Restaurants

Traditionally decorated with heavy dark wood and gilded paintings, Tawana remains light and airy thanks to a window that spans the entire front façade. If you like people-watching, window tables offer a view of bustling Westbourne Grove. Looking inward, warm smiles and attentive service make for a charming dining experience. The menu contains a broad range of typical dishes and includes a page dedicated to vegetarian fare. Crisp corn fritters were lightly battered and beautifully sweetened by syrupy plum dipping sauce. A fresh and crunchy satay sauce accompanied skewers of pork, chicken and our choice of succulent grilled shiitake mushrooms. Mains were equally successful. Green curry with tender chicken strips and pea aubergines was not at all heavy, its sauce balancing coconut cream with fragrant stock. The fried tofu retained a silky centre and flavours of fresh ginger, chilli and spring onion could easily be discerned in a light oyster sauce. Exotic fruits and pumpkin custard were delivered to the table for our perusal. Rambutans, prettily decorated with orchids, were sufficient to finish a well-proportioned meal.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008