Tampopo

With five other locations now noodling along, this basement South-East Asian restaurant in stately Albert Square has the air of a battle-worn survivor. Famed for ultra-quick (if not terribly sympathetic) service, it’s smaller & less cynical than its rivals. Star dishes from the open kitchen include health-giving ramen soups, pad Thai with plenty of crunchy roasted peanuts, & potent green & red curries. Prices aren’t high, but the ‘Eastern Express’ menu – which runs from lunchtime through to early evening – is outstanding value from £6.95.