The Al Casbah restaurant in Cambridge, England, offers Mediterranean food inspired by the North African country of Algeria. David Hodge/Stars and Stripes (David Hodge/Stars and Stripes)
The Al Casbah restaurant in Cambridge, England, offers Mediterranean food inspired by the North African country of Algeria. David Hodge/Stars and Stripes (David Hodge/Stars and Stripes)
The Brochettes Casbah from Al Casbah in Cambridge, England, is a mixed grill plate with lamb and chicken medallions, a lamb chop, spicy merguez sausage and kafta served with a fresh vegetable salad and rice with tomato sauce. (David Hodge/Stars and Stripes)
It’s a shame some people do not experiment with different types of cuisine. To me, trying the foods of different cultures is like a window into a previously unexplored part of the world — without the hassles of travel.
So after a late-night television show on the various lands, foods and cultures of North Africa, I searched for a nearby restaurant that offered authentic food and atmosphere. My search led me to Al Casbah in Cambridge, England.
Established 15 years ago, this family-owned business offers North African decor and Mediterranean foods inspired by traditional Algerian cooking.
A wide selection of starters and charcoal-grilled meats fill the menu, with a nice selection of steaks and vegetarian dishes also available. Although most of the ingredients used in the dishes are easily identified from other types of world cuisines, the way they are combined, the spices and the cooking methods make for a different taste.
The house specialty is the Couscous Royale with lamb, chicken with vegetables in a traditional tajine dish, a two-piece clay pot with a conical lid — a staple in North African cuisine. Have a glass of Algerian wine to complete the North African experience.
Although I had the specialty the first time, during a recent visit I opted for the Brochettes Casbah, a mixed grill with lamb and chicken medallions, a lamb chop, a spicy homemade lamb sausage called merguez, and kafta, made of minced lamb with herbs and spices formed into a log on a skewer. The meat was served with a vegetable-and-herb salad, carrots and rice topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. The meats and rice had an earthy taste that went well with the freshness of the salad, which had cucumbers, onion, tomato, flat parsley and lemon juice.
Al Casbah uses a traditional spice blend called ras-el-hanout, which can contain up to 50 spices depending on the type of meat being used. This flavoring coupled with the large charcoal grill gives the meat a smoky and spicy taste with a subtle crunchy texture on the exterior.
Many traditionally named dishes, such as chackchouka, tabbouleh and bourak, may leave newcomers looking for the “English Favorites” section of the menu. But don’t fret, just ask a staff member for clarification and enjoy — it’s all part of the adventure of trying new foods.
Manager Karim Rerizani said one of Al Casbah’s main attractions is the large charcoal grill in the front — in view of all passers-by and diners. In the evenings, he said, the large flames from the grill add to the dining ambience. The decor offers a glimpse into the North African lifestyle with lively patterns and materials that by themselves would seem bright or flashy, but together create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Location: 62 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AS, England
Directions: From RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath, drive toward the Five Ways Roundabout and take A11 toward London/Newmarket. At Junction 35, take A1303 and go left at the roundabout. At the third roundabout, take the first exit onto A603/East Road. After one-half mile, turn left onto Mill Road and the restaurant is on the right. There is no parking along Mill Road, but about two blocks after you pass the restaurant there is a parking lot on the left. Follow the signs.
Hours: Noon to 3 p.m. and 5-11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 5-11:30 p.m. Sunday. Reservations advised for all dinner times, especially for the weekends.
Food: Lots of meat and fish as well as a good selection of vegetarian dishes and starters.
Prices: Starters range from about 4 pounds to 5.50 pounds, main courses start at about 8 pounds and top off at about 16 pounds for the T-bone steak. There are daily, two-course lunch specials Monday through Friday for less than 8 pounds. The early-bird dinner special from 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday offers two courses for less than 13 pounds or three courses for about 15 pounds.
Clientele: Mostly locals, but manager Karim Rerizani said a few servicemembers from nearby bases also frequent the restaurant.
Website:www.al-casbah.com.
Phone: 01223-579-500 or 01223-561-666
