Restaurants

Memories of restaurants that cater to western travellers backpacking across Asia came rushing back as we pushed open the door of Café de Maya, and heard the wind chimes over the door and saw the book-shelves stuffed with all manner of travel memorabilia. The cooking itself is mostly Malaysian or Thai and the quality is hit-and-miss. We enjoyed our starters of spare ribs in a sweet sticky sauce, and spicy salty battered squid. Similarly, Singapore laksa was a good combination of thin silky rice noodles with strips of chicken and egg in a gentle coconut and chilli broth. Malay fish curry was less successful, featuring a sauce that tasted uncannily like the instant curries that are sold in Japanese supermarkets. Generous portions and friendly service made for a nice meal, but not really one to go out of the way for.

Time Out Cheap Eats in London Guide 2007