IDOL had heard about Shaka Zulu’s striking interior on the Camden grapevine. But no hearsay can prepare you for the restaurant’s scope; two massive floors, hand-carved wooden murals and towering statues of Zulu warriors.

Since I made it past the bouncer first, I decided to begin with the huge list of cocktails while waiting for IDOL Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Moore. After 10 minutes of hesitation and some kind suggestions from a patient barman I made my mind up and went for the Daiquiri Deluxe – Santa Teresa 1796 shaken with Santa Teresa orange and lime. An amazing choice, served straight up. 

Feeling adventurous (probably a consequence of the Deluxes), we decided to go for the ‘Shaka Zulu Sample Board’. It contains 900 grams of game. Animals such as Ostrich, Springbok and Boerewors feature. Honouring the restaurant’s epic proportions, this little ‘sample’ dish also comes with chunky chips, chakalaka (an African salad), chutney, mint sauce and- wait for this- monkey gland sauce. Don’t worry there is no real monkey in it… But I assure you the Ostrich was the real deal.

Believe it or not, we managed to finish this mammoth meal to the surprise and personal congratulations of the manager. He said he had never seen two girls finish that board EVER. Yeah, Definitely one of the biggest gastronomic achievements of our lives!

Everyone should go and check out this place, no exception. Great food, great atmosphere and great cocktails. Now, anyone fancy going to South Africa tonight?  

Website: www.shaka-zulu.com

Email: reservations@shaka-zulu.com

Shaka Zulu Restaurant, Lounge and bar

Chalk Farm Road, Camden

NW1 8AB 

Tel: 0203 376 9911

Written by Bianca Spada