Mangosteen

After the usual tome-like lists, it’s a relief to find a cleverly pared-down menu of about a dozen crowd-pleasing pan-Asian starters & mains at this (mostly) Vietnamese restaurant. The chef has brought his creativity to bear on the enticing menu, & it’s the dishes from his home country of Vietnam that come out top, including fresh spring rolls, stuffed with tiger prawns & spiked with lemongrass & aromatic herbs, as well as a classic pho (noodle soup). The scattering of Thai dishes (tom yum soup, green or red curry), plus Malaysian laksa & fried noodles, are also worth ordering. Brick red walls & stylish black & white prints of Vietnamese street scenes create a welcoming atmosphere, as does the friendly owner who knows his wine & will happily make recommendations.