VIBE

With dark wood paneling and gentle puffs of incense perfuming the air (in an unobtrusive way), Busaba Eathai is not your typical Asian fast-food joint. While culinary purists keep their distance, this popular eatery pulls in enthusiastic crowds for the fresh, affordable Thai eats and the hip Western-take-on-Asia atmosphere. The concept is based around the idea of simple yet high quality food and ambiance, so Busaba meals are all single course and served family style at communal tables (or at the bar seating along the windows).

CROWD

There’s a rush of local white-collar types at lunch, but at other times there’s more of a mix–everyone from families to date-night couples, students, and hipsters crowd in.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s relaxed–jeans and cute top will more than suffice.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

If you need a quick bite but don’t want to have to settle for a burger joint, this is a great option. It’s hip and cool with tasty food.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The service is not always on top of things, especially when it’s busy. Portions have reportedly gotten smaller recently.

GOOD TO KNOW

When we went for lunch, there was no queue, the service was friendly, and the food, while not truly authentic, was tasty and well-portioned; however, we have heard recent reports indicating a slide in the Soho location’s service and food portions. (Marylebone locations are still in good shape though!)

OTHER LOCATIONS

London: Bird St. and Wardour St. (Marylebone), Old Street (Shoreditch) and Panton Street (Leicester Square) with more on the way

CLOSEST COMPS

Tapas Brindisa (London)

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