Busaba – a taste of Thailand in the heart of London
Having been to the buzzing hubbub of Bangkok itself, we were more than ecstatic to learn of the new opening of Busaba, bringing the taste of the Thai Capital to Eastcastle Street. Just off Oxford Street, the chain’s newest opening brings the tastes, flavours and aromas of the vibrant Asian city whilst indulging in fresh and zingy dishes and delicious contemporary cocktails.
We were lucky enough to head to the launch and experience the menu firsthand for ourselves. Unlike other chains, Busaba encapsulates the charms and feel of a single, family run business. It is reliable, the food is delicious and it is charming, with a real feel of care, of passion and of love. On launch night, the restaurant was packed, the visitors and wine flowing steadily throughout the evening and the design of large communal tables meaning it was capable of handling the crowd. Not only this, but it also allows for a party atmosphere, where you can not only catch up with old friends, but meet new ones too.
The interior itself is diverse, creative and cosy, representing the modern day Bangkok. Two of Bangkok’s most recognisable street artists Alex Face and Rukkit have had their graphic street art displayed within the restaurant and on the menus, bringing a fresh and contemporary vibe, whilst a temple wall with gold, brass, timber and Thai brickwork adds a classic twist.
The food itself is both great value and very tasty, with a whole array of fragrant flavours and colourful offerings curated by Executive Chef Jude Sangsida. Their Thai calamari in particular is a real winner, with zingy ginger and green peppercorn it’s flavoursome enough to give your tastebuds a treat without being overwhelming. Another firm favourite is their fragrant fried chicken – lightly spiced and with a delicious chilli lemongrass sauce it’s ideal as a small plate to share with the table or as a starter to whet your palette for the main course.
This in itself is a delicious treat and whether you opt for a number of small plates, a curry or something from the best of Busaba menu, you won’t be disappointed. I tried their Songhkla beef curry – a slow cooked beef red curry with cherry tomato, banana pepper and jasmine rice. The meat was tender and juicy and the sauce smooth, creamy and with a cheeky kick. (Warning: This is a fiery dish so if you’re adverse to spice it’s best to avoid. If you’re a spice lover, it’s one of the best hot curries I’ve tried and well worth a taste!) Other curries on offer include the mussaman duck with star anise and Jungle chicken with Thai aubergine. Other Thai specialities include a sizzling pad thai (utterly divine) and a delicious Bangkok king prawn stir fry.
To counteract some of the heat and complement the Thai ingredients and flavours, Busaba has a whole range of delicious tipples to wash your meal down with. There is a vast selection of Asian beers (including Chang, Thailand’s most famous beer) and Thai spirits, as well as some yummy cocktails. The Asian Mojito, made with kaffir lime leaves is a real refresher and the Guava Bellini, something I’ve never tried before, is also a deliciously sweet choice of tipple. Plus, every Thursday you can enjoy 2-1 cocktails all day so it’s well worth a visit for a pre-weekend treat!
There is a lot of stigma around chain restaurants, but Busaba throws all of these out of the water. Staff are attentive, the atmosphere is electric and the food utterly divine. There is no pretentiousness, no ‘plastic tasting’ food, no drab feel to the air. Pricing is reasonable, particularly for the area of London and the menu is varied enough to offer something for everyone, yet not so much so that love is lost between the sheer number of menu offerings.
We can’t wait to go back.
52-53 Eastcastle St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8ED
For more information and to book, go to : http://www.busaba.com/london-food
