The phrase ‘hidden gem’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but Zhug is the type of underrated spot that truly deserves the title. One of Nottingham’s best-kept secrets, we’re almost reluctant to share this with anyone else, but in the spirit of championing our local independents (we don’t gatekeep here at LeftLion HQ!), this eatery is too good not to mention…
This family-owned indie can be found on Bramcote Lane, a stone's throw from leafy Wollaton Park. If you frequent the park to get your steps in, this is probably your best bet to fill up on some wholesome Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food after your stroll.
In case you’re wondering about the name: Zhug is a green hot sauce originating from Yemeni cuisine. It’s flavoured with coriander, cardamom, cumin, parsley, and plenty of heat from chilli peppers. It packs a punch, and they make the sauce on-site, incorporating it into many of their dishes—plus, it’s available for purchase if you want to take some home.
Zhug is the kind of place that, whenever I visit, I take a long, hard look at myself and wonder why I don’t go there more often. The menu is filled with all the colourful and fresh foods I love, like mezze, where you can dip into the silkiest homemade hummus in town—a bold claim, but I stand by it. They also serve homemade thick and fluffy pita pockets stuffed with Lebanese-spiced chicken, Mediterranean gyros plates, and crispy falafel. The giant roasted cauliflower with lemon sour cream or tahini is always a showstopper, too.
One thing that’s important to me—and I’m sure many others—is that the food is cooked fresh to order and packed with flavour, and that’s definitely the case at Zhug, no doubt about it
One thing that’s important to me—and I’m sure many others—is that the food is cooked fresh to order and packed with flavour, and that’s definitely the case at Zhug, no doubt about it.
I’m not someone who particularly cares for gluten-free foods, because I, in fact, love gluten. I live for gluten. I need gluten. But I couldn’t help noticing that their menu is really inclusive, offering plenty of gluten-free options, as well as vegan and halal dishes. They also have a fully stocked bar, so you’re welcome to enjoy a tipple with your food.
It’s not often that I get to sample new dishes in Nottingham that I’ve never tried before, so one of the desserts on their menu took me by surprise: knafeh. This traditional and popular Arabic dessert is made with spun pastry called kataifi, soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup called attar, and typically layered with a mozzarella-like cheese and other ingredients like pistachio. The first time I tried it, the jury was out, but the second time, the dessert started growing on me. So, in my experience, be brave and give it a try - you may discover something new in Nottingham that you love.
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