Chesham: Abra Kebab Ra review on zero-rated restaurant

On December 18, 2023, it was revealed that Abra Kebab Ra in Chesham had received a zero food hygiene rating following a recent inspection.

A couple of weeks later on January 4, we published another article explaining WHY a score of zero was given, and it wasn’t pretty reading.

In a nutshell, the kebab shaving machine was ‘dirty and clogged with grease,’ the aprons were not cleaned, raw chicken was left in a sink, and staff members were reportedly not washing their hands.

The numerous reviews left on Google marry up with the FSA [Food Standards Agency’s] findings, so one can say that the negative feedback is justified.

So you would think this would be one place to avoid…but we decided to try out the Broad Street venue to see for ourselves.

A strange phone call, visiting the shop and first impressions

I wanted to go in with a clear mind despite all the negative reviews (and believe me, there are many on Google), as well as the two reports my colleague, Eleanor Burleigh, had published.

But even from the start, there were barriers to face.

Abra Kebab Ra is based along Broad Street in Chesham (Image: NQ)

I rang up on January 16 to give my order, and the gentleman down the line seemed confused that someone had called.

What made it strange was that I was midway through saying what I wanted, when he inexplicably interrupted me to say that I needed to call back in 25 minutes to give my order again, as he was ‘just a chef’.

Trying to ask why that was necessary, he just ended the call.

It seems they also need to work on their customer service.

Anyway, I drove to Chesham from our Loudwater office and upon entering the vicinity, the first thing I saw was the ‘Just Eat’ food bags that were left to one side and they didn't look very clean.

A sign that doesn't match their testimonials/reviews on Google (Image: NQ)

Other than that, the shop floor looked reasonably OK – nothing out of the ordinary.

When I eventually met the person behind the counter, (I don’t know if it was the same person who I spoke to over the phone), who seemed friendly enough, he took my order.

A lamb kebab with salad, chips, some onion rings and a drink – a relatively basic meal.

So as I waited to see how the food was cooked, I was told that no card payments were used, only cash.

This too seemed odd as many other kebab shops in Buckinghamshire take both methods of payment.

It was a shaky start based on my first impressions.

The preparation of food

Due to it being a cash-only shop (they do take card payments through their website), I ran across the road to take out some money before returning.

Frustratingly, this meant I missed him slicing the kebab meat, but I saw something that made my jaw hit the floor.

The menu showcasing what food they have on offer (Image: NQ)

A big bag of frozen chips was pretty much lying on the kitchen floor, and these were the ones he put in the fryer for me to eat.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but frozen chips should belong in…I don’t know…a freezer?

Not on the same workspace where people are walking around with mud-stained trainers.

That was a huge eye-opener and told a tale of how they produce their food.

The food itself

I decided to trek back to Loudwater so my colleagues could see what the meal looked like together, as I hadn’t opened the polystyrene containers containing the concoction that had been rustled up.

One thing I will say was that the lettuce was incredibly pungent as I headed back to the office…a trait that lettuce is not known for as it stunk up my car.

The food didn't look great and it didn't taste great (Image: NQ)

Anyway, after reaching BFP HQ, I showed my fellow reporters, Eleanor Burleigh and Daisy Waites, the meal and it’s fair to say that none of us were pleased with its presentation.

Of course, something may not look great but it could taste fantastic, but sadly, this wasn’t the case.

The chips were at the bottom of the container which meant they had absorbed all the juices, grease, oil and sweat from the meat, making them incredibly damp, soggy, and upon tasting it…bland.

The lamb meat was very spicy and the first initial bite was quite promising, but as time went on, you could feel the sweat and taste the oil.

I understand that kebabs are not healthy, but it was like eating surplus fat.

The strips were too long, some were a different colour to others, whilst the vegetables that had been included didn’t look great either.

The onion rings, whilst looking nice, were awful.

They weren’t crispy, were very tasteless and the exterior felt like rubber.

Verdict

Overall, I felt disgusted eating it. 

This might sound over the top as there are millions out there who are sadly not fortunate enough to eat a hot meal, but this could easily make someone ill.

I'll admit, I didn't feel 100 per cent after having this meal, and I can see why they have had negative feedback whilst also failing a food inspection.

It’s a shame because every town deserves to have businesses that genuinely care about their customers, and it seems that Abra Kebab Ra couldn't give two hoots.

What next?

When I spoke to the person who prepared my food, he seemed very relaxed about their bad reputation.

He even had a wry smile.

I asked him why they got a zero food rating (even though I knew), and he told me in very broken English that it was down to ‘the books’, indicating an accountant issue when we all know this isn’t the case.

I believe their days are numbered as bad press, plus bad food, plus bad testimonials, plus an awful food hygiene score pretty much tells the tale of this fast-food restaurant.

So proceed with caution if you want to try this establishment.