Ugly but delicious dishes in London

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Lizzie Thomson5 October 2018

It is often said "you eat with your eyes first", but what's the use in a beautiful dish if it's bland?

It's high time we pay homage to London’s ugly duckling dishes that transform from their unforgiving plates into taste sensations in the mouth.

These are the London dishes that may not be Insta-worthy but do not disappoint when it comes to flavour.

Chicken waffle at Bird

Winning combination: Flavours are anything but beige.

It’s hard to make beige food look good — something the folks at Bird are far too familiar with. Nevertheless, this dish is all about simplicity and it delivers. The humble chicken drumstick, the crispy boneless thigh and the grilled waffle work wonders. Plus the honey butter and Canadian maple syrup marries all the flavours together. It's comfort food that will warm your heart and leave you wholly satisfied — even if it doesn't look the part.

42-44 Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA, birdrestaurants.com

Pie at Goddards of Greenwich

Pie time: The East End haunt

London’s East End is home to a number of great things Brick Lane Market, Danny Dyer, but most importantly, pie. This family-run spot offers traditional pie and mash slathered in a Kermit the Frog-coloured liquor (a thin parsley sauce). Don’t be fooled, it may not look like the prettiest plate but the pastry is Bake Off-worthy and the mash is soft and creamy. There’s a reason this place is known amongst pie-lovers.

22 King William Walk, SE10 9HU, goddardsatgreenwich.co.uk

Foie​ gras toastie at Canton Arms

High end: The luxurious toastie

While it may bring back visions of your first year of uni, the humble toastie must never be underestimated — especially the one at this gastropub on Lambeth Road. The toasted sandwich in question is a luxurious one; the two thin slices of white bread hold an indulgent foie gras filling. Sure, it won't win in a beauty contest, but it’s a twist on a classic and it certainly delivers.

177 S Lambeth Rd, SW8 1XP, cantonarms.com

Bone marrow at St John

Looks aren't everything: The popular roasted bone marrow
Patricia Niven

Bone marrow is far from sexy. Scooping it out of bone and into your mouth is a tricky and unattractive task. Not to mention, the roasted bone marrow pieces at this restaurant are plated standing up, like an edible Stonehenge, which is not for the faint-hearted. But the aesthetics are irrelevant because it's rich, beefy and bursting with flavour. In fact, this dish has become one of this Michelin-starred restaurant's signature plates.

26 St John St, EC1M 4AY, stjohnrestaurant.com

Salt beef bagel at Beigel Bake

Unphotogenic: The salt beef bagel
Getty Images

This Shoreditch institution has made quite a name for itself since opening back in 1974. The bagels may not be the prettiest in London, but they are up there with the tastiest and the queues out the doors prove it. The salt beef bagel (that comes with a haphazard dollop of mustard) is the one to try, alongside the smoked salmon and cream cheese creation.

159 Brick Ln, E1 6SB

Mince and potatoes at Dean Street Townhouse

Heavenly: The humble duo

What this dish lacks in colour it makes up for in taste. Yes, on first impressions it may look like something that has come out of a tin, but it tastes like anything but. The mince is rich and incredibly moreish and the herb-flecked tatties are perfect for mopping up the bottom of the plate. This is British comfort food done right — no wonder celebs flock to this haunt.

69 - 71 Dean St, W1D 3SE, deanstreettownhouse.com

Lamb chops at Lahore Kebab House

Meaty offering: Lamb chops at the Pakistani restaurant

The star dish at this Whitechapel joint is far from photo-friendly. But that doesn't matter because the lamb chops are to die for. They're deliciously meaty with a lively burst of citrus. The restaurant is also open until 1am every day so (hungry or drunk) it's a great late-night treat.

2-10 Umberston St, E1 1PY, lahore-kebabhouse.com/lkh

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