“ad” – Why is this here?

If you are a regular around Cherry Hinton Road, you will know the spot on Homerton Street where my beloved Damasbridge used to be. It is now home to Afandim, the first-ever Uyghur restaurant in Cambridge, and it is a brilliant addition to the city.

It is a short walk from the cinema complex on Cherry Hinton Road. If you are driving, be aware that parking is a bit tight – there are only about five spaces shared between the three restaurants out the front. You might get lucky, but otherwise, the cinema car park is your best bet.

What I really loved is how much they celebrate their heritage here.  Authentic outfits are mounted on the walls and traditional Doppa hats line the bar as a proud display of their culture. The lanterns add a colourful warmth to the atmosphere with throws lining the ceiling. They’ve done well with a large white room that would have lacked character otherwise.

The starters

We started with some seeded dumplings which look like little doughnuts. They are packed with minced beef, and are soft, warm, and flakey – a perfect little starter before the main course.

My chicken skewers were incredibly soft and tender. They come with a separate bowl of mixed spices so you can add that extra bit of oomph and flavour yourself.

Lamb ribs Leghmen

The star of the show for me was the spicy lamb ribs Leghmen. The lamb is served on the bone in small cuts, and it is absolutely beautiful – so soft and tender that you can just pick them up and suck the meat right off. They are served with hand-pulled noodles and a sauce made with garlic, tomato, and Chinese black vinegar that gives it a proper tangy kick.

The sharing platter

We also shared “The Big Plate”, and they aren’t joking – it is huge. It has a deep, comforting spicy glow to it, with soft potatoes that have soaked up all that rich flavour. It is a bit milder than the Leghmen since it lacks the extra chillies, making it a great shout if you want something hearty but not blow-your-head-off hot. (Though if you are a proper hot head, they do have Volcano noodles on the menu for you.)

A fine addition to Cambridge

I was gutted when Damasbridge closed, but honestly, Afandim is a decent replacement. It is not just about grabbing a bite; it is a proper experience from the minute you walk in and see the traditional outfits to that last bit of lamb you’re sucking off the bone.

If you’re bored of the usual spots and want something with a unique identity then get yourself down there. It’s tucked away and the parking is challenging but the food is worth it.

Cambridge’s food scene just got a little more diverse.

Watch the video of my experience here