Located in Fieldgate Street behind the East London Mosque, the restaurant has built up a steady and loyal following.

When I visited on a week night it was packed out and, as I hadn’t made a reservation, we were ushered to a waiting room to sit patiently until a table was free.

Luckily we didn’t have to wait long and were directed to a table for two next to a huge ocakbasi (charcoal grill). The open plan restaurant was very impressive with tiled floors, wooden walls and chunky mahogany and glass furniture.

The delicious smells wafting around the room were enough to make me hungry and I was keen to check what was on offer and order my food.

After scanning the vast menu I chose kol basti – lamb steak with mixed vegetables and chips. My husband opted for tavuk beyti - grilled minced breast of chicken, seasoned with garlic and herbs with rice and salad.

As we waited for our food, the restaurant seem to get busier and busier with waiters dashing from one table to the next.

The tavuk beyti arrived first and I couldn't resist trying a bit. The chicken was very tasty with delicate seasoning. My husband tucked in and was also won over by the succulent chicken.

The kol basti was equally tasty but could have been done with being cooked for a while longer. Nonetheless it was delicious, doused in the array of sauces provided. The mixed vegetables, which came with the steak included peas, carrots, beans and sweetcorn. The chunky chips were plentiful and enough for two to share.

Maedah Grill is not just for meat lovers as it offers a range of tempting veggie treats including imam bayildi (aubergine stuffed with tomatoes, green peppers, onion, parsley and garlic topped with cheese), mantarli sote (baby mushrooms with tomatoes, peppers, onion and cheese) and stuffed vine leaves.

The meal including drinks came to a very reasonable £20.40.
Maedah Grill is at 42 Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel.
Tel. 7377 0649.