensive list of international wines. While at Crocodile at Vivat Bacchus, do not miss out trying the crocodile dish with South African’s chenin blanc.

Vivat Bacchus london

Insects at Archipelago

This restaurant in London is a true blue exotic restaurant serving safari type of dishes. Visit the restaurant and have a look at the menu which features chocolate-coated scorpions, locust “love bug” salad and even a delicious scoop of honey crème brûlée that comes complete with real honeybee. Although the thought of having honeybees for a meal may give even hungry diners butterflies in the tummy, the staff in the restaurant are ever so friendly and will do anything to soothe first-time nerves. The décor of the restaurant also helps diners get into the mood of trying out exotic meat. The interiors of the restaurant are designed with peacock feathers, pebble flooring and palm trees which add to the relaxing ambience of the restaurant. On the menu, you will also be able to find creepy crawlies added as side dishes. Patrons who have previously visited the restaurant vouch for the rich flavor and taste of these creepy crawlies. The main courses in the restaurants include crocodile, gnu, wildebeest and even peacocks. To ensure that these animals are legally cooked, all the animals are obtained from farms or from certified culling programs.

archipelago-restaurant london

Kangaroo at the Meat and Wine Co

This newly opened restaurant in Westfield is known for serving up delicious steaks of exotic animals. The restaurant also serves up to kangaroo meat and comes medium cooked chargrilled fillets along with potato gratin and redcurrant sauce as sides. This steak is a healthy option as it is lean meat and low in cholesterol as well. A South African company, the menu offers dishes made of game which are typically African like kudu and springbok.

wine and meat london


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