Friday, March 13, 2009
Posted By:
Daniel Kramb
Photo:
Daniel Kramb
Puji Puji
How could I not start this
review with the words "all praise"? It's not only roughly what the Malaysian
name translates to, this red-themed, cosy place is also adding some much needed
colour to Ball's Pond Road, an otherwise dull stretch of road lost somewhere
between Dalston proper and the Islington heartland. So there, all praise to
Puji Puji for, you know, just being there. And it's not bad either. Au
contraire. The traditional Satay dishes are just as good as they claim they
are, properly marinated with lots of spice, freshly grilled and with a sauce
that doesn't, as is the case far too often, remind you of peanut butter. Choose
between chicken, lamb, prawns or vegetables, or go for one of their filling
Goreng options, some meatier than others. I'm not Malaysian, so may others
argue about the authenticity of it all. I, for one, take another drink from next
door (they don't have a license in here) to the counter and watch a new round
of Satay sticks sizzling their way onto my plate. Puji!
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Monday, December 08, 2008
Posted By:
Claire Storrow
Photo:
Claire Storrow
Huong Viet
On a cold November afternoon the steamy, aromatic fug wraps you up look a much needed embrace and you scan the menu hungrily, what to have, what to have? The hot sour soup can't be beaten--chunky monk fish swimming in spicy hot broth that will make your eyes water and your soul sing. We tucked into a quarter of crispy duck--more than enough for two to share as a starter--all sticky fat and crispy skin with lots of plump meat to stuff pancakes with, followed by pork steamed roll, chopped mushrooms adding a pleasing bosciness to the pork mince. I was glad I picked the chicken with French beans and chilli (extra fresh chilli please waiter) as my partner chose the Vietnamese chicken curry with coconut and although it was good sometimes it's difficult to remember that this is not a Thai joint and if you're expecting a curry along the lines of a green/red/jungle you will be disappointed. The French beans were fresh and crunchy against the tender chicken slathered in a garlicky, chilli sauce the taste of which I couldn't get enough of even though I was most definitely full.
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