Banana Tree

This steadily expanding Wagamama-style chain offers superb-value Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese food in a modishly spartan, semi-communal environment. The varied menu offers very good set-price deals for stir-fries that you can make up yourself, and for set meals in which you choose your preferred main course to accompany rice, glass-noodle salad, prawn crackers and thai-style corn fritters.

Warned about long queues, we went early in the evening and found one whole side of the large room all but empty. As a result, service was prompt and attentive. Starters of pork and prawn dumplings and lamb and lettuce wrap were both very tasty. We were sorely tempted by the singapore laksa but went instead for blackened chilli pork, and ginger chicken with mushrooms, the latter accompanied by a good bowl of jasmine rice. Both were nicely flavoured and satisfying.

With two beers and some fizzy water, our meal for two came to an equally satisfying £42, including service. In an area lacking good budget options, Banana Tree Canteen is welcome. Local office workers should check out the express lunch menu.