When top food critic Jay Rayner wrote a glowing review in The Guardian, you pay attention. That’s how we discovered Hooyos, Luton’s first Somali restaurant.
Opened about a year ago by the Abdi family, Hooyos (meaning “mother” in Somali) brings something different to Luton’s food scene.
Somali cuisine is a melting pot of flavours – we noticed Italian, Indian, and African influences. The menu offers plenty of variety, including lamb, chicken, and salmon dishes. There are also platters big enough to share if you’re dining with friends. And don’t forget dessert – we heard the tiramisu is a must-try.
For mains, we dove into the chicken suquaar – a dish of diced chicken pan-fried with peppers and onions. The chicken was bursting with flavour, leaving us wondering how we’d lived without Somali cuisine for so long.
But the real showstopper? The spiced spaghetti side dish. This isn’t your average pasta – it’s a game-changer that had our fork working overtime.
We also got to try Hooyos’ signature special sauce, offered complimentary. It was delicious with a bit of a kick – perfect for spice lovers. And to drink? A refreshing mango lemonade.
A word of advice: don’t come if you’re in a hurry. Everything’s cooked from scratch, which takes time. But it’s worth the wait.
One thing’s for sure – you won’t leave hungry. We practically rolled out of there in a food coma, pleasantly stuffed and already planning our next visit. The generous portions and rich flavours ensure you get your money’s worth and then some.
Rayner called it “a rather lovely restaurant.” We’d say that’s selling it short. Hooyos isn’t just lovely – it’s a must-visit. We even have a feeling this might become one of Luton’s top restaurants.
So, if you haven’t tried Somali food before, Hooyos in Luton is the place to do it.
Hooyos, 30 Guildford Steet, Luton LU1 2NR
Looking for more foodie spots in Luton? Check out some local favourites.
About the Author
Laura Redmond
Laura is a passionate supporter of the Step Forward Luton campaign and a Place Activation and Marketing Coordinator. Armed with a journalism degree and unwavering love for her university town, she believes there's more to Luton that meets the eye. From charity work to market management, Laura's professional journey has explored every corner of Luton. When she's not busy being a marketing maven, she's lacing up her walking shoes to explore the town's green spaces or unearthing Luton's hidden foodie gems.
