Have you ever thought that what most Asian restaurants are really missing is a bit of drag queen cabaret? Yeah, me too! Not Camden’s Gilgamesh however, who every Monday host Globe Girls, an all singing, all dancing drag show alongside their veritable selection of delicious Pan-Asian cuisine. Intrigued as to how this decadent combination would work, I got myself over to the restaurant, located in Camden’s infamous Stables Market, to check it out.

The Restaurant

As you ascend the escalator leading up to Gilgamesh, the restaurant is immediately impressive. Walls, bars and chairs are clad with Thai wooden carvings, giving the setting a traditional and extravagant feel. Despite visiting on a cold, recession doomed, January Monday, the restaurant was packed, and had a vibrant party atmosphere.

The Food 

Too often restaurants as visually impressive as this one can prove all mouth and no trousers when it comes to the food, but Gilgamesh’s varied menu of Dim Sum, Sushi, and Asian themed main meals, such as Hoba Miso Sea Bass, did not disappoint.

With writing a well rounded review (and a hungry belly) in mind, we ordered a few highlights from each. From the Dim Sum, steamed prawn har gau, and classic duck spring rolls were put to the test. The prawn har gau were deliciously plump and moist without being slimy, as steamed dim sum can be, and included juicy chunks of prawn rather than minced prawn. The duck spring rolls were fat and chunky having been filled with sizable slices of roast duck and cucumber. Served with rich Hoi Sin, these were truly delicious.

Representing the sushi menu, we went for some salmon nigiri and salmon and avocado filled salmon inside-out rolls. The salmon was fresh and sweet and even managed to convert my sushi-phobic dining partner to the raw stuff. Sushi can be ordered tapas style, or as a platter served impressively on a tray of dry ice!

Having polished off the Dim Sum and Sushi, we moved onto mains with best end of Asian spice lamb. The subtly spiced meat was cooked to pink perfection, and its richness perfectly complemented some simple fragrant rice.

All washed down with strong, yet refreshing cocktails, Gilgamesh’s food was an absolute treat.

The Globe Girls   

Of course the main attraction on a Monday, is the fabulous Globe Girls. Posing as ballerinas, vintage pin-ups and good old burlesque stars, the girls strut from stage to table-top, filling the restaurant with raucous revelry, and a party atmosphere which would brighten up the dullest Monday.

The Verdict

With a meal for two costing around £60 with drinks, Gilgamesh is not a ‘can’t be arsed to cook’ kind of place, but for wonderful food with a proper party vibe, it would be perfect for a birthday, celebration, or glamorous culinary pick-me-up. As for the Globe Girls, where else can you get drag with your dim-sum?!