Shah, who is behind the London-based Filipino restaurant business that operates brands including Ramo Ramen and ice cream parlour Mamasons, will open Hoodwood on Kentish Town road this week.
Inspired by Shah’s Caribbean Smokehouse Guanabana, Hoodwood will be located close by on the site that was previously home to West African and Caribbean restaurant Moi Moi Island.
It will serve a menu focused on slow cooked meats prepared over an open flame, with dishes to include jerk chicken, curry lamb, oxtail, and smoked chicken wings. Meats will be served with plantain as well as the option of rice and peas or jollof rice.
Also on the menu will be Hoodwood’s patty pies filled with jerk chicken, beef, lamb or vegetables served with mash and jerk gravy, and bowl food options such as jerk Caesar salad and jerk mac n’ cheese.
In addition, Maginhawa Group will open Cafe Mama and Sons next door to Hoodwood.
Launching on 12 April, the new cafe will take inspiration from Filipino bakeries and blend it with Japanese flavours.
Dishes will include sandos made with Filipino pandesal dough with fillings to include corned beef; mushroom adobo; tuna; and egg mayo .
Pastry and baked goods will also be on offer, including ensaymada - a classic Filipino sweet bread topped with buttercream and cheese - and honey toast.