Busaba Eathai

I first discovered Busaba Eathai in summer 2007 when A-Rock (the boyfriend) was having a reunion with one of his numerous high school friends- he had been to numerous high schools so over the years, I have been to numerous reunions. As it was a big group we had a private room downstairs. I must warn you if you decide to book a party at Busaba Eathai (well at least the one in Store Street at Tottenham Court Road) you will be seated downstairs, served a set menu and have to leave within two hours. I rarely enjoy set menu, but that is because I hate the fact that someone else has decided for me what I should try at the restaurant; as well as the fact that I can only ever eat less than half of the stuff on the set menu- as there’s always pork and one of the many things I am allergic to- so my dinner consisted of possibly jasmine rice and chicken green curry. Not terrible, but not exactly, my first choice. Needless to say my first experience was not the best.

Luckily for Busaba, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. And second chances are bloody wonderful because since then I have been to Busaba Eathai quite a bit and I love it. A few days ago I even introduced Baby sis to it and she LOVES it to- so much so, we went twice in the same week.
I have only ever been to the one in Store Street, but if you’re on Oxford Street after a spot of shopping and feel hungry, there is a branch on Bird Street; or you can go to the one in Soho on Wardour Street.

The Good: The one thing I love about Busaba is the food and that is the reason I keep on coming back. The Thai Calamari is to die for, and something I recommend anyone to try at least once- you would not be disappointed. It is seasoned to perfection with ginger and peppercorn and once you put that calamari in your mouth you get an explosion of flavours you never want to stop. I usually order the Thai Calamari, with coconut rice and the Chilli Prawn Stir-fry with sweet basil and I am never disappointed. Other dishes I would recommend is the Cod fillet stir-fry (Baby sis says it’s the one) and the Crabmeat fried rice- all divine. The food portions are good (especially the Thai Calamari- yes, I am plugging it) and the prices are reasonable for Central London. If you are having a side, with rice or noodles and a main you are looking at £17-£22. The menu also caters for everyone- from mild to spicy- and there are also quite a few vegetarian options. I actually like the ambience of the place- the decor is dark mahogany wood (which I love), mixed with the aroma of food and incense. The lighting is quite dim- so it gives an intimate feeling (for those who are feeling intimate).

The Bad: As much as I love the decor, I am not fund of the seating- it’s Wagamama-esque- unless you are in a group big enough to sit on the rectangular chairs, or you get sat on the 3-seaters (which I love) by the window; or sit outside, you usually share a table with others. And while some people may like that, I personally don’t- and I usually don’t mind waiting until I get a three-seater by the window- and I have to say I have never had to wait long to get a seat (so that is a good for me). The most off-putting thing about Busaba is the staff. I have never experienced good service there. I would not necessarily call them rude- they are just nonchalant. They do what they have to do but there’s no smile, no rapport, nothing. It’s very robotic service- they come ask you for your order, take it, and then bring the food.
Be warned, getting into the seats is actually a task. Those wooden chairs are no joke.

I would say experience Busaba- even if it’s just to be dumbfounded by the level of service in a top west end restaurant- but it must be working somehow because it’s always packed and I’ve introduced many people who despite the serve love it.
Think of Busaba as that cocky, arrogant man we all know who treats you with little respect, but yet you keep coming back for more.

xx