Julienest Gardens in Broadway, Barking restaurant review

Julienest Gardens is a Ghanaian restaurant blending traditional local dishes in a cool, laid-back, Instagram-friendly atmosphere.

This restaurant exudes a vibrant and stylish Ghanaian lounge-inspired aesthetic, blending contemporary flair with cultural elements.

The mustard-yellow and dark green tufted seating add a touch of luxury, while cascading Bolga baskets and abstract wall art create an Instagram-worthy vibe.

Dim lighting, paired with a DJ spinning the latest Afroswing anthems, fosters a cosy yet lively atmosphere, perfect for social gatherings or a relaxed date night.

Now let’s dive into the details. The main event. The food.

Inside Julienest Gardens (Image: Ivy Scarlett)

For starters we ordered some kebabs and vegetable spring rolls to share.

The kebab, a staple delicacy enjoyed by most Ghanaians back home and abroad, is a simple dish eaten before, during, and sometimes after a meal.

Our kebab appetisers were tender and succulent, and full of flavour with a peppery kick.

The vegetable spring rolls were warm and soft, and very tasty. A nice leveller after enjoying the spicy kebabs.

For my main course, I chose okra stew served with plain white rice.

While this isn’t the traditional way to enjoy okra stew, it’s a combination I’ve loved since childhood.

Okra, also known as okro, is a pod-producing plant from the malvaceae family and is widely used in west African and some east African cuisines.

The okra stew was described as a 'hearty' dish (Image: Ivy Scarlett) In Ghana, okra stew is typically paired with banku, a staple made from fermented corn and cassava dough.

This flavourful dish, often rich in spices and textures, is a cornerstone of Ghanaian dining.

The okra stew is the best part of this dish – packed with spices, pepper, and all the proteins you can think of – prawns, seafood, and red meat to name a few.

It is a hearty, filling dish, satisfying on all levels.

I really enjoyed my meal—I was pleasantly surprised.

Being Ghanaian, I have had the privilege of enjoying my native food for as long as I can remember.

One of my favourite dishes, prepared by my mum, was okra stew.

Julienest’s rendition of the traditional okra stew was exactly that: traditional.

Traditional in flavour, spices, pepper, and meat. The okra was boiled and blended to perfection, with just enough oil and the perfect balance of spices.

If you are a first-time okra eater, be warned—it’s not the easiest dish to consume due to its slippery consistency.

However, if you enjoy a hearty, flavour-packed, and filling meal, you’ll definitely want to give okra stew and banku a try at Julienest Gardens in Barking.

My visit to Julienest Gardens was a wonderful mix of nostalgia and discovery.

From the rich, traditional flavours of the okra stew to the warm and lively ambience, this restaurant offers an authentic yet contemporary experience.

If you’re in Barking and seeking bold, satisfying flavours in a cool setting, Julienest Gardens is a must-visit.