Busaba Eathai

SWLON

Appalling service, mediocre food 12th May 2009

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So many things wrong with this place:
-Uncomfortable seating -- 4 of us wedged in between a wall and a chunky table leg.
-Overpriced green tea that isn't green but apple juice brown and consists essentially of water and sugar.
-Mee Siam dish that was advertised as containing prawns, chicken, beansprouts and vermicelli noodles consisted of a big heap of glooey noodles (85%), beansprouts (10%), the remaining 5% being three microscopic prawns, and some unidentifiable meatlike substances hidden under some white sauce. The taste -- best described as neutral.
-Worst aspect however was the service. Rushed, Impolite, downright rude.
-Bill was incorrect (containing a charge for bottled water we never ordered), was only grudgingly and doubtingly removed.
Bottom line -- avoid, better options even in the same street a few doors down.

curlyfries

Great failsafe 5th April 2009

2 found this helpful

I really like Busaba Eathai: very tasty food, not too spenny; friendly staff and a great atmosphere. I wouldn't personally stand out in the cold for half an hour to get in but plenty do - and for considerably longer than half an hour, too. I've been to this one and the one just off Tottenham Court Road probably three or four times now, haven't had a bad experience once. Not somewhere for a long, leisurely meal or an intimate evening out (speedy service; shared tables) but perfect for a lively dinner with a few mates.

QueenB

2nd April 2009

4 found this helpful

This is def one of the freshest tasting Thai's I've had in London and has been a regular spot over the years.

The thing I just refuse to do though is stand in line to wait for entry, even if i do dribble at the thought of some dishes here. Nor will I allow them to rush you off your table - which I have seen so many times!

The sharing of tables can be quite fun, depnding on who you are with and your mood. Otherwise I ask for the table infront of the bar that has the pillar, as it can be more secluded if you just want a space for 2.

I highly recommend the Jungle Curry, roasted duck with brocolli and the thai calamari with ginger and spring onion - staple dishes for any meal in here!

Drinks wise, I always opt for a lovely fresh jucie and nice tea afterwards.

I find if you get here for about 6.30 you won't have a wait at all. Fantastic food before hitting Soho bars and clubs, also very reasonably priced.

Great alternative to China town rip offs.

chonga

Old faithful... 2nd February 2009

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This has been my old faithful since I was a student in London. I never look at the menu: standard can’t go wrong dishes:

- Thai Calamari
- Grilled Swordfish
- Sumtom Salad
- Jasmine Rice
- Green thai chicken curry
- Tiger beer or Guava Collins
- End with Ginger tea (yummy cookies)
- They don’t serve dessert – you don’t need it anyway…

Everyone I take there love this combination and become hooked. Don’t order anything else!

Natnat

Quick and healthy 18th September 2008

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This place is always packed at lunchtime and in the evening, and it’s easy to see why. The food is fresh and delicious (and healthy too), and there’s an interesting selection of teas and juices to accompany your meal. Expect to pay around a tenner for a drink and a meal. Diners sit around large square tables, and there’s never a long wait to be served (although you may queue to get in of an evening). The only downside is that it isn’t somewhere where you might spend a long drawn out evening – it’s very much eat and leave. This is one of a chain of restaurants in the capital.

misstravelbug

Lively and crowded 9th September 2008

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Always a line to get here during peak hour, it's a canteen-feel restaurant, quite cosy as you end up sharing the table with other patrons. The thai food is fairly average, the curry nothing to write home about but it's got a good vibe and the service is pretty good. Papaya salad was one of the better dishes here.

jes1uk

Good Food 3rd September 2008

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The positive aspects of this restaurant are:
- Food is delicious
- The staff are polite and efficient
- The restaurant is very central
The negatives are:
- I found the portions to be a little on the small side
- For private conversations sharing a table with loads of other people can be a pain
- You may have to queue on the street for some time at peak times before getting a table

Overall I'd recommend this restaurant if there is a group of you but if you want a something more intimate then this is not the restaurant for you.

baks162

Nice 3rd September 2008

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The long queues outside a sign that the food inside is good! And indeed it doesnt dissapoint. Good value for a 2 course meal, mine came to under a tenner. Their pad thai jay is fantastic!

However, its a very rushed experience - they try and get you in and out within 30 mins (or it certainly felt that way)

Very good for a quick quality meal before the theatre!

foodbymark

A social quickie 1st September 2008

2 found this helpful

I like the communal dining at Busaba Eathai. It's quick and the food is fresh, somewhat authentic and pretty good value and a welcome change from the likes of tired and bland Wagamama's when friends want to eat "safe". The fact there are generally always queues around dinner (post work / pre dinner) is a good sign so try to get there early and get past the annoying queue on the pavement outside.

walid

Fond Memories 18th August 2008

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I'll always have a very fond memory of Busaba Eathai as it's actually in this restaurant that I met this girl dinning a few tables away from my table... was a good moment.

Anyway the food is fresh, tasty, and thoroughly enjoyable. I also like the dark wood paneling across the venue. This place is obviously very popular as there's always a queue of people wanting to enjoy their great food.