Rice Boat – Cambridge (UK)

South Indian restaurant Rice Boat opened on Newnham Road in 2005 and has become a Cambridge institution. Owned by lovely couple Jacob (head chef) and Rita (front of house manager) Abraham, they serve traditional Kerala cuisine. This place has been on my must-try list for far too many years and I’m sorry it took me so long to visit. I’ll definitely be making repeat visits from now on.

Rice Boat Kerala Restaurant Cambridge Newnham

When Paulo and I arrived for our 6pm (opening time) reservation, we could already take in the fragrant aromas emanating from the kitchen. We were warmly welcomed and service was attentive. The co-owner Rita came to thank us for our custom at the end of the meal and have a little chat – so nice!

Interior Rice Boat Kerala Restaurant Cambridge

I’ve only ever tried Kerala cuisine once before – several years ago in Leeds. Rice Boat’s menu describes the flavours, consistencies (dry vs saucy) and spice levels of the dishes, which really helped us decide. They cook everything from scratch. The staple foods of Kerala include aromatic spices such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg, as well as coconut and rice, which we enjoyed in the dishes we ordered.

Onion Vada Rice Boat Kerala Restaurant Cambridge

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Botany Foodie – Cambridge (UK)

Wonderful Turkish café Botany Foodie at No. 172 Mill Road sits at the corner of Campbell Street in Cambridge.

Botany Foodie Cambridge Mill Road exterior

The pretty floral arrangements outside and inside draw you in but the friendliest welcome – which includes samples of turkish delight – makes you stay!

Botany Foodie Cambridge flowers interior

At Botany Foodie they are more than happy to go through the menu and answer any questions about the dishes.

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Prana – Cambridge (UK)

This year Prana will be celebrating their 14th anniversary – 8 of those years in their extensively refurbished space (with more changes to come). This upscale yet informal Indian restaurant in the heart of Mill Road has come a long way since its beginnings as a tiny takeway, even winning a slew of prestigious awards.

Prana Indian Restaurant Cambridge Mill Road

It’s no secret Paulo and I have been regular customers for many years as the food is always flavoursome and prepared with quality ingredients. Prana continue to use their own spice blends rather than curry powder – the results are clean, vibrant flavours that are a delight to the taste buds. We have our tried-and-true favourites but also look forward to trying more dishes on the menu, which has been streamlined over the years to simplify the previously overwhelming choices.

Prana Indian Restaurant Cambridge Interior

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The Three Horseshoes – Stapleford, Cambridgeshire (UK)

The Three Horseshoes is a cosy independent pub in the village of Stapleford, just a few miles south of Cambridge. It changed hands a few months ago. The previous owner (Chris) introduced a Greek menu in 2019 and the new owners (Duncan and Justine) continued with the popular Greek menu.

Starters The Three Horseshoes Stapleford

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Kibou – Cambridge (UK)

There’s a new addition to Cambridge’s food and drink scene! Kibou is a small chain of contemporary Japanese restaurants with a menu inspired by the eclectic streets of Tokyo. Cambridge is Kibou’s fifth location after Cheltenham, Clifton, Solihull and Battersea.

Kibou restaurant in Cambridge

Kibou has made itself right at home in the historic University Pitt Club building on Jesus Lane (bye bye Pizza Express). It launched in mid-August 2023 and it’s been a hit from the get-go! I was there to celebrate the grand opening and get a sneak peek at the menu and opulent interiors. I recently returned to enjoy the full experience of a leisurely dinner.

Kibou restaurant in Cambridge

Kibou restaurant in Cambridge

Their extensive menu features sushi and sashimi sharing platters, A5 grade wagyu, tempura, gyoza, bao, ramen and a range of other classic and contemporary Japanese dishes.

Kibou restaurant in Cambridge

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Hungrill – Cambridge (UK)

A corner on Cambridge’s vibrant Mill Road is now home to new small restaurant Hungrill, who are serving up authentic Greek cuisine. Even the white building with its blue sign give off Mediterranean vibes!

Hungrill Cambridge 88 Mill Road

Just when I thought we’d never get proper gyros in Cambridge, this gem quietly opened its doors a few weeks ago to a steady stream of customers.

Hungrill (at 88 Mill Road) is more of a takeaway place but there are a few nice tables and chairs inside. Service is friendly and helpful. They’re happy to answer any questions about the menu and make suggestions.

Hungrill Cambridge interior Mill Road

We had the wraps with a choice of gyros (pork, chicken or mix) and skewers (pork, chicken or lamb souvlaki) – all stuffed with fresh tomato, red onion (or iceberg), tzatziki (or mayo) and chips. A perfect hand held meal right there!

Hungrill Cambridge Mill Road souvlaki gyros wraps

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King William IV – Heydon, Cambridgeshire (UK)

The historic King William IV, which dates back to the 16th century, is a unique pub located in the beautiful village of Heydon, which sits peacefully between Royston and Saffron Walden, south of Cambridge.

King William IV Heydon Royston Cambridgeshire

It’s a scenic drive to Heydon’s only pub where there is ample parking. The tables at the front are perfect for taking in the village vibes and the spacious beer garden at the back offers unspoilt views of the Cambridgeshire countryside.

King William IV Heydon pub garden

This well known pub has a more recent history, notably a series of owners that have come and gone over the past several years. New owners Carole (who I had the pleasure to meet) and her son Alex took over the pub in December 2022 and have painstakingly restored it to its former glory. Even the small things, like the bouquets of fresh flowers inside and outside, demonstrate the love and attention put back into the whole place.

King William IV Heydon pub interior

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One Two Culinary Stew presents MY PERSIAN KITCHEN @ SIGNORELLI’S DELI 28.07.2023

** SOLD OUT **
Please email me to be placed on the waiting list, in case there are any cancellations.

PERSIAN MEZE NIGHT AT THE DELI!

Back by popular demand, One Two Culinary Stew presents MY PERSIAN KITCHEN @ SIGNORELLI’S DELI

This time Cambridge chefs Sirous and Abigail of My Persian Kitchen will present a menu of delectable Persian meze – small dishes filled with nourishing ingredients, fresh herbs and fragrant (not fiery) spices.

After last May’s sold out pop up, My Persian Kitchen are back in the cosy and leisurely setting of Signorelli’s Deli – the delightful café, deli and wine shop on Burleigh Street in Cambridge city centre.

Sirous and Abigail continue to share their love of Persian cooking, inspired by Sirous’ family recipes. They use fresh, local and quality ingredients for their dishes, supplemented whenever possible with seasonal herbs and vegetables grown in their very own allotment.

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One Two Culinary Stew presents MY PERSIAN KITCHEN @ SIGNORELLI’S DELI 31.05.2023

One Two Culinary Stew presents My Persian Kitchen @ Signorelli's Deli

** SOLD OUT **

PERSIAN NIGHT AT THE DELI!

One Two Culinary Stew presents MY PERSIAN KITCHEN @ SIGNORELLI’S DELI – a delectable journey of Persian flavours and aromas with nourishing ingredients, fresh herbs and fragrant (not fiery) spices.

Cambridge chefs Sirous and Abigail of My Persian Kitchen will share their love of Persian cooking, inspired by Sirous’ family recipes. They use fresh, local and quality ingredients for their dishes, supplemented whenever possible with seasonal herbs and vegetables grown in their very own allotment.

Join My Persian Kitchen’s first pop up in the cosy and leisurely setting of Signorelli’s Deli – the delightful café, deli and wine shop on Burleigh Street in Cambridge city centre.

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Courtyard Kitchen, The Fitzwilliam Museum – Cambridge (UK)

Combining food and culture! The Cambridge Dining Company (CDC Events), who have an established reputation, are now operating Courtyard Kitchen at The Fitzwilliam Museum. This newly refurbished contemporary café is a real gem, offering delicious food, a cheerful ambience and excellent service for brunch, lunch, cake, pastries and drinks. This delightful eatery, located by the museum shop, offers so much more than a simple café.

Courtyard Kitchen cafe Cambridge

Courtyard Kitchen cafe Cambridge

Anyone can pop into the café. It’s not necessary to visit The Fitzwilliam Museum’s exhibitions and galleries to eat at Courtyard Kitchen – although I highly recommend a wander to admire the beautiful art and artefacts in this historic Cambridge landmark – all free entry. Friends of the Fitzwilliam members receive a 10% discount on Courtyard Kitchen’s food and drink.

Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge

Courtyard Kitchen cafe Fitzwilliam museum gift shop Cambridge

I was kindly invited by CDC Events to sample a variety of Courtyard Kitchen’s dishes. For my lunchtime visit, Paulo and I took the opportunity to explore the museum’s current exhibition Islanders: The Making of the Mediterranean (which is also free but needs to be pre-booked).

Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge Islanders exhibition

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