Based in Holborn, this tucked away restaurant is a hidden gem. So much so, that it is easy to walk past it’s entrance, having done so myself numerous times. Once you find it, so authentic is the ambiance of this place, that as you walk in, you feel like you are in Hong Kong already! This place is adorned with beautiful Chinese lanterns, dark wood and bright red furnishings and spectacular interior design in general; very in tune with Chinese tradition. The dim lighting adds to the overall atmosphere.
The staff is friendly, very welcoming and polite and it’s worthwhile booking early so that you can request one of the more secluded, corner tables for added privacy, especially as this place gets full pretty quickly.
In so far as the food is concerned, there are a plethora of menus from which to choose the dishes that are going to set your taste buds on a journey of adventure! I, personally, have only eaten from the 'a la carte' menu and the dim sum menus and I can assure you, every dish chosen hit the spot! Really flavourful dishes, it must be said.
So, if you like Chinese food, or even if you don't, do go and try this place as it will convince you start liking Chinese cuisine. :) As always, let me know how you rate it!
'Til next time, my friends...
Bon appétit! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday 13 September 2012
Sunday 9 September 2012
Crostata fragole at Princi, London.
Super delicious and refreshing too! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday 6 September 2012
Princi, Wardour Street, London.
Initially established as a bakery in Milano, Italia, this wonderful deli has found its place amongst the best in London as well. I was first introduced to this place by a friend of mine who studied in Milan and raved about Princi; so it was decided, we would try this place out. A fantastic place to go to after a full day of gallivanting around London, may I add! :) The food is excellent!
As you walk into this lovely deli, there is a pizzeria restaurant with a traditional stone oven to your left and the bakery/deli lies in front of you, waiting for all of your senses to be tantalised! The atmosphere is inviting, sophisticated and informal; one can smell the aroma of the freshly baked breads, the wafts of authentically brewed, fresh, Italian coffee, the deliciously coloured desserts are beautifully visible to the eye and there's a vibrant air to this place with the sound of laughter and conversation from people enjoying themselves. On top of that, if you are into your interior design, this place does not fail to please; there is a row of tap fountains on the right wall where you can eat while sitting on high stools.
I have been there many times since I was first there, as you can imagine, and I would highly recommend the breadsticks embedded with fresh green olives, the coffee, the canoli, the strawberry cake (crostata fragole, I believe it's called) and the salads. I would also eat at the pizzeria where the pizzas are just divine!
So go and give the place a try; just turn up, they don't take reservations... and let me know how you enjoyed it!
'Til next time, amici! ... :)
Buon appetito! Ciao! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
As you walk into this lovely deli, there is a pizzeria restaurant with a traditional stone oven to your left and the bakery/deli lies in front of you, waiting for all of your senses to be tantalised! The atmosphere is inviting, sophisticated and informal; one can smell the aroma of the freshly baked breads, the wafts of authentically brewed, fresh, Italian coffee, the deliciously coloured desserts are beautifully visible to the eye and there's a vibrant air to this place with the sound of laughter and conversation from people enjoying themselves. On top of that, if you are into your interior design, this place does not fail to please; there is a row of tap fountains on the right wall where you can eat while sitting on high stools.
I have been there many times since I was first there, as you can imagine, and I would highly recommend the breadsticks embedded with fresh green olives, the coffee, the canoli, the strawberry cake (crostata fragole, I believe it's called) and the salads. I would also eat at the pizzeria where the pizzas are just divine!
So go and give the place a try; just turn up, they don't take reservations... and let me know how you enjoyed it!
'Til next time, amici! ... :)
Buon appetito! Ciao! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday 30 August 2012
Busaba Eathai (chain of Thai restaurants in London, mainly)
http://busaba.com/
I was first introduced to this place by my university friends in the summer of 2006. As I walked in, it looked like a very casual, dining venue so I did not really expect very much. To it's credit, its interiors are very contemporary; wooden floors and walls with small but beautiful pools of floating, lit candles along with floating lotuses in the reception area, however, it still maintains a distinct Thai feel to it.
The seating is also casual, fitting as many as 12 people on each giant table so chances are you get to eat with people that you don't know although this is never a negative; I see it as a great chance to potentially get to know new people! :) With it's vibrant, informal atmosphere, quick service and delicious food, this place is well worth a visit if you like Thai food.
My favourites are the Pad Thai, the Pad Thai Jay, the Chilli Prawn, the Geng Gari Gai, the Por-Pia Jay and the Sticky Rice. As you see, I have been there many times! Give it a try and let me know what your favourite dishes are...
'Til next time, amigos...
Bon appétit and enjoy! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
I was first introduced to this place by my university friends in the summer of 2006. As I walked in, it looked like a very casual, dining venue so I did not really expect very much. To it's credit, its interiors are very contemporary; wooden floors and walls with small but beautiful pools of floating, lit candles along with floating lotuses in the reception area, however, it still maintains a distinct Thai feel to it.
The seating is also casual, fitting as many as 12 people on each giant table so chances are you get to eat with people that you don't know although this is never a negative; I see it as a great chance to potentially get to know new people! :) With it's vibrant, informal atmosphere, quick service and delicious food, this place is well worth a visit if you like Thai food.
My favourites are the Pad Thai, the Pad Thai Jay, the Chilli Prawn, the Geng Gari Gai, the Por-Pia Jay and the Sticky Rice. As you see, I have been there many times! Give it a try and let me know what your favourite dishes are...
'Til next time, amigos...
Bon appétit and enjoy! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday 23 August 2012
Imli Restaurant
http://www.imli.co.uk/
It is a well known fact that the celebrated 'Indian curry' is a part of the British staple diet with Chicken Tikka Masala (a choice often at the top of the list) being especially made for the British public (by the way, no such dish exists in India even today :) ). The dish has become so famous here that it is even sometimes thought of the national dish of Britain.
When one conjures up the idyllic image of a 'curry', one pictures a super spicy, gravy ladened, fiery and indigestible dish often accompanied by poppadoms, chutneys, raitas, rice and an assortment of Indian breads. Of course, real Indian food comes in a variety of types that is comparable to the number of dialects in India (there are well over 1000!).
Imli Restaurant based on Wardour Street in London, however, has taken a completely novel stance of serving delicious, Indian food; as well as offering a limited selection of the 'traditional' Indian dishes offered at Indian restaurants in the UK, they are more interested in promoting refreshing, a la mode, Indian street food, tapas style!
While you are there, definitely try the Paani Puri, the Pav Bhaji, the Samosa Chaat and the Kheema Pav is excellent too. The Tandoori Lamb Chops and Tandoori Prawns were delightful and the Fig and Ginger ice cream was amazing as well! Very refreshing indeed!
The restaurant has a lively and buzzing atmosphere and generally, the customer service, I found, was very good. All in all, a lovely, laid back experience that is well worth a visit!
As always, do let me know about your visits to any of my recommended restaurants/cafes featured on my blogs.
'Til next time, my friends...
Bon appétit! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
It is a well known fact that the celebrated 'Indian curry' is a part of the British staple diet with Chicken Tikka Masala (a choice often at the top of the list) being especially made for the British public (by the way, no such dish exists in India even today :) ). The dish has become so famous here that it is even sometimes thought of the national dish of Britain.
When one conjures up the idyllic image of a 'curry', one pictures a super spicy, gravy ladened, fiery and indigestible dish often accompanied by poppadoms, chutneys, raitas, rice and an assortment of Indian breads. Of course, real Indian food comes in a variety of types that is comparable to the number of dialects in India (there are well over 1000!).
Imli Restaurant based on Wardour Street in London, however, has taken a completely novel stance of serving delicious, Indian food; as well as offering a limited selection of the 'traditional' Indian dishes offered at Indian restaurants in the UK, they are more interested in promoting refreshing, a la mode, Indian street food, tapas style!
While you are there, definitely try the Paani Puri, the Pav Bhaji, the Samosa Chaat and the Kheema Pav is excellent too. The Tandoori Lamb Chops and Tandoori Prawns were delightful and the Fig and Ginger ice cream was amazing as well! Very refreshing indeed!
The restaurant has a lively and buzzing atmosphere and generally, the customer service, I found, was very good. All in all, a lovely, laid back experience that is well worth a visit!
As always, do let me know about your visits to any of my recommended restaurants/cafes featured on my blogs.
'Til next time, my friends...
Bon appétit! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday 16 August 2012
Cote Bistros - Restaurant Chain across the UK
http://www.cote-restaurants.co.uk/Index.html
Good day readers!
French food is famed as the creme de la creme of all cuisines and as a result, eating out in French restaurants in London can become quite an expensive affair! However, I have recently discovered a chain of French restaurants that first started out in London but have since expanded into other UK cities. Cote is a fantastic brand that prides itself in excellent dining at affordable prices. Cote even won the Good Food Guide award for 'Best Value Restaurant in the UK for 2009'.
I was there (at the Bath restaurant) with my Parisian friend when we revisited Bath about a month back for our reunion. With her exquisite French palate and keen interest in French gastronomy, she assured me that the standard of French cuisine at Cote was just fantastic! As far as I am concerned, if it got the French seal of approval, it has to be good! :)
I had the Crab Mayonnaise for starters:
Crab mayonnaise with avocado, cucumber, capers and tarragon with toasted sourdough bread.
Fabulous taste and just the perfect amount for a starter... scrumptious!
For the main course, I had a 'special' that was made for customers just for the day:
Lamb with fennel, cashews and olives with a caramelised onion jus (as far as I remember) ... just delicious!
And for dessert, the Tarte Tatin which my friend told me was one of the best she had tasted and I, too, thought it was amazing! 'Traditional French caramelised apple tart served with Calvados cream' - YUMMY! Unfortunately, we were so absorbed in eating it that I forgot to take a picture of it for you all to see. :(
Nevertheless, you must go and try it; in fact, have a 3 course meal with wine at Cote and I promise you, you will not be disappointed! One of the best meals I have had in a restaurant in a long while and the customer service we experienced was super! :)
As always, do let me know about your eating experiences at Cote or any of the other restaurants/cafes that I featured on my blogs.
'Til next time amigos ...
Bon appétit mes amis! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Good day readers!
French food is famed as the creme de la creme of all cuisines and as a result, eating out in French restaurants in London can become quite an expensive affair! However, I have recently discovered a chain of French restaurants that first started out in London but have since expanded into other UK cities. Cote is a fantastic brand that prides itself in excellent dining at affordable prices. Cote even won the Good Food Guide award for 'Best Value Restaurant in the UK for 2009'.
I was there (at the Bath restaurant) with my Parisian friend when we revisited Bath about a month back for our reunion. With her exquisite French palate and keen interest in French gastronomy, she assured me that the standard of French cuisine at Cote was just fantastic! As far as I am concerned, if it got the French seal of approval, it has to be good! :)
I had the Crab Mayonnaise for starters:
Crab mayonnaise with avocado, cucumber, capers and tarragon with toasted sourdough bread.
Fabulous taste and just the perfect amount for a starter... scrumptious!
For the main course, I had a 'special' that was made for customers just for the day:
Lamb with fennel, cashews and olives with a caramelised onion jus (as far as I remember) ... just delicious!
And for dessert, the Tarte Tatin which my friend told me was one of the best she had tasted and I, too, thought it was amazing! 'Traditional French caramelised apple tart served with Calvados cream' - YUMMY! Unfortunately, we were so absorbed in eating it that I forgot to take a picture of it for you all to see. :(
Nevertheless, you must go and try it; in fact, have a 3 course meal with wine at Cote and I promise you, you will not be disappointed! One of the best meals I have had in a restaurant in a long while and the customer service we experienced was super! :)
As always, do let me know about your eating experiences at Cote or any of the other restaurants/cafes that I featured on my blogs.
'Til next time amigos ...
Bon appétit mes amis! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday 9 August 2012
Sofra, Mayfair, London.
Ottoman Kadayif
http://www.sofra.co.uk/sofra_mayfair.htm
This is one of the best Kadayif I have ever tasted outside of Greece. Shredded pastry filled with cream, pistachio and syrup. Just delicious! This restaurant is one of the best that I have been to in terms of value for money and quality of food in London. The main courses are delicious too. Huseyin Ozer demonstrates his passion for authentic, hearty, Turkish food and has established a chain of Turkish restaurants in London and internationally as well.
The Sofra restaurant in Mayfair has a lovely ambience; located in a Mayfair backstreet, I did not feel like I was in the heart of a bustling city - peace, tranquillity, delectable food and a great atmosphere. London food at its finest!
Try and let me know how it was!
Awaiting your comments :)
Bon appétit! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Bubbleology
In late March, I was in London meeting up with my ‘rollerblading buddy’ that I had not seen for a few months whose favourite shops include Harvey Nichols. We had done some window-shopping in Knightsbridge, when we became rather thirsty and decided to go to the food court at ‘Harvey Nicks’.
We stumbled across a ‘bubble tea’ counter near the entrance called Bubbleology. The concept of bubble tea was another one that I had only come across recently, also while I was in Melbourne, but as I was not then a frequent visitor to Chinatown, London, as I am now, the bubble tea concept to me was a novel one.
My friend, being a Chinese Malaysian, had tried this drink in the Far East, as it originates from Taiwan, and recommended that I give it a fair try. Even though I had seen bubble tea counters in Melbourne, I had never had the courage to try it as the idea of tapioca balls at the bottom of your throw-away, plastic, tea ‘glass’ was so alien and rather unappealing to someone who comes from the land of ‘proper tea’ in a cup and saucer, India.
So finding myself on the Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, I decided it was now or never. With the plethora or fruit based and milk based teas, I decided to mix 2 flavours, almond and coconut. I was converted! What a sensational, creamy combination! The tapioca balls were a delight; soft and squidgy, random surprises as they too are slurped up the wide straw along with the delicious tea!
As far as I know, this is the first, mainstream, bubble tea chain in London as there are now three branches of Bubbleology: Soho, Notting Hill and Knightsbridge. Full credit to the owner who brought this already internationally renowned drink to London! A fantastically thought out business idea! I have since been to the Soho branch on Rupert Street many times and have tried plenty flavours including one of my favourites, Matcha Milk Tea (see picture).
So friends, go try, you may just be pleasantly surprised and may even become addicted to bubble tea… http://www.bubbleology.co.uk/
Enjoy your tea! ‘Til next week amigos! … xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
We stumbled across a ‘bubble tea’ counter near the entrance called Bubbleology. The concept of bubble tea was another one that I had only come across recently, also while I was in Melbourne, but as I was not then a frequent visitor to Chinatown, London, as I am now, the bubble tea concept to me was a novel one.
My friend, being a Chinese Malaysian, had tried this drink in the Far East, as it originates from Taiwan, and recommended that I give it a fair try. Even though I had seen bubble tea counters in Melbourne, I had never had the courage to try it as the idea of tapioca balls at the bottom of your throw-away, plastic, tea ‘glass’ was so alien and rather unappealing to someone who comes from the land of ‘proper tea’ in a cup and saucer, India.
So finding myself on the Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, I decided it was now or never. With the plethora or fruit based and milk based teas, I decided to mix 2 flavours, almond and coconut. I was converted! What a sensational, creamy combination! The tapioca balls were a delight; soft and squidgy, random surprises as they too are slurped up the wide straw along with the delicious tea!
As far as I know, this is the first, mainstream, bubble tea chain in London as there are now three branches of Bubbleology: Soho, Notting Hill and Knightsbridge. Full credit to the owner who brought this already internationally renowned drink to London! A fantastically thought out business idea! I have since been to the Soho branch on Rupert Street many times and have tried plenty flavours including one of my favourites, Matcha Milk Tea (see picture).
So friends, go try, you may just be pleasantly surprised and may even become addicted to bubble tea… http://www.bubbleology.co.uk/
Enjoy your tea! ‘Til next week amigos! … xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Hello world!
Welcome food enthusiasts et al.!
Being based near the most cosmopolitan city in the world, London, I am passionate about trying out new places to eat and drink and through years of doing so, I have picked up a real knack for identifying the best of the best restaurants, drinks bars and cafes in London (and also around the world as I love to travel and try new cuisines). I have also often been told, by my large circle of friends, that I recommend fabulous restaurants whenever the request is made or the need arises and therefore, I have become the first port of call to choose restaurants and bars to frequent when they decide to visit London.
I would like to share with you, my experiences of the creme de la creme in terms of quality and value in London and I hope you will find great pleasure from trying out some of these restaurants and bars for yourselves.
Please join me on this culinary journey and feel free to like, follow and share my blog as you get any opportunity to sample any of my suggestions.
Bon appétit mes amis! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Being based near the most cosmopolitan city in the world, London, I am passionate about trying out new places to eat and drink and through years of doing so, I have picked up a real knack for identifying the best of the best restaurants, drinks bars and cafes in London (and also around the world as I love to travel and try new cuisines). I have also often been told, by my large circle of friends, that I recommend fabulous restaurants whenever the request is made or the need arises and therefore, I have become the first port of call to choose restaurants and bars to frequent when they decide to visit London.
I would like to share with you, my experiences of the creme de la creme in terms of quality and value in London and I hope you will find great pleasure from trying out some of these restaurants and bars for yourselves.
Please join me on this culinary journey and feel free to like, follow and share my blog as you get any opportunity to sample any of my suggestions.
Bon appétit mes amis! xx
© Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries, 2012 - 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Londontopnosh, Meetali Parekh and London Eateries with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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