For thirty years, Mangal 2 has been a cornerstone of East London’s vibrant dining scene. A family-run institution founded by Ali Dirik and now helmed by his son, Ferhat, the restaurant’s story is one of resilience, community, and deeply rooted culinary passion. We sat down with Ferhat to talk about the history of Mangal 2, its East London home, and what’s next for one of the capital’s best-loved restaurants.
Ali opened the original Mangal Ocakbasi in 1990. Four years later, with dreams of offering more seats and an even broader menu, he opened Mangal 2 just around the corner. It wasn’t just about growth—it was about showcasing the diversity of Anatolian cuisine, going beyond the limits of the first restaurant.
Why East London? For Ali, the answer was simple: community. “North-East London made sense because there was a huge population of Turkish and Kurdish immigrants living and working here,” Ferhat explains. Back in the ‘90s, Hackney’s textiles factories were bustling, and with them came a wealth of people bringing their culture, stories, and food.
Fast forward to today, and Ferhat’s love for the area has only grown. “I’ve only ever lived in East and North-East London- barring my uni years and a two-year spell in Essex- and it’s where I consider home,” he says. “The community of Hackney is one of resilience, acceptance, cultural wealth, and eccentricity. I feel I belong here more than anywhere else in the world.”
East London is no stranger to change, and Mangal 2 has witnessed it all. “It’s economically both richer and poorer,” Ferhat observes. “There’s been an influx of new builds and investment in public spaces, but also a growing disparity between long-term working-class locals and gentrifiers who have moved here.” That tension is palpable, but Ferhat’s view remains balanced. “It’s considered ‘cooler’ than before,” he notes. “It’s become an aspirational place to live and hang out, whereas historically it was viewed with caution.” Through it all, Ferhat sees East London’s heart in its independent businesses: “Restaurants, community centres, breweries, caffs… and Ridley Road Market, staying the same.”
Of course, at the heart of Mangal 2 is food. And while its dishes have earned critical acclaim, Ferhat keeps things refreshingly simple when describing his favorites. “Our sourdough pide is unmatched. Our tahini tart is iconic,” he says. “But my favorite is our humus, made with smoked chickpeas- a thing of beauty.” Mangal 2’s menu celebrates Anatolian cuisine with the same spirit Ali envisioned three decades ago, balancing tradition with innovation and keeping every dish anchored in quality.
While many restaurateurs might be tempted to expand, Ferhat’s plans are decidedly more grounded. “Nothing,” he says. “I am happy and content with my lot. I don’t care for expansion, and I don’t want ‘more.’” For Ferhat, the focus remains on the here and now: serving the community, maintaining the quality and soul of Mangal 2, and staying independent in an increasingly corporate world. “We’re not backed by angel investors, sugar daddies, empathetic landlords, government grants, or Swiss bank accounts. Just one family; one business.”
Mangal 2 isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reflection of East London itself. It’s a place where history, culture, and community come together, served with a side of smoked humus and sourdough pide. If you would like to support Mangal 2 then simply visit, eat, and spread the word. You can follow them on social media at @mangal2restaurant.