Shaek Zaman had always dreamt of opening his own cafe, and now his ambitions have been answered at The Meet Point in Summertown, thriving when we visit on a weekday lunchtime, no doubt because news of its delicious home-made Indian street food, cooked on the spot, is out.
Situated in work hub The Cluster, just off South Parade, you wouldn’t know it was there until you reach the pretty brick courtyard and its extensive garden, the coffee tuktuk and outdoor kitchen both hard at work.
Immediately ordering the lentil pakoras (£5) served with a piquant tamarind sauce before we’d even sat down, and some wonderfully spicy chai masalas, we sat at one of the covered tables and perused the rest of the menu
Served by Shaek, who told us about the premise and the dream, he also explained that his mother Zena made much of the food, then cooked on site, from recipes passed down from generation to generation. Zena worked at Aziz on Cowley Road during its heyday, so is well versed in hospitality.
And between them and Shaek’s Polish partner Aleksandra, who bakes the ever changing cakes and bakes, they’ve created a bustling mecca in a great location.
But onto the food – some sterling samosas (£6.50), lightly spiced and crispy and the vegetable biriyani (£12) which arrived looking fairly innocuous, almost like couscous, but one mouthful changed everything, all the flavours imbued, so many spices so much inherited moisture, it was absolutely delicious.
The tuna kebabs rather disintegrated but were tasty as hell, but it was the cheese paratha (£6.50) with dhal which really hit the spot (see main pic), the thick folded pancaked oozing with cheese as you pulled off each quarter and ripped it into the earthy lentil sauce.
There’s a big garden out the back, and on a summer day, it must be one of the most prized outdoor spaces in Oxford, but we were more than happy on our cushioned seats, sipping some incredible coffee, Shaek having his own Meet Point blend compiled by Jericho Coffee Traders with notes of chocolate, lemon, biscuits and nuts.
It hailed from an extensive coffee and drinks menu that included lassis, iced teas, milkshakes and hot chocolates, the liquid refreshments worth the trip alone.
The chocolate and the pistachio twists made by Aleksandra, certainly eased our passage home, enhancing the Meet Point‘s home-made, community vibe. As for the raspberry and white chocolate muffin, we’re still thinking about it.
And with plans for further sites in Oxfordshire already in the mix, Shaek’s own brand Indian street food looks set to take off.
In the meantime if you fancy an oasis of calm, a great retreat and some easy, quick, surprising and delicious food, then take a trip to South Parade and tuck in. Just don’t tell anyone because it’s one of Oxford’s best kept secrets.
The Meet Point is at 3-5 Middle Way, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7LH
