Photo: Nilay and Mehmet proudly present their Baklava French Toast masterpiece alongside their bestselling dish, showcasing the culinary brilliance of 215 Hackney.
Middle Eastern Cuisine With A Modern Twist
215 Hackney by Nilay Aydin offers Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine with creative flair, intimate ambiance, and extraordinary dishes like Shakshuka, Baklava French Toast, and Morning Palestine breakfast platter in Stoke Newington.
Mehmet and Nilay Aydin, a dynamic young couple and enterprising restaurateurs, have recently brought to life 215 Hackney—a Middle Eastern-inspired café that’s much more than just a place to eat. Opened a few months ago, this cosy spot in Stoke Newington has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Mrs Aydin, the head chef and culinary visionary, takes charge of the kitchen, crafting every dish with the warmth and authenticity of homemade food. Their dedication to quality and passion for hospitality has turned this intimate café into a hub of community and gastronomic artistry.
Before the food even arrives, 215 Hackney captivates you with its stunning interior design. The space is a harmonious blend of modern minimalism and vintage charm, accented by subtle Middle Eastern touches that make the ambience unique. From intricately patterned décor to thoughtfully curated art pieces, every detail of the café exudes warmth and sophistication. The layout strikes a balance between spaciousness and intimacy, with open seating complemented by secluded corners for a quieter experience.
Whether bathed in natural light during the day or softly illuminated in the evenings, the lighting creates a welcoming and cosy atmosphere. The combination of cleanliness, comfort, and thoughtful design ensures that dining here is not just enjoyable but memorable.
215 Hackney excels as a welcoming hub, combining inventive Middle Eastern dishes, thoughtful ambiance, and outstanding hospitality to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Shakshuka
The Shakshuka at 215 Hackney is a standout dish that bridges the gap between comfort food and culinary sophistication. Here, the familiar framework of eggs poached in a rich tomato and pepper sauce is taken to new heights. The eggs are cooked to perfection, their golden yolks adding a luscious richness to the velvety and robust sauce alive with the freshness of ripe tomatoes, aromatic peppers, and fragrant herbs.
The dish is elevated further by its thoughtful accompaniments: a toasted za’atar pitta bread sprinkled generously with spices, and a cooling dollop of lima yoghurt that provides a refreshing tang and cuts through the richness beautifully. Every bite is a harmonious interplay of creamy, chunky, and zesty textures, making the Shakshuka a crowd favourite that’s as satisfying as it is flavour-forward.
Morning Palestine
The Morning Palestine breakfast platter is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the depth and richness of Middle Eastern tradition. At its centre is the Jerusalem bagel, a sesame-crusted triumph that balances crispness with a soft, pillowy interior. Paired with homemade tahini butter and a drizzle of honey, it offers a delicious combination of nutty sweetness.
Golden fried eggs are sprinkled with sumac and black sesame seeds, creating vibrant, tangy accents to their richness. Persian olives, creamy organic feta, and smoky grilled halloumi impart layers of briny and savoury flavours, while the muhammara and hummus dips add bold, spiced undertones that tie the dish together. Fresh, hearty, and indulgent, this platter exemplifies the ethos of 215 Hackney: thoughtful dishes that celebrate tradition with a touch of modern flair.
Jerusalem Platter
The Jerusalem platter is a showstopper, especially for those seeking either traditional or plant-based options. Anchored by warm, fluffy homemade pitta, the dish features bold, luxurious dips such as feta hummus and smoky babaganoush. Boiled eggs and turmeric yoghurt add a comforting richness, while the vegan option with turmeric-scrambled tofu is equally impressive, offering flavour and texture without compromise.
The walnut dak dak salad introduces crunch and freshness to the platter, complemented by the briny juiciness of Nocellara olives. Together, these elements create a balanced and deeply satisfying meal that celebrates the versatility of Middle Eastern cuisine. The Jerusalem platter is a testament to Hackney’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition and creativity into one harmonious dish.
Baklava French Toast
A dish that’s as decadent as it is inventive, Baklava French Toast reimagines one of the Middle East’s most beloved desserts into a contemporary brunch centrepiece. A thick slice of brioche serves as the canvas for layers of pistachio cream, crispy filo shards, and a vibrant orange saffron drizzle. The result is a perfect marriage of soft textures, nutty richness, and floral brightness.
The visual presentation is stunning, with the saffron glaze draping over the fluffy brioche and crushed filo. Such a dish is ideal for sharing, as its indulgent nature works wonderfully as a communal dessert or celebratory treat. It’s the perfect embodiment of how 215 Hackney combines tradition and modernity to create memorable moments on the plate.
Beyond its exceptional food, 215 Hackney radiates heart and soul thanks to Mehmet and Nilay’s passion for hospitality. The café feels less like a commercial space and more like an extension of their home—warm, inviting, and infused with creativity. Whether you’re coming for a leisurely brunch or a special celebration, the duo’s attention to detail ensures every visit feels unique and welcoming.
Dining at 215 Hackney is an experience that transcends eating; it’s a journey through flavours, traditions, and craftsmanship. From the bold Shakshuka to the playful Baklava French Toast, each dish is a testament to Mrs Aydin’s skill and ingenuity. This café is a shining example of why Stoke Newington has become a foodie haven. Whether you’re here for comfort food or to explore culinary artistry, 215 Hackney delivers on every front. Highly recommended for anyone looking to savour Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in a cosy and stylish setting.
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