The story
Mambow, at 78 Lower Clapton Road in London, is a Malaysian kitchen in Clapton that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2026, recognising good quality, good value cooking. It is a small independent room with extra space in a covered backyard, and the menu suits diners who like bold, direct flavours.
Abby Lee and Vanessa Fernandes lead the kitchen, and the Good Food Guide rates the restaurant Very Good for 2026. The menu is short and seasonal, with a rolling roster of dishes. Heat is the defining note, as the restaurant's own strapline, "Malaysian heat + Juicy wines", makes clear.
The Good Food Guide describes grilled celeriac skewers with persimmon sauce and stir-fried palourde clams seasoned with white pepper and chrysanthemum leaves. Grilled hogget rump arrives with mamak-style kari and green chillies, and coconut pandan rice is the usual side. Drinks include iced teas, ciders, natural wines and three cocktails developed with Malik Acid.
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good quality, good value cooking
Chef Abby Lee and Vanessa Fernandes have turned Mambo into a neighbourhood gem, aptly described by its strapline: ‘Malaysian heat + Juicy wines’. It remains a small-scale independent, with extra space in a covered backyard; maybe it’s a little scuffed and scruffy (with an edgy soundtrack to boot), but it is irresistible – especially if you get a kick from electrifying cooking and can survive without luxurious trappings. One of the thrills of eating here is the rolling roster of creative seasonal dishes on the short menu: you might find grilled celeriac skewers with persimmon sauce, ahead of stir-fried palourde clams seasoned with white pepper and chrysanthemum leaves or grilled hogget rump with mamak-style kari and green chillies. Coconut pandan rice is the go-to filler, while offbeat desserts might bring caramelised cassava cake. To drink, there are iced teas, ciders, a fistful of natural wines and a trio of cocktails (developed in collaboration with the guys at Malik Acid), which can take all those full-on, upfront flavours in their stride.
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