Everything you need to know about Yada's: Peckham's hidden gem

Yada’s - Peckham’s Kurdish restaurant

Yada’s in Peckham - have you heard of it? Or more importantly, have you been able to find it? Yada's is a Kurdish family-run Peckham restaurant that attracts avid foodies desperate to try their speciality Kubba (traditional rice patties stuffed with lamb and nuts). However, it is somewhat tricky to find as it’s hidden down a small Peckham side alley with little signage. So, we are here to give you the low down on everything you need to know about Yada's starting with how to find it!

Where is Yada’s?

For those who are not familiar with Peckham side streets, Yada’s can be pretty tricky to find. So, we have marked up a simple diagram to help you locate it (see below). Almost directly opposite Peckham Rye station you will see a small alley in between two small shops, head down there and turn left and you will see Yada’s, tucked into the railway archway. You can also access it via another alley a few yards down the road, both alleys meet in a loop.

Where to find Yada’s. Image: google maps

Boho atmosphere (aka low key)

Now once you find Yada’s off Rye Lane don’t expect anything fancy. This is a no frills/casual kind of restaurant. The ramshackle nature of the space adds to the charm. It is low-key, colourful and welcoming. There is a reasonable sized indoor area modestly furnished, as well as two levels of outdoor seating - the terrace is a great summer spot and you can even smoke a Middle Eastrern shisha pipe, if you fancy.

A lively atmosphere at Yada’s. Image:@yadasarch

Yada’s Kurdish menu (great veggie and vegan options!)

Vegan Pumpkin and bulgur Kibbeh. Image: @yadasarch

Yada’s is dubbed one of the best Kurdish restaurants in London because of its authentic and flavoursome Kurdish dishes, not to mention the reasonable prices and generous portions. Expect real homemade Kurdish food as the menu is inspired by the owners heritage - who is originally from Southern Kurdistan, in Northern Iraq. On the menu you will find authentic Kurdish delicacies such as chicken shawarma (£8) served with garlic lemon, lamb kebab (£10) marinated and barbecued over charcoal, kubba (rice patties stuffed with lamb and nuts) and giant flatbread, called Kalana, a type of Kurdish bread traditionally cooked on a huge, round hot plates. There are mix meat and veggie platters, perfect for sharing with friends and amazing sides, you have to try their legendary pistachio hummus that has been described as ‘heavenly’.

Yada’s also has a nice variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes such as Tapasi (£8) tomato stew with aubergine and courgette drizzled with yoghurt, vegan pupkin and bulgar Kibbeh and Yaprakh (£9) a variety of stuffed vegetables filled with spices and serves with salad and sauces.

BYOB Peckham

Yep, one of the other reasons Yada’s is considered affordable is because it is BYOB. You can bring your own alcohol on to the premises with no cork charge. There are lots of local Peckham off licences open late for you to pick up a bottle (or two).

Yada’s booking: Making a reservation

As we mentioned, people travel far and wide to try out Yada’s, so expect it to be busy. You can book a table by telephone or via their Facebook page. However, let’s just say they haven’t got the best booking system in place, so it is a little hit and miss. So if you don’t manage to book just make sure you head down early and be prepared to queue.

Yada’s Takeaway

Earlier this year Yada’s opened up a takeaway shop in a more prominent spot down Peckham high street. You can expect similar dishes to the main restaurant such as chicken shawarma - shredded chicken served with rice and salad (£7), Qozi - slow cooked and roasted chicken thigh (£7), falafel served with pomegranate salad and tatziki (£6.50)

Yada’s in Peckham maybe be hidden away but it is definitely worth finding if you are looking for a unique and authentic dining experience.

To book check out their Facebook page

Opening hours: Midday-11pm Tues - Sunday

115A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST Past Ali’s fresh fruit and veg on Rye Lane, under a railway arch.

Featured