Busaba Eathai

It’s always packed & always buzzing, so be prepared to wait in line for a table at Busaba’s Soho site. But with plenty of communal seating, it won’t be long before you’re neatly installed – perhaps squeezed in between lunching ladies, rowdy office groups or tourists. Speedy, well-drilled staff deliver dishes from an appealing menu: highlights include flavour-packed Thai calamari or grilled aubergine with coconut, chilli & mint to start, while duck mussaman curry with peanut, potato & onion is always a safe bet to follow. The calming, predominantly dark-wood interior is offset by wafts of incense as you enter, & there’s a comfortable, unfussy vibe that contributes greatly to Busaba’s popularity.