Author Archives: Milly

Mr Bao, Peckham

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The bao craze is only just beginning, with more Taiwanese eateries opening up all over the world, particularly in London. I have been lucky enough to try a few of the best bao buns around the world and was excited to be invited recently to try the newest offering at Peckham establishment Mr Bao.

Founders Frank Yeung and Nick Birkett have transformed an old shop on Rye Lane, creating a buzzy restaurant for locals to enjoy fresh and flavoursome Taiwanese cuisine. The menu features a range of bao varieties and Taiwanese snacks as well as traditional teas and quirky cocktails. Where possible produce is bought in from local suppliers, though some specialist ingredients come all the way from Taipei. I was particularly pleased to notice Peckham’s finest Flock + Herd meat featuring on the menu.

I tried a selection of dishes from the menu. My favourites included the classic ‘Mr Bao’, a sweet and indulgent bap filled with slow braised pork, pickles, peanut powder and coriander, and the ‘Bao Diddley’ filled with fried chicken, brined for 24 hours, wasabi mayo, kimchi and coriander, a spicy but tasty option. From the sharing snack list I loved the fresh Tenderstem broccoli with ponzu and the intriguing ‘Smacked cucumber’, lightly pickled to give a subtle and refreshing vegetarian dish.

The cocktails were a tad disappointing, with no garnishes or flourishes they tasted like spirits simply mixed with fruit juice. Instead opt for a ‘Jin Xuan’ tea, which has a light but mellow taste and complements the bold food perfectly. For dessert the ‘Bao S’More’ is the only option, but no one is complaining, a naughty mess of melted marshmallow, dark chocolate and fried bao. At weekends Mr Bao offers a popular brunch menu that includes their decadent bacon bao with maple syrup, which already has a cult following.

I couldn’t be happier to have this bao business on my doorstep… I am sure I will be popping in regularly to satisfy my bao cravings in this new neighbourhood venue.

More information about Mr Bao here.

Kanada-Ya, Panton Street

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After visiting Japan my opinion and knowledge of the country’s cuisine has radically altered. I sampled ramen, tempura, yakitori, bento, kaiseke and other specialties, indicating just how varied Japanese dishes can be… it is so much more than just sushi. My visit to Kanada-Ya brought back memories of my recent travels, from the welcoming chants as I entered the restaurant to the flavoursome rich broths I happily consumed.

Kanada-Ya Panton Street is the second branch of this popular casual Japanese eatery. Fans were delighted to discover that this Soho venue seats up to 56 diners and takes booking for groups of six or more, unlike the first Kanada-Ya where there are often tiresome queues outside. The boutique ramen restaurant feels casual and makeshift inside with basic wooden tables and simple lighting… all attention here is on the food.

The menu features a range of Japanese classics, but the ramen takes centre stage. I tried their Original Ramen (18-hour pork bone broth, served with pork belly chashu, wood ear fungus, seaweed and fresh spring onion) a comforting and flavoursome bowl of food. The broth has a meaty intensity and the toppings tasted fresh and vibrant. Guests are invited to choose their noodle consistency from extra firm, firm, regular or soft, though I think its best to take the waiters recommendation on this. For a lighter ramen, nice for lunch, opt for the Chicken-Paitan (corn fed chicken bone broth, secret sauce, chashu pork collar and shredded leek). A side order of Hanjuku egg completes the dish.

From the rest of the menu I really enjoyed the light and crispy Karaage Japanese fried chicken with house mayonnaise, and the strangely enticing Truffle Edamame. For dessert Kanada-Ya offer a strikingly green Matcha Soft Serve, a favourite in Japan, but definitely an acquiried taste here in England.

A meal at Kanada-Ya will cost you around £15-20 a head, and I can honestly say this little eatery offers the best ramen I’ve tasted outside of Japan.

More information about Kanada-Ya here.

Banyan Tree Lang Co, Central Vietnam

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Banyan Tree Lang Co is set amongst the leafy landscape of central Vietnam. The quiet fishing village of Lang Co provides the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a private and exclusive holiday. It is a remote and rugged location for a stunning secluded luxury escape.

The all-villa resort has different options for couples and families, but amazingly every villa includes its own private pool. The 49 villas vary in size and location – found either beachside, hillside or by the lagoon. We were very happy in a spacious and indulgent Lagoon Pool Villa. In front of the villa was a tempting turquoise pool with deck chairs and at the back a lush green garden.

The villas are inspired by the houses in the local neighbourhood, simple but sophisticated with high ceilings giving an airy and grand feel. A plush King-size bed takes centre stage in the bedroom, surrounded by striking art work and Vietnamese crafts. I immediately noticed a satisfying symmetry in the design of the room, which had a calming effect on me. After discovering our ‘his and hers’ wardrobes with matching robes, slippers and toiletry sets, I stood and marvelled at the stylish bathroom. The huge freestanding bathtub got plenty of use during our two-day stay and the powerful rainforest shower was refreshing and reinvigorating.

The award-winning spa, and 18-hole golf course by Nick Faldo are a real bonus, particularly wonderful for those guests spending longer at the resort. Hotel staff will pick you up and drop you off in the buggies, so it doesn’t take long to get around despite the size of the property and grounds.

There is never a bad time to visit Central Vietnam as this part of the country experiences warm weather most of the year. Unfortunately we witnessed an unusual downpour of rain during our stay, so the beautiful 3km beach was out of bounds, and poolside lounging wasn’t an option. This gave me a real opportunity to explore and experience the activities the hotel offers daily. Angsana Hotel is part of the same complex, and provides another space for guests to enjoy food and activities. We spent an afternoon here learning to make Vietnamese lanterns and tasting Vietnamese coffee, while it poured with rain outside.

I have always eaten exceptionally well in Banyan Tree resorts and Lang Co followed suit. The signature modern Thai restaurant, Saffron, offers flavoursome and authentic cuisine with gorgeous hilltop views. The atmosphere was relaxed, despite the high quality of service and fine food. I loved the live traditional music, which serenaded the guests during dinner. Particularly memorable were the creamy red roast duck curry with lychee and pineapple, and the succulent roasted peppered pork spare ribs with honey sauce. An array of rice varieties were served at the table to accompany the spicy meal.

Every morning breakfast is served at Azura restaurant, where an endless buffet grants your every wish. From flaky pastries, fresh exotic fruit and eggs made-to-order, to Vietnamese noodles and vegetable soups – the choice is excitingly overwhelming. I was equally impressed with the food at Angsana where we sampled a vibrant lunch of seasonal recipes.

Whilst staying at Banyan Tree I highly recommend you take advantage of the complimentary shuttle to nearby historic town Hoi An. This charming UNESCO world heritage site is famous for its lanterns and tailoring, and is a lovely place to wander around for a day. The imperial city of Hue and impressive ruins of My Son are also just a short car ride away. After a tiring day of sightseeing you will be relieved to return to the idyllic grounds of Lang Co, a relaxing and wonderful retreat.

Overnight stays at Banyan Tree Lang Co start from £280 on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information, visit www.banyantree.com or call +84 54 3695 888.