Banana Tree West Hampstead

I love Banana Tree. It has only been a recent find but ive already frequented it far more than many places in my foodie address book. I would describe it as very Busaba but with much more choice and much more lively.

Selections range from variations on spring rolls, money bag chicken – mains are curries or fried rice dishes with your choice of meat. There are also a decent range of mains to choose from. My personal favourite is the chilli blackened pork with the nasi goreng, huge portions and absolutely delicious (though i am rather partial to fried rice). I have taken vegetarians here too and they have told me that they have never been somewhere where there has also been so much choice for them.

I have never yet had pudding there but no doubt its good – its just you end up feeling so full that you rarely have room. You potentially could pass on the starter too as the mains are so huge.

Staff at this branch have always been excellent – in fact, i was there once where there was a particularly rude couple sitting near by who were trying to scam a free meal. The manager dealt with them perfectly well whilst im sure most of the restaurant would have given them a smack given their rudeness. How i laughed as the whole place cheered when they left – but was very impressed at the staff not losing their rag.

I always use this as a cheapish option for dinner when you just want to relax and chat – its tasty food at a reasonable price.

The food was okay, but not as good as other Thai places around London. The service though was awful. The waiters were rude and it took a long time to get served.

The other problem was the restaurant itself. It was really noisy, which might have been because everyone was jammed in together, but it was also really hot.. I could barely hear the person next to me and had to yell at her all night just to be heard.

I'd go somewhere else.

Regards,
James