Shepherd's Bush Market is about as far away as you can get from Spitalfields. The opposite side of London and the opposite end of the trend spectrum.
And therein lies its power.
If you're looking for something money hasn't bleached, look no further.
In amongst the tat and brick-a-brack lie some extremely decent eateries which cover all four corners of the globe.
Delina is one such place.
Ethiopian cafe's are pretty common round these parts but this one is a little bit special.
The smells of good home cooked food hit you immediately as you open the doors of this unassuming, underrated and under the arches hideaway. After that, what hits you is the charm of the layout. Wonderfully laid back and quirky. Lots of space to either lounge or sit at a communal table. And a piano if you fancy tickling the ivories as well as your taste buds. The textiles, the colours, the art that adorns the walls and floorspace transport you to East Africa, even on a brisk day like today.
The owner is as warm and friendly as the surroundings she has created. She spends time telling me about each of the dishes and clearly enjoys what she's doing. The evening cookery classes she offers are no doubt a joy. Not wanting to miss anything I order a mixed plate, something akin to an Indian Thali which includes a chicken stir fry and a selection of veg dishes.
The main component is a bread like none I have ever tasted. Made with an extremely sour batter and spread on a large crepe plate, it provides a weird and wonderful basis for the meal. If you like sourdough you'll love 'Injera '. To describe the flavour as something akin to a cow pat (I've never eaten a cow pat, promise) might put you off but it shouldn't. It's earthy and packs a sour punch which belies its pillow soft texture. The taste of most bread available today is largely ubiquitous so it's a treat to eat something that challenges and wakes up your mouth rather than simply filling the gut.
Atop this large, soft, sour, grey/brown edible plate are six lovingly made dishes. A sweet beetroot, a fiery lentil mix, a crunchy cabbage, some sort of bright blended dish I can't readily describe and the centrepiece, a nicely dry spiced chicken dish made with thigh meat.
The plate looks a picture. Colours and smells that immediately suggest bold flavours, plenty of satiation and healthy indulgence.
The eyes don't deceive me. A satisfying plate of food that feeds mind, body and soul in relaxed surroundings redolent of the place from whence it originally came.
Price for this tasty lunchtime treat? £11.
In Shepherds Bush market you hop from South East Asia to East Africa to the Middle East in a matter of yards.
But Shoreditch feels a world away.
Delina gets an Arnie "I'll be back". read more