“Look at the state of that” – Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service host reacts to the food prepared by Dahlak

The hit FOX reality series Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service continues its run this summer, with its latest episode focusing on a 40-year-old Philadelphia restaurant called Dahlak. Known for serving traditional Eritrean cuisine, the family-run establishment has been a community staple for decades.

However, the episode revealed serious cleanliness concerns that prompted host Gordon Ramsay to step in. Observing the service through cameras, Ramsay remarked,

“Look at those chicken wings. Look at the state of that. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,”

highlighting the state of the food being served. The 'Dahlak' episode, season 1 episode 9, aired on August 13, 2025, and the show is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Inside Dahlak’s struggles and Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service's intervention

In the “Dahlak” episode of Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, Ramsay enters the Philadelphia restaurant unconventionally, as shown in an exclusive clip provided to FlickDirect. Rather than walking through the front door, the host used an unusual entrance to begin his mission. While this entrance brought some laughter, it was soon overshadowed by the larger issues inside the establishment.

Dahlak has been run by a widowed owner who has kept the restaurant operating for four decades, serving authentic dishes such as Dahlak Tibs, Zigni/Key Wat, and popular vegan options. While the food is rooted in family heritage, the episode revealed problems beyond the menu.

According to FOX’s description of the August 13, 2025, broadcast, evidence of cockroaches and dust-covered surfaces was discovered, requiring Ramsay’s intervention. His goal was to neutralize the vermin threat, address unclean kitchen habits, and prepare the owner’s children to eventually take over the business.

During the episode, Ramsay ordered food via phone to assess the quality and preparation methods.

“Right, I'm going to get some food in here. Cacio e pepe, a portion of wings, and then, of course…., Eritrean Cuisine, sent, thank you,” he said. Observing the kitchen through surveillance, he noted, “Those chicken wings are getting reheated in the air fryer, from the air fryer into the oven. It's crazy.”

Speaking about the menu on August 13, 2025, Ramsay stated,

“The menu gets all over the place. Ethan is desperate to move forward, but sadly, he's been doing it wrong. I think they're missing a big trick not serving derivatives from the traditional food. They should be doing dishes that are a spin on their mum's traditional cooking.”

The comment underscored Ramsay’s approach to modernizing without losing cultural authenticity. Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service is known for its mix of undercover observation and direct kitchen intervention.

In this case, the cameras revealed not only preparation issues but also the operational strain on a family business that has been a community fixture. FOX’s official outline for the August 13 episode emphasized that while Dahlak’s food remains a strong point, the kitchen’s condition and pest issues threaten its reputation.

Ramsay’s mission in this episode was not only to clean the kitchen and address pest control but also to involve the next generation in running the business. The episode showed his attempts to inspire the owner’s children to take an active role in maintaining the restaurant’s future. Without their participation, he warned, the same problems could reappear over time.

As with other installments of Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, the episode combined scenes of Ramsay confronting cleanliness issues with moments where he encouraged the staff to restore pride in their work.

The “Dahlak” episode of Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service concluded with a clear improvement plan. The kitchen was deep-cleaned, the pest problem addressed, and menu suggestions offered to align more closely with the restaurant’s Eritrean roots.

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Fans can stream Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service on Disney+ and Hulu.

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