HSE Gourmet has been around for a minute. Though it’s not a new restaurant, they’ve managed to keep the momentum going over the years they’ve been in operation.
The first time I heard of HSE was through my brother about five years ago. He kept raving about a place that served home- cooked meals. Then he bundled us there on a sunny day in December to try out the food. By us, I mean, my sisters and sister-in-law. Then, they were still situated on Fola Osibo/Emma Abimbola Cole.
According to Wikipedia, Gourmet may describe a class of restaurant, cuisine, meal or ingredient of high quality, of special presentation, or high sophistication. Honestly, I’ve never understood the hype about HSE Gourmet. However, It’s a fav for the boujee and heavy foreign accent speaking Lagos elite.
HSE Gourmet is situated at Babatope Bejide Crescent in Lekki. I’ve stopped by the restaurant twice this year for a meal, and here’s what I think of the spot.
AMBIENCE
The restaurant has two indoor sitting areas; downstairs and upstairs. I’ve never sat downstairs, and I don’t know if people do. Upstairs is just more ideal. It’s a minimalist setup, which is great. Upstairs, the main sitting area has simple chairs and a high seats, while the inner section has bench seats and glass windows with a view of the road. I wish the sitting arrangement was different because they could have done more with the space.
MENU
Their menu at HSE Gourmet is unique because and won’t easily find their main dish options at most restaurants. While some meal prices are fair, some are equally outrageous. The menu is split into eight categories, so there’s a lot to choose from. However, I struggle with choosing what to eat every time because I wish they had more healthier meal options.
WHAT WE ATE
This section will feature meals from the two times I’ve been this year.
The prawn cakes tasted like bean cakes with prawn pieces in it. I didn’t love it, and I didn’t hate it either.
The chicken wings were really Asian style. My lunch date; Chidimma didn’t love them because they were dry. I thought they were decent though because I ate four pieces LOL.
I didn’t have the penne pasta, but my friend loved it. He eats the same meal every time he’s at HSE, and he swears it has never tasted bad.
The braised ribs were tender but weren’t the best I’ve ever had. The mash was served cold.
The roast beef panini was perfect. I ate it all and the chips on the side as well. I believe it’s hard to miss with sandwiches and wraps.
The menu says The Mediterranean Mixed Grill takes 40 minutes to be ready but Chidimma didn’t have to wait for long. It’s a stir fry of chicken, beef and veggies covered with naan. In her words—”It was really good”.
SERVICE & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
The service has been decent every time I’ve been to HSE Gourmet. The waiters always hang around upstairs and do their best to make your time at the restaurant enjoyable.
DAMAGE
Prawn Cakes ~ N4,550
Crispy Chicken Wings ~ N3,600
Penne Pasta ~N5,700
Braised Ribs ~N7,000
Beef Panini ~ N4,000
Mediterranean Mixed Grill ~ N7,000
The restaurant adds a service charge bills, which includes VAT and consumption tax.
If you’ve been to HSE Gourmet, share your honest opinion below.
P.S. this is not a sponsored post. All opinions expressed were not influenced.
Mariam Shittu
MARIAM SHITTU 
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