Matthew Martin

Review of Mildreds in Dalston

A few weeks ago, I wrote about food writing and why I hate how we currently do it. You can read that here. However, whilst I do not like how it is currently done, sharing great food and foodie spots is important, so here is my no nonsense food review of Mildred’s in Dalston. I actually went to there a few months ago and thought I would share my experience. Yes, it’s a chain… but we have to start somewhere!

Mildreds in Dalston offers a dining experience that blends efficiency with a mixed bag of culinary delights. Here’s an account of my visit:

Service: The service at Mildreds was perfectly suitable, though our server seemed a bit low-energy and dismissive at times. Despite this, the food arrived fairly quickly, which was appreciated. However, the simultaneous arrival of all dishes—starters alongside mains—was less than ideal. While it’s enjoyable to share a table full of food, it would have been better to have starters arrive first, allowing us to savour each course in sequence. In short, bring all the starters together and then bring all the mains together.

Drinks: The ginger beer was a standout, offering a fresh and zingy refreshment that perfectly complemented the meal. The peach fizz was laclustre and the taste was quite mellow.

Food:

1. Spinach Gyoza: These were nice and fresh, especially when paired with the kimchi. However, they fell a bit flat in flavour. An infusion of extra ginger or mint could have elevated them with a touch of lightness and freshness.
2. Hummus: This was an excellent dish—smooth and light, with a wonderful crunch from the pine nuts and a kick from the chili oil. However, it was odd that the bread didn’t come with the hummus and had to be ordered separately for an additional cost.
3. Charred Aubergine Bharta: This dish was a highlight, featuring smoky and soft aubergine that was rich and satisfying.
4. Pineapple Som Gaeng: Truly fantastic, this dish was well-seasoned and well-balanced, with the sweetness of the pineapple and the crunch from the tenderstem broccoli creating a delightful contrast.
5. Salt and Pepper Bokkeumbap: Another strong offering, this dish was full of flavor and not too heavy. The only flaw was that the tofu lacked a pronounced salt and pepper flavor, which could have tied the dish together more cohesively and added a richness to the plate.

Presentation: The presentation of the dishes at Mildreds was truly spectacular—colorful, bright, and inviting. Each plate was a visual treat, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. The vibrant and amazing presentation enhanced the appeal of the food, making it as delightful to look at as it was to eat.

Price: The overall experience was reasonably priced at £75 for the meal.

In conclusion, Mildreds in Dalston delivers a mostly enjoyable dining experience with a few minor hiccups. The food generally impresses, and the presentation is a feast for the eyes, though there’s room for improvement in both flavor profiles and service dynamics.