Since Alan Yau sold his Thai chain of eateries to a private company, branches of Busaba Eathai have been cropping up all over the place. The latest opening is within the Westfield shopping complex.

The Venue
The layout is identical to that of all the other branches: low-hung lighting, wooden furniture, shared tables and long communal benches fill the room. The only thing absent appears to be the waft of incense, something which characterises the other venues.

The Atmosphere
Predictably, long queues are common, particularly at peak times. Tables are filled with young groups of friends, shopping couples and families. Noise levels are loud due to the sheer numbers of people chatting over their food and there is little space to manoeuvre as the restaurant crams in as many people as possible.

The Food
The smoked chicken noodle with broccoli and egg (£6.90) is a little disappointing when compared to other locations, with the noodles seeming a little on the dry side. Similarly the Thai calamari with ginger and peppercorn (£5.70) - one of this eatery’s most triumphant dishes - has been slightly overcooked, leaving it a tad rubbery. The dolly pad mee (£7.80) fares better with succulent prawns, cherry tomatoes, very spicy chillies and Thai fish cakes interspersed amongst a mesh of tasty noodles. The fiery chilli prawn fried rice with shiitake mushrooms (£8.20) is definitely one for those who love spices, approach with caution if you’re not a fan.

The Drink
Flavoured waters, teas, sake, wine and Thai beers (£3.60) feature on the menu. The coconut water with fresh grape is cooling and surprisingly without a hint of sweetness, while the somewhat sour guava Bellini (£5.50) doesn’t quite work. There are a few wines available - all at £16.90 - with a Chilean merlot and South African sauvignon blanc being worthy of a try.

The Last Word
Certain dishes indicate there seem to be some teething problems with the kitchen, particularly while trying to cope with a continual deluge of customers, however these may iron out in time. There is no doubt the Westfield branch will continue to pack the punters in regardless, particularly considering its low prices. A meal for two with drinks and sides is roughly £35.

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