Banana Tree Battersea — Restaurant in London

My favourite restaurant! I've been coming here for years and hands down one of my favourite restaurants.

SERVICE All the staff are lovely and I've never had any issues. They are always prompt with their service and give good recommendations. The last time I arrived, they seemed to have quite a few reservations as it was a Saturday evening, but they promptly found a space for a friend and I. They gave us a tip in regards to the cocktail, advising to order a pitcher instead individuals because it's more cost effective. They were attentive, filling up our water regularly and clearing the table. When my friend wasn't sure of a side for her meal the manager advised on a special fried rice that was A*.

FOOD The food never misses a beat. Always immaculately seasoned with wonderful flavour. My favourite dish is the Laksa Soup with prawns, a coconut based soup with delicious fluffly tofu that soaks up all the flavour. The calamari was to die for. Coated evenly, and cooked so that it wasn't chewy, which is how it can be in other establishments. The accompanying sauce was mouth watering. I also opted for the fried fish which, once again, cooked to perfection with vegetables. I couldn't finish it and took it home and it was still so tasty reheated later on. My friend ordered a chicken dish with a mixed fried rice with cashew nuts. I'd say the best rice dish I've had in a couple years.

The portions are satisfying and the standard of flavour and cook, of a high standard.

DRINKS We ordered a pitcher of a cocktail and they didn't skimp on the alcohol. It gave us at least 3 glasses each and was refreshing and a delight.

My favourite thing about this restaurant is that they don't have an overwhelmingly large menu, but what they do, they do it to a high standard and that's what makes a place standard. Choose something and perfect it.

As a local, I've visited on my own, with friends, been there for occasions and just a grab a lunch bite. The atmosphere is lovely, quaint with low ceilings and warm lighting.

My only criticisms are , there isn't a ton of room and if you're sat next to people who are being loud it can be quite difficult to enjoy the conversation in front of you. Also, the toilets are up a very steep set of stairs, which isn't accessible friendly to those who cannot use them or have trouble with them.

Would certainly recommend and will...

Banana Tree at Clapham Junction offers a delightful fusion of flavors that takes your taste buds on a culinary journey. The vibrant and inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you step in, the attentive staff ensures a warm welcome.

The menu is a symphony of Southeast Asian delights, showcasing a perfect balance of aromatic herbs and spices. The Vietnamese spring rolls are a must-try, bursting with freshness and accompanied by a zesty dipping sauce. The Malaysian Rendang Curry is a star, with tender meat bathed in a rich, coconut-infused sauce that's both hearty and comforting.

The creativity in their cocktails deserves applause, adding a refreshing twist to classic concoctions. The Pandan Iced Tea is a revelation, marrying traditional flavors with a modern flair.

What truly sets Banana Tree apart is its commitment to authenticity. Each dish reflects a dedication to capturing the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine, transporting diners to the bustling markets and vibrant street food stalls of the region.

The attentive service and thoughtfully curated menu make Banana Tree at Clapham Junction a standout choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Southeast Asian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore bold flavors, Banana Tree is a culinary gem that never fails to impress.

We even got free tequlia shots at the end which...

I came here with my partner in July 2023, the restaurant was not that busy although it was a Friday night. We waited for a while to be seated and once we were seated we waited for over 20mins to just be served. The waitress was really pleasant and gave us some recommendations of some of the favourites on the menu. We saga in waited a while before being served our dinner which I was very disappointed with, I had the chicken with rice dish which became apparent that the chicken didn’t feel right in my mouth and got to the point I was almost certain that the food was served was past its expiry date. I immediately stoped eating and asked the waitress her opinion which she said this is the way it’s usually served. I asked her to try the chicken which she decided to take back into the kitchen for the chef to examine. Soon after I had been advised that if I would like something else from the menu and confirmed that the chef was not happy with the chicken I sent back. I was not happy that this happened and was advised that the bill will have the deduction of the meal I was served which was clearly dangerous. I soon after once I reached home felt ill and sick but although lucky I don’t consume more than just a bite otherwise I would have ended up in A&E with food poisoning. Unfortunately this experience has led me to not...