Hello readers , just a few pictures from a vibrant Tel aviv style restaurant in Banksides Union Street Arches, Southwark, called Bala Baya. The brain child of Israeli born chef Eran Tibi, this restaurant serves delicious Israeli street food that reminds me of dishes I had in Berlin’s Neni restaurant. The first time we visited Bala Baya in 2017 we ordered unlimited small plates (8 £per person ) such as a chickpea hummus , barista butternut maple, grilled beets mints and pistachio , date and cardamon butter etc and a main meal.
We really enjoyed Bala Baya Israeli street food and planned to come back sooner, but alas it took the better part of 2 years to return to this lovely place. A sunny bank holiday and an afternoon shift work in Westminster a few minutes walk away prompted a return to Bala Baya as Elisha wanted very tasty meal before her shift. A quick search on Opentable and I was able to book a table for two. On getting to the restaurant they sat us down outside pretty quickly and the menu came right after. The menu seems to have evolved over the past 2 years, especially the small plates. The pricings still the same however they have new dishes such as a beetroot remoulade , smoked aubergine , tomato and olives , heritage carrots and lavender honey , labaneh and green harissa etc. Due to time restrictions , we ordered just 2 delicious and well cooked main meals :
Bala Baya Steak and eggs
A dish made up of juicy sticky date beef , smashed potatoes , pickled chilli salsa and harissa hollandaise
with a side order of very crispy shawarma spiced chips and aoili
Bala Baya Shakshouka with lamb
A dish made up of eggs , rich tomatoes sauce , lamb , preserved lemon and date tahini
The dishes were all washed down with cocktails and beer
What we would have really liked was to try out the £24 per person unlimited prosecco deal , but will have to save that for a time when work isn’t on the cards.
On the whole I enjoyed Bala Baya Israeli street food and really recommend this place for a decent brunch.
