An Instagram cult seafood sensation has blessed South London with flavour and I’m here for it

Review | Food & Drink

February 22nd, 2020, 5:30pm

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

All Photography: Aaliyah Harris

Attention all foodies, Trap Kitchen’s mouth-watering and unmatchable combos will leave you dribbling, (yes, really).

The social media business was founded by entrepreneur Prince Owusu in 2016 and ran as a takeaway out of his mum’s flat in Camberwell.

After featuring on BBC’s Million Pound Menu show, the first joint opened in Manchester and a new branch re-opened on December 30th, 2019, in Balham.

Outside, the sign glows in red and white fluorescence lights. Distinctive panel windows mimic cage bars, there’s cartoon artwork and if that doesn’t stand out enough, a slightly broken phone box hangs on the wall, adding to the aesthetic.

Inside it’s like Doctor Who’s, TARDIS with a spacious back room filled of edgy, studio style booths. Furniture is laid-back and dressed in velvet. Although you’re away from the bar it allows privacy and only causes problems when you need a server’s attention.

Music is noisy but creates a chill, party vibe. The playlist includes rap, drill, R&B and trap without swearing filters. It’s a non-judgemental place to unwind.

Celebrities Jourdan Dunn, A$AP Rocky and Stormzy have all shown their support.

Despite having over 113K followers on Instagram, they still don’t operate a website and post information about their daily menu on Instagram or Snapchat

Trap Kitchen brings you affordable homestyle cooking in a dining experience like no other.

The menu had three choices which didn’t include their signature ‘Baller’s Combo’, so I opted for something even more… YUM!

The Bucket (£40), includes two snow crab clusters or lobster tails, five bang bang prawns, mac n cheese, two buttered corns, egg, oreo topped waffle and dip.

Service was quick and this messy-eat experience isn’t for those afraid of a few grease stains or sauce splatters.

The lobster was succulent and meaty, but a little too firm. The garlic and herb dip complimented the flavour, but the showstopper were the buttery prawns, tender, perfectly crisped and drizzled in a zingy sauce.

The salty egg worked with the sweet taste of the soft and juicy corn. I wouldn’t call the pasta macaroni cheese as there wasn’t much cheese, but it had a spicy kick. The Belgian waffle with syrup was light and not too sugary.

Reasonably priced food came with expensive drinks. For less than a pint of coke, full of ice it costs £3 and a single spirit with mixer is £6.50.

Even so, the meal was delicious, seasoned with care and their ethos of hard graft, nostalgia and quality food remains intact.