As Guanabana celebrates its first year anniversary on the 11th of April 2009, LDNmeetsMNL meets Omar Shah, the inspiring chef and brains behind the restaurant. 

 

Omar recalls that while his peers were interested in football, he was visiting delis, researching into different cuisines and immersing himself into the world of the catering business. Influenced hugely by family members, in particular his father (owner of Bintang, which is coincidently a few doors down) and an uncle based in America, Omar was taught about business and self-motivation. He worked at his father’s restaurant at an early age and was educated first hand about the restaurant business, while his mother taught him the most about interaction with people.

 

After graduating in Business & Finance, Omar took on the accounts for a recycling company. There he was exposed to other aspects such as marketing and management. Eventually lack of satisfaction from working on spreadsheets day to day and his impatience got the best of him. It was evident that all the business, marketing and aspects of management he had been exposed to, helped him to decide that he should take the next step… and that was when Guanabana was born. 

 

Guanabana is one of Camden’s hidden gems and is featured in Time Out’s Top 50 Best London Restaurants. Formerly a kebab shop, it was renovated into a delightful, warm and relaxed restaurant. You can not help but notice and be intrigued by the antique and vintage style of furniture and artwork… each with probably a history of its own.

 

The Caribbean & Latin inspired menu was developed by Omar. The taste/test experience which he happily subjected his family and friends to, was one of the best parts of his discovery and development of Guanabana. Their feedback helped with the development of what the menu is today… Not bad for a self-taught chef! 

 

For LDNmeetsMNL’s own dining experience, we were treated to a wonderful array of starters and sumptuous mains.

Nacho Grande: Corn chips toasted with melted cheese, jalapeños, fresh salsa and guacamole, refritos beans and soured cream.

Pan Fried Crevettes: Large whole prawns sautéed in fresh herbs served with freshly baked sour dough bread, herb butter and mix leaf salad.

Crispy Coated Calamari: Baby calamari served with home made tartar sauce and mixed leaves dressed in vinaigrette.

 

Then for the main courses…

Pan Fried Sea Bass Fillets: Garlic spring greens, feta cheese mash, with a coconut herb sauce.

Ackee & Salt Fish Festival: Cooked with Spanish onion, spring greens & bell peppers. Served with rice & peas and festival dumplings.

 

The fish dishes are a great alternative to the meat dishes on offer. The servings were well proportioned and just the right sizes to leave you satisfied, but also open to suggestions from the dessert menu. We were so full from the gorgeous sea bass and the delicious salt fish, that we resisted dessert, purely based on the fact we really couldn’t eat anymore and had to let the belts go! A point to note for those inclined to an alcoholic tipple or two, you can bring your own bottle and for a small corkage fee, it will be served at your table. For us, we were more than happy with the fabulous ‘mocktail’ drinks!  

Based on Omar’s recommendations, the sea bass is his choice dish. BUT the most popular dish with customers is their Camden’s Famous Chargrilled Half Jerk Baby Chicken, served with Jerk barbeque sauce and mango & papaya chutney.

With such a great menu on offer, it’s no surprise guests such as Amy Winehouse and D12 have dined. Omar remembered that the day Amy Winehouse came in, it was quite an experience with a dozen paparazzi outside. Guanabana was found pictured in the papers the next day with speculations of what she ate and of course, free publicity for the restaurant.

 

You would think that with a successful restaurant, he would be taking it easy and letting others do the work for him, but right now, his life revolves around Guanabana. When he does get his spare time, he enjoys having the tables turned and being accommodated for change. He will go to the Oyster Bar in Whiteleys, make observations, generate new ideas and most of all chill out.

 

As for the future, Omar plans to open another restaurant in East London to cater to the halal diners and its largely Muslim community. It would also work well in time for the 2012 Olympics. The concept would be based on Bintang, as it is an established restaurant of 20 years.  As for a Filipino eatery, Omar replied saying that he knows very well that he can not compete with his mother and aunts superb cooking skills (well said!).

 

Omar is proof that if you work hard on your goals and ideas, they can become a successful reality. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to:
- Set goals and to do your research!
- Speak to experts in the field of business you want to get into.
- Be aware that sacrifices will be made along.
- Always try to be positive and determined.
- Most of all work hard!

LDNmeetsMNL most definitely recommends that you dine at Guanabana, not just for its amazing food, but also for the great service.

We also wish Omar a Happy Anniversary for Guanabana’s successful first year… and continuous success for the future!

Guanbana Restaurant
85 Kentish Town Rd
London NW1
020 7485 1166
www.guanabanarestaurant.com

 

Opening Hours
- Mon - Thurs: 5.30pm - 11.30pm
- Fri – Sun: 12.30pm - 11.30pm

 

Posted on 10 April 2009 by Lani in Cuisine, Featured, Profile

Tagged camden, dining, guanabana, omar shah, restauranteur