Bala Baya menu overview in London southwark United Kingdom delicious middle eastern food experience with sharing plates and vibrant flavors rich ingredients vegetarian options cocktails and dining atmosphere at arch 25 old union yard arches union street se1 0lr gb uk london destination restaurant bar spot review foodies travelers
Discover the vibrant and inventive Bala Baya menu, a standout Middle Eastern dining destination nestled in the heart of Southwark, London. This culinary gem crafts an unforgettable experience with a curated selection of sharing plates, celebrating bold flavors and fresh, high-quality ingredients that cater to meat lovers, vegetarians, and dip enthusiasts alike.
Starters to ignite your appetite
Begin your meal with vibrant starters designed to tantalize your taste buds. The Bala Baya Bagel features a malted Jerusalem bagel topped with fragrant tea, sesame seeds, and herb butter — a perfect warm welcome. For those who appreciate simplicity done well, the freshly baked Bala Baya Pita offers a comforting start, complemented beautifully by the Levantine Olive Mix, marinated in harissa for a spicy kick. The Feta & Apricot combines macerated apricots with delicate saffron and oregano, creating a sweet and savory balance. Dive into the Chickpea Hummus, seasoned with coriander, chili relish, parsley, and sumac, served alongside homemade pita, or choose the heartier Braised Beef Hummus for rich, meaty indulgence. Freshness shines in the Chunky Salad with pickled red onions, chillies, tomatoes, cucumber, and soft herbs, setting the stage for the mains to come.
Mains bursting with Middle Eastern flair
Savor a stunning array of mains that showcase the rich diversity of Middle Eastern cuisine. The Aubergine Mess presents blackened aubergine with oregano, tahini, pomegranate molasses, and a hint of lychee, merging smoky and sweet notes. Jerusalem offers shawarma-rubbed Jerusalem artichoke, labneh, harissa, rose, and chervil for a fragrant delight. Indulge in Season’s Flower, a stuffed courgette flower paired with three cheese polenta, harissa honey, and vodka tempura. The Cauliflower Steak Crumble features fried cauliflower drizzled with pomegranate syrup, smoked parmesan crumble, lime yogurt, and parsley, delivering complex textures and flavors.
For grilled vegetable lovers, Fire Grilled Cabbage with hispi cabbage, bonfire peppers, almonds, rosary goats cheese, and pumpkin granola offers a smoky and crunchy sensation. Seafood fans will relish the Club Tropicana combining yellowfin tuna, avocado, pineapple, and harissa smoke wrapped in kataifi. The Prawn Baklava is a highlight: king prawns enveloped in kataifi, enhanced by bitter lime syrup, lime cream, Persian lime & nori dust, pistachios, and rose — a truly unique flavor journey.
For a show-stopping centerpiece, Fish & Fennel presents a canoed whole sea bass with burnt sage, fennel, picked herbs, vine tomatoes, butter, and arak, showcasing refined Middle Eastern coastal flavors. Meat lovers can delight in the Brisket Doughnut, combining Moroccan doughnut, beef brisket, bonfire tomato, chili, orange spiced jus, amba tahini, and coriander. Wagyu beef carpaccio arrives with green harissa, blueberry jam, mustard, lemon thyme, and crispy pita crumb. The Kebab Dumplings offer lamb forequarter, date jus, shawarma spice, semolina, garlic yogurt, and buttered pine nuts for a hearty bite. Laffa Couture features marinated chicken thigh, charred red onion, sumac, tahini, toasted pine nuts, pomegranate, and nigella laffa, while the impressive Got Meat? platter is a feast with chicken shawarma, bonfire lamb chop, braised pork belly, saffron, mustard pickles, apple slaw, and gem leaves.
Decadent desserts to complete your meal
End your dining experience on a sweet note with Bala Baya’s exquisite desserts. The Burnt Babka features poppy seed paste, crème anglaise, lemon thyme, saffron, apricots, and almonds, presenting a rich and aromatic finish. Hey Honey offers a luscious knafe cheesecake infused with honey, za’atar, strawberry compote, and fresh mint for a refreshing balance. Midnight Malabi entices with coconut, white rum, black tahini, morello cherry, vanilla, rose, and sesame brittle, delivering a creamy and fragrant finale that lingers delightfully on the palate.
Refreshing drinks and specials
Complement your meal with expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of wines and beers, perfectly balanced to highlight the complex flavors of the food. The fresh atmosphere, enhanced by natural light and greenery, makes Bala Baya an ideal spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether you're indulging in the perfectly made cocktails that avoid being too syrupy or diluted, or enjoying a relaxed evening with friends, this restaurant offers a wholesome Middle Eastern dining experience with dishes designed for sharing and discovery.
- Why choose Bala Baya – Experience authentic Middle Eastern sharing plates with exceptional vegetarian options and fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for groups and foodies – Ideal for sharing a variety of dishes while enjoying the modern, plant-filled atmosphere in the heart of London.
- Diverse menu – From light starters to hearty mains and decadent desserts, each dish offers a unique blend of Middle Eastern spices and fresh produce.
