Balkan cooking is gaining recognition in London as diners explore beyond familiar Mediterranean cuisines and seek out less-known yet deeply rooted traditions. Meanwhile, travel from the UK to Albania is on the rise, increasing awareness of Albanian food, ingredients, and culture. As more people experience Albanian cuisine abroad, interest in discovering those flavours in London restaurants is growing.
Peckham Bazaar, at 42 Consort Road, London SE15 3RW, leads the way in driving this shift. Known for its Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean menu, the kitchen takes inspiration from Albania, Turkey, Greece, and Iran, and focuses on open-fire cooking and seasonal sharing plates.
Why Albanian food is gaining popularity in the UK
Albania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for UK travellers, especially during the summer months. Its coastline, culinary scene, and hospitality have made it a compelling alternative to more traditional Mediterranean hotspots.
As a result, Albanian cuisine is gaining popularity in the UK. Dishes centred around grilled vegetables, meats, dips, and simple combinations of high-quality ingredients are resonating with diners seeking something both familiar and new. This growing interest is also shining a light on Albanian produce, including extra virgin olive oil, which remains relatively underrepresented in the UK despite its quality.
Peckham Bazaar and Little Olive Oil Collaboration
Extra virgin olive oil plays a central role in Balkan cuisine, used in general cooking and to finish dishes and enhance flavour. Albanian extra virgin olive oil offers a distinctive profile, with fresh, well-balanced flavours, and its native Kalinjot variety has naturally high polyphenol levels.
A collaboration between Peckham Bazaar and Little Olive Oil introduces Albanian extra virgin olive oil into a London restaurant setting. Sourced from the Berat region, these extra virgin olive oils are used to finish selected dishes, demonstrating how origin and variety can influence flavour. This reflects a wider shift in London restaurants towards ingredient-led cooking, where provenance and quality are becoming just as important as technique.
Chef-owner John Gionleka, who has Albanian heritage, brings a strong personal connection to the collaboration. His cooking at Peckham Bazaar features Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean influences, making the use of Albanian extra virgin olive oil a natural extension of the menu.
As part of the collaboration, a series of seasonal recipes will be created, each paired with a specific extra virgin olive oil. These recipes will be shared online, alongside video content exploring Albanian cuisine and Balkan cooking techniques. The partnership also includes a refresh of the restaurant’s terrace, with added greenery to enhance the space.
This partnership brings together two businesses founded by Albanians living in the UK: chef-owner John Gionleka of Peckham Bazaar and Herman Ermal Pobrati, the founder of Little Olive Oil.
Balkan food and sharing plates at Peckham Bazaar
Peckham Bazaar is recognised for its Balkan sharing plates for a relaxed, social dining atmosphere. The menu features grilled pitta breads and dips like babaganoush and taramasalata, alongside vegetable dishes, seafood, and meats cooked over fire.
This style of dining reflects the essence of Balkan cooking, where meals are centred around the table and based on simple, well-prepared ingredients. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of vegetarian dishes, making it accessible to a broad range of diners.
Final notes on Balkan cooking in London
As travel from the UK to Albania continues to increase, interest in Albanian cuisine and Balkan cooking is expected to grow. Restaurants such as Peckham Bazaar, along with producers like Little Olive Oil, are helping to introduce these flavours to London. By emphasising origin, quality, and simplicity, Balkan cuisine is gaining recognition in London’s food scene, offering a flavour that is both familiar and new.
Frequently asked questions about Balkan cooking
What is Balkan cooking?
Balkan cooking encompasses the cuisines of Southeast Europe, including Albania, Greece, and Turkey. It generally features grilled meats, vegetables, dips, pitta bread, and sharing plates, with an emphasis on simple preparation and bold flavours.
Why is Albanian food growing in popularity in the UK?
Albanian cuisine is becoming more popular because of increased travel from the UK to Albania. As more people explore the country’s culinary offerings, demand for Albanian dishes and ingredients is rising in London restaurants.
What is Albanian extra virgin olive oil?
Albanian extra virgin olive oil is made from olives grown in regions such as Berat. It is recognised for its fresh flavour, balance, and variety. Native Kalinjot has a naturally high polyphenol content, providing a distinct profile compared to more common extra virgin olive oils.
Where is Peckham Bazaar in London?
Peckham Bazaar is situated at 42 Consort Road, London SE15 3RW, in Peckham, South East London. It’s a popular Balkan restaurant that draws diners from across the city.
Is Peckham Bazaar vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, Peckham Bazaar offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, including vegetable plates, dips, and sharing options, making it suitable for vegetarian diners.
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Full disclosure, this website owner is a Director of Little Olive Oil.