Salim's is the kind of no-frills grill and curry counter that Turnpike Lane does best — think East End curry cafe transplanted to north London, with sheek kebabs that are worth the trip alone. It's cheap, cheerful, and unapologetically fast-food, but the friendly service and generous portions keep locals coming back. Don't expect fine dining; expect a proper feed.
Juicy seven-inch lamb sheek kebabs and homely East End-style curries make this no-frills Turnpike Lane counter a north London local favourite.
Call ahead for takeaway orders during the evening rush — the counter gets busy and the curries are ladled from bins, so popular dishes can run low later in the day.
No-frills grill and curry counter with standout sheek kebabs
Salim's is one of those places that doesn't look like much from the outside but has been quietly feeding the Turnpike Lane crowd for years. It's essentially a fast-food grill and curry counter — the kind of spot you'd normally find further east in Brick Lane territory — and it fills a gap in north London with very little competition for miles. The curries are pre-cooked and ladled from counter bins, so they're not going to win any fine-dining awards, but they're passable, homely, and hit the spot when you want something quick and warming.
The real reason to come here is the lamb sheek kebabs — reviewers consistently call them out as juicy, generously sized (around seven inches), and properly grilled. Pair one with rice or naan and you've got a solid meal for not much money. The menu also covers grilled meats, fried calamari, and jumbo shrimp in white wine and garlic, so there's more range than your average kebab shop. Staff are friendly and service is fast, which makes it ideal for a quick lunch or a takeaway dinner.
It's not a place for a date or a long sit-down meal — the dining area is basic and the whole operation leans takeaway. But if you live nearby or you're passing through Wood Green and want a proper, no-nonsense feed without spending a tenner on a sandwich, Salim's delivers. The 4.8 rating on Tripadvisor from nearly 100 reviews tells you the regulars are happy, and that's who this place is for.