If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to teleport from South Bank to a beachside rum shack in Trinidad—with a detour through Port of Spain’s bustling streets, a Chinese night market, and an Indian family cookout, LIMIN is calling your name. Helmed by the fabulous, larger-than-life Chef Sham Mahabir, LIMIN is more than just a restaurant, it’s a vibe. A full-blown cultural mashup with a side of doubles and a rum punch chaser – where Sham isn’t just a chef, he’s a culinary DJ.
Rocking up on an unseasonably rainy lunchtime, the menu is made to tickle any fancy – afterall, Caribbean food is undoubtedly feel-good food! Sham popped out to meet us before we ordered, which was a lovely touch and gave us some intel about the menu – with recommendations (as it was so large)!
From the national breakfast of Trinidad, Limin serves Doubles all day because why the heck not? These turmeric-spiced bara flatbreads are stacked with chana (curried chickpeas), topped with cucumber chutney, tamarind sauce, and just enough pepper to wake your ancestors. Street food royalty to get the party started! Closely followed by Freeta, which consisted of spinach and sweetcorn fritters spiked with garlic, coriander, fennel & cumin. Crisp, earthy, and utterly addictive. We knew we shouldn’t get too carried away with the starters, but mmmmm they were good!
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried The GOAT: Slow‑cooked goat in Trinidadian curry and green seasoning – I was informed it was totally succulent; I tried the Veggie curry option, which was bold and fragrant and greedily scooped it up with rice AND some of the flaky roti—which comes buss-up-shut style (so soft it looks like it’s been “busted up)”. Other sides are spicy and decadent plantain, salt and vinegar fries. Other temptations on the menu were Rib’d ribs, Granny’s chicken curry, mac n cheese and Mango and Citrus Slaw… But we’ve earmarked those for next time! We also sampled the fish special which was delectable, melt in the mouth salmon in a rich sauce which was almost too good to be true; but the secret weapon, for me, were the curried mussels. Served in a hot pot with crunchy garlic bread croutons to dip the delicious gravy, I almost couldn’t stop myself finishing them all!
As you might imagine, we didn’t have room for dessert! But the cocktails were divine! Rum so dangerously smooth as a lunchtime cocktail (non alcoholic breezers are available too). There’s a whole Caribbean carnival in each glass—whether it’s a sorrel daiquiri or a rum punch that tastes like sunshine.
With Limin meaning “chillin’ with flavour, vibin’ with culture and partyin’ with your plate” Sham has nailed it! It’s a love letter to Trinidad – hot, spicy and served up with a cheeky grin. Come for the food, stay for the good times and leave with a full belly and a new favourite dining spot.
For more information and opening times, check out LIMIN here
Perfectly located at Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP
Opening hours : Mon-Thu 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12–12am, Sun 1pm – 8pm