I’ll give you the low down if you want to know where to eat at Castle Square in Elephant and Castle, London SE17. Now Elephant and Castle has been transformed; there are so many eateries. Those who wish to enjoy lovely home-cooked Guyanese, Caribbean, Columbian, Ecuadorian or West African food should head for the wooden box buildings with the iconic pink elephant on top. You’ll also find Pappagoni (Italian), Murger Han (Xi’an cuisine) and Tupi (Brazilian-style brunch) facing the square. My article focuses on where to eat at Castle Square, but you should also seek out Ash Avenue and Sayer Street.
Castle Square Restaurants I Tried For Veganuary
As it is Veganuary, I decided to check out the vegan offering at a few Castle Square restaurants – Kaieteur Kitchen, Original Caribbean Spice and Murger Han. These restaurants cater for meat eaters but also have some vegan and vegetarian dishes. We ate at three restaurants in one day! Needless to say, we were stuffed afterwards, but we loved every mouthful! These are the restaurants we tried in order.
Kaieteur Kitchen
Our first visit was to Kaieteur Kitchen, where you’ll meet the lovely Faye Gomes. She welcomed us with her beautiful smile and friendly manner. Her restaurant has tables and chairs to relax and savour tasty homed cooked food.
We were treated to her Guyanese food, including her famous spinach rice, a gorgeous green colour with a subtle flavouring.
I couldn’t get enough of her sweet-tasting Pumpkin Stew which was my favourite dish.
Faye uses a lot of coconut cream and milk in her cooking, and I must say that the Aubergines and Spinach, both cooked in Coconut, are divine. Other veg options include Vegetable Curry, Macaroni Cheese and Dhal Puri with Rice or Roti.
Her regulars can’t get enough of her Pepperpot, a traditional Guyanese dish of meat (Faye uses every part of the cow), cinnamon, cassareep (cassava root sauce) and Caribbean hot peppers. It’s slow-cooked for hours and tastes better and better over time. Other favourites include Plantains, Curry Fish, Chicken Curry and Coconut Lamb with Sweet Potatoes.
Original Caribbean Spice
Our second restaurant was Original Caribbean Spice, run by sisters Loroma and Marcia for over 25 years. You can either order your food to go or sit at the dining table inside or on one of the outside bench tables.
They have a reputation for Goat Curry, Jerk Chicken and Oxtail dishes. However, they can also cater for vegetarians and vegans. Loroma kindly made a plate of Steamed Veg with Onions, Callaloo (Jamaican-style Spinach)and Plantains. Everything tasted fresh and looked colourful on the plate.
Murger Han
Our final visit was to Murger Han, London’s first authentic X’ian Restaurant. They specialise in Murger, the world’s oldest sandwich dating back to the Qin Dynasty and the meat to the Zhou Dynasty. The name means meat sandwiched in bread. Being a vegetarian, I wasn’t going to try that, but it sounded interesting. Their other dishes include Cold Noodles, Handmade noodles, Clay Pot Food and Murger Soup.
As it was, Veganuary wanted to check out their vegan offering, and the helpful manager suggested starting with the Grilled Veg Gyoza, which was beautifully presented and of exceptional quality.
We also tried the Cold Steamed Rice Noodles with a dash of Chili Oil, Beansprouts and Cucumber. The Noodles were the best I’ve ever tasted. I wasn’t expecting to like them, but they were excellent.
Our third dish was Handmade Noodles with Spring Onion and Chilli Oil with Cabbage and Spinach. These are super thick Biang-Biang Noodles which you can either slurp down in one go or try and bite a bit off as you go. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Murger Han food and would return for more.
I Can Also Recommend Tupi
Last year we had a memorable weekend brunch at Tupi. They serve South American and European-style dishes throughout the day. Tuck into a Fry Up, Steak with Eggs, Chorizo Hash, Huevos Rancheros or Pancakes. Read my Tupi Restaurant Review for more information.
Watch My Where To Eat At Castle Square Video
Other Restaurants At Castle Square
Aside from the restaurants I’ve tried, there are many more to investigate; here is a list to tempt your taste buds:
Pizzeria Pappagone has an extensive menu featuring all your favourite Italian dishes and plenty of pizzas
Check out Coma Y Beba for the best Empanadas and Arepas around; they are great for taking away if you’re in a hurry
La Bodeguita is a well-known destination specialising in traditional Colombian dishes, spices and mixes
La Bodeguita is a well-known destination specialising in traditional Colombian dishes, spices and mixes
Pop into Daddy O’s for authentic African dishes by Olajide.
El Guambra is a family-run restaurant specialising in Ecuadorian food.
Helpful Information About Castle Square, Elephant and Castle
Go to the Castle Square website to learn more about the food, drink, and other businesses. The address is 40 Castle Square, 40 Elephant Road, London SE17 1EU. It’s five minutes from Elephant and Castle tube station and opposite the train station.
While you are in the vicinity, you may be interested to read these relevant articles:
Best Places To Eat In Elephant and Castle
Ten Things To Do In Elephant And Castle
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Disclosure: I had a free meal at Kaieteur Kitchen, Original Caribbean Spice and Murger Han.
