Silk Road Cafe, Dublin Castle.

Review

I had been meaning to go here for ages. I know Ibrihim for years, ever since he owned the local fruit and veg shop near my home, and a more friendly and charming man you couldn't meet. He also stared to stock some more adventurous products in his shop and such was his success that even my Mother started to show an interest in vine leaves and dates. So a trip to Silk Road was always on the cards, and I had heard it was great, just a pity it took so long to get there.

I arrived at Dublin Castle after a hectic morning of meetings and hooked up with my friend Denis Walsh, who has recently started to help out with this site. We walked around the castle towards the Chester Beatty Library and I was struck by how quiet the castle is compared to the hustle and bustle outside. The Silk Road Cafe is situated at the entrance to the Chester beatty library. The entrance hall is a lovely light and airy skylit atrium and there are some tables in this area. Inside the cafe the tables a well spaced out and the food is served from behind a counter, so it's pretty much self service.

The food is centered around middle eastern and Mediterranean favourites and includes moussaka, curries, falafels, lebanese chicken and a range of salads that are exotic as they are delicious. I chose the lamb moussaka (there is also a vegetarian version, and indeed several other veggie options) while Denis had the lemon chicken. Both are served with salads of your choice and between us we had tabbouleh and houmous, stuffed vine leaves and chickpeas and lentils. The portions are generous and the freshness jumps off the plate. The moussaka was excellent and Denis's lemon chicken succulent and so well marinated. The clientele are a mixture of tourists and office workers, and on this day a group of African students who were playing their guitar softly and singing African folk music while they chatted.

The Silk Road Cafe is a joy. Not only is the food fabulous, butthe prices will knock you out. The main courses cost €9.95 and a jug of water meant our bill was less that €20.00. It is a while since I ate out so well at this value. Silk Road cafe is open Tuesday to Friday 10-4.30, Saturday 11-4.30 and Sunday 1-4.30. Next time lunch in town is on the cards, check it out, you won't be disappointed.