Busaba

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by Kat Parr Mackintosh (subscribe)

Young and coffee in varying degrees, Kat also says stuff @ThoroughlyMode

Published October 21st 2010

Busaba, or to give it its full name, Busaba Eathai, now has more than one branch in London, but there always seems to be a queue outside at regular meal times. Even if you walk from the one on Bird Street to the one on Store Street to avoid the queue, you'll just end up in another queue. You'll have the same problem if you head towards Wardour Street, that's the busiest branch.

This proves that a lot of people know how good Busaba is. It's fair to say that with this many regular fans that it's Thai fusion at its best. The menu is limited but what they do they do really well. The Thai calamari is light, crispy and leaves you wanting more of its delicious lightness. The Prawn pomelo on betel leaf is a flavour sensation, and the Chicken Satay and Pad Thai may not be as good as you had them in Thailand, but they're delicious by London standards.

The décor is simple – big, wooden communal square tables and benches in warm colours with equally warm lighting from hanging lights over the middle of each table. Which mean that you don't really mind that you're sharing a table with strangers. And to be honest those strangers are sitting quite a long way away.

There are a few complicated drinks, cocktails and mocktails, but the lists are short, as are the wine and beer lists. They also do a few great teas.

There's no booking system so the only way around the queues is patience or arriving early.

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