London has very few authentic Algerian restaurants – the majority of places selling the country’s cuisine are either Moroccan or general ‘North African’ joints. But after a bit of googling we found Khamsa on Brixton’s Acre Lane.
Turning up on a Sunday evening, it was perhaps no surprise the place was pretty much empty but for one other Algerian customer talking to the owner in French.
The décor is probably the most memorable thing about Khamsa, walls decorated with throws, big metal dishes for tables and a basement entertainment space laid out like a Bedouin tent.
As for the food, it was the first time either of us had eaten Algerian but was very reminiscent of Moroccan fare. We had a mix starter tray laden with small bowls with beans, smoky aubergine paste and chickpeas and so on – all delicious and mopped up with warm fresh bread.
For the mains it was Hout Mghalef f Ghlafou for me – a salmon fillet in filo pastry. Alf ordered a couscous with chicken and merguez. We washed it down with fizzy soft drinks and a variety of biscuits for dessert.
Our meal was cooked up and served solo by the friendly owner who made us feel very welcome – I’m sure on a busy night with more atmosphere it would make for a memorable experience. Definitely merits a visit if you’re ever in Brixton, but maybe not worth travelling too far for.
Score: 6.5/10
Cost: £27.50 for a starter, 2 mains, drinks and dessert
Address: 140 Acre Lane , SW2 5UT
The A to Z of World Food in London 