The story
Tucked inside Borough Market, Juma Kitchen has earned a 4.8-star reputation for its serious charcoal cooking. Jack’s Dining Room calls it “a hidden gem serving incredible Iraqi smoked meat kebabs with amazing charcoal flavor,” later declaring it “the best hidden gem at Borough Market.” The charcoal-grilled lamb kebab is the standout, best enjoyed with Jack’s favorite amba sauce—a tangy, bright condiment that cuts through the smoke. The Mixed Grill, served with tahina and chili sauce, showcases a smoky depth Jack hails as potentially “the best kebabs in the UK.”
Mark Wiens highlights the crispy kubba (mushroom chap kubba and rice batter kubba) and a special Sunday dolma, rounding out a menu of passionate, authentic Iraqi street food. Counter-service only, walk-in friendly, and unpretentious, this hole-in-the-wall turns a market visit into a memory. No reservations—just incredible charcoal flavor and homemade sauces.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
What diners say
Synthesized from 41 Google reviews · tap an aspect for the detail
Juma Kitchen is widely celebrated as one of the best stalls at Borough Market, offering authentic Iraqi cuisine that transports diners with its rich, home-style flavors. The kubba and kebabs are frequently praised as exceptional, and the Sunday dolma is a highlight for many. While a few visitors find the prices high or the wait times long during busy periods, the overwhelming sentiment is one of delight and strong recommendation.
Kubba and Kebabs
The kubba (especially kubba haleb and mixed kubba) and kebabs are repeatedly called the best in London, with perfectly seasoned, tender meat and crispy exteriors. Many reviewers say these dishes are must-tries and rival top Iraqi restaurants.
Sunday Dolma
The special dolma served on Sundays is a standout, described as incredibly flavorful, authentic, and reminiscent of home cooking. It often sells out quickly, so early arrival is recommended.
Service and Hospitality
Staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, even during busy hours. The owner is noted for his warmth and passion for the food, creating a genuine Iraqi hospitality experience.
Knafeh and Desserts
The knafeh (kunafa) is a revelation for many, described as sweet, rich, and melt-in-the-mouth. It's often recommended as the perfect finish to a meal.
Value and Portions
While most diners find the food excellent, a few mention that prices are on the higher side for the market. Portion sizes are generally considered generous, but some feel the cost is a premium.
Wait Times
A small number of reviews note that service can be slow during quiet times, and the stall can get crowded. However, most customers find the wait reasonable given the quality.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 8 dish mentions say about the food
Juma Kitchen’s most-praised dish is the tender lamb shawarma, elevated by a vibrant amba sauce that reviewers call a revelation. The overall vibe is warm, unfussy, and deeply satisfying, with bold Middle Eastern flavors that feel both authentic and inviting.
“This yellow sauce is called amba. It's made of fermented mangoes and it has a really nice layer of saltiness to it. It pairs remarkably well with beef or any sort of protein. In my opinion, this is a must. What I like to do is to dip your fork in this, get only this much, and then stab the piece of beef and eat it and it's out of control.”
What creators say
3 creators have covered Juma Kitchen. Most active: Jack's Dining Room , Mark Wiens
Juma Kitchen is the best hidden gem at Borough Market, serving incredible charcoal-grilled meats with homemade sauces, especially the lamb kebab and amba sauce.
Dishes mentioned
Mixed Grill with Tahina and Chili Sauce
You can smell the charcoal even before biting it. You're just getting that proper nice smoky taste. The chicken is money. The rice is great. They put sunflower oil on the rice, too, man. I think it has a whole layer of nuttiness to it, too. The seasoning on the chicken is insane. It's like sprinkling it with crack. And they're cooking it over a charcoal fire so it has a nice little crisp to it. This is like my ideal food to be honest. The lamb kebab is insane. Unbelievable. The flavor just goes on for like 5 minutes. This is my favorite bite of Borough Market so far.
Amba Sauce
This yellow sauce is called amba. It's made of fermented mangoes and it has a really nice layer of saltiness to it. It pairs remarkably well with beef or any sort of protein. In my opinion, this is a must. What I like to do is to dip your fork in this, get only this much, and then stab the piece of beef and eat it and it's out of control.
- Jack's Dining RoomLoved
Best kebabs in the UK?🇬🇧 · @ 0:00
Juma Kitchen is a hidden gem in Borough Market serving incredible Iraqi smoked meat kebabs with amazing charcoal flavor.
Dishes mentioned
Mixed Grill
This mixed grill is incredible. You can smell the charcoal even before biting it — you're just getting that proper nice smoky taste. The chicken is money, the seasoning on it is insane, like sprinkling it with crack. And they're cooking it over a charcoal fire, so it has a nice little crisp to it. That lamb kebab is insane, the flavor just goes on for like 5 minutes. This is like my ideal food, to be honest.
Rice
The rice is great. They put sunflower oil on the rice — she was telling me, I think it has a whole lot of nuttiness to it, too. Look at the steam coming out. That's a real Persian move right there.
Juma Kitchen serves incredible Iraqi street food with charcoal-grilled kebabs, crispy kubba, and a special Sunday dolma — passionate, authentic, and not to be missed at Borough Market.
Dishes mentioned
Mushroom Chap Kubba
You smell the truffle in there. I think that's potato on the outside with the fragrant mushrooms in the center, a little bit herbal, the fragrance of the truffle. That is delicious.
Rice Batter Kubba
Oh, it's so crispy. Let's crack it open. Filled with minced meat. That poof. You smell like the cinnamon nutmeg aroma to this. I love kubba. This is phenomenal. That tastes just like the kubba you would have in Iraq. And the rice fresh spinach and minced meat, the fragrance. I do want to really try that amba sauce. That kind of like pickly preserved mango flavor with that acidity and sweetness to it. Perfect pairing. That's fantastic.
- Mixed Grill
Iraqi Dolma
We've got Iraqi dolma. They normally only do it on Sunday, but today we got it as a one-off special. Let's go for a grape leaf first. Oh, wow. The pomegranate. The like beautiful acidity. The creamy-ness of the rice that just melts in your mouth. And then you get that the aftertaste is all the fat of the lamb which has melted into the bottom of the pan. And then it's just reabsorbed into all the dolma. That is so tasty. And check out this little lamb riblet. You can see it's like melting. All the fat is melting and this is from the bottom of the pan. You can see that. Fatty lamb is something that will never get old in your life. All that melt in your mouth. The amount of flavor. It's so tasty. And that's what's flavoring all of the dolma. Everything is good, but this dolma is super special. It is fantastic. Highly recommended. Juma Kitchen, don't miss it.
