Busaba Eathai - Chelsea, London

We went on a Saturday night (around 7pm). The time is relevant because thereafter the queues got ridiculous.

I walked in and wanted to walk out, not because of the decor (dark wood, some incense burning, Soy Sauce, Sriracha and Fish Sauce already on the table) but because of the seating. The place comprises of square tables where everyone sits together. So you turn up for your 2 year anniversary to have some dinner with your partner and find yourself sitting next to utter strangers. Not ideal.

We were lucky however as we chose the window seats. Yes we were sitting next to each other facing the window (which looked on to passing traffic going down the King's Road) but at least it felt a bit more private.

We had three starters (which on the menu they oddly refer to as sides). The Calamari with Ginger and Peppercorns (£6.50), the Morning Glory (a type of green bean with a difference) that came in a sauce made from Yellow Bean, Thai garlic and chilli (£5.80), and Pandan Chicken (chicken with garlic and coriander wrapped in a Pandan leaf £5.50).

The Calamari was one of the best I've ever had. They weren't rings but rather thick strips coated with a delightful crust. It was a hearty portion too. The Morning Glory was to die for. The sauce was absolutely fantastic. When we ordered it the waiter warned us it was spicy but we love very very hot food so of course we went for it. I was surprised when i saw whole Birdseye chillies in it. It was at our level of hot, finally a place that fulfils their promise. The chicken in the Pandan leaf was nice, but I probably wouldn't order it again as it was small and a bit hard to unwrap.

For our main I had the Char-grilled Chicken with Spicy Cucumber Salad and Sticky Rice (£9.90). I'd  say it was a bit of a let down after our starters. The rice was far too glutinous, the salad a little tired. I didn't much rate the sauce it came with either. The chicken was simply grilled. Good quality but all it was was a piece of chicken. Eddy had the Smoked Chicken with Vermicelli Noodles, Chinese Broccoli and Egg (£6.90). At first Eddy thought his main was only slightly above average, I certainly couldn't taste the advertised smokiness in the Chicken. It was however good, especially once adapted with some Soy Sauce, Morning Glory drippings left over from our starter, and a little sprinkling of Birdseye chillies.

I asked to see the dessert menu at the end but they only served ice cream. I opted out as it was brutally cold outside. I'd certainly go back for that Calamari.

Busaba Eathai

A solid 10/10 for the Calamari and Morning Glory. 7/10 for the mains.

358 King's Road

London SW3 5UZ

0207 349 5488
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