Ben's reviews
Review of Zaika
09 Aug 07, 23:05
Nice Chicken tikka rolls 
Erm, pretty much all I remember about this place is that they do great chicken tikka rolls. But that is definitely worth knowing. Like a lot of places on Tooting High Street, they have a tandoor behind the counter, and they'll make the naan in front of you whilst the chicken cooks. They do have a few tables in the back too, and a small range of curries on display that you can either get to takeaway, or to eat in.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tre Viet
09 Aug 07, 22:37
BYO + noodles
Well this would be a 2 star review, but it's a BYO, which puts it up a notch. It's not that Tre Viet is bad, it's not, it's ok, just there's better eating to be had just down the road from this place. However, you can't sniff at somewhere that lets you bring your own booze. Although confusingly there are currently two places pretty much next to each other that call themselves "Tre Viet", so in the interests of clarity, I'm talking about the place next to the turkish joint. Oh, and coincidentally the one that says "Bring your own wine" in the window.
The beef in betel leaf is excellent. After that it's a bit of a blur. I think the noodle soup was good. Did I mention it was a BYO?
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Le Mercury
07 Aug 07, 15:38
Cheap as frites
Le Mercury is ridiculously cheap for Upper Street. Mains are just over six quid, starters 3-4. It's on three (albeit fairly cramped) floors, so it's also reasonably easy to get a table, or book for larger parties. The food is ok, very reasonable for the price, but don't go there expecting haute cuisine. The portions also aren't huge, starters like melon and jambon de bayonne came in well arranged but dainty slices. What I think this place is perfect for is a large-ish group of friends to meet for some grub at the start of a night out. You won't be too full to hit bars and clubs afterwards, and your funds won't be too dented either.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Green Papaya
07 Aug 07, 09:12
Best on Mare Street
There are a smattering of vietnamese restaurants on Mare Street, as well as a lot of vietnamese supermarkets. The quality of the restaurants though isn't as good as on Kingsland Road. Green Papaya is a happy exception to the rule, it's a great local.
The starters in particular are worth the visit. Of particular note are the squid rings in salt and chilli, and the rare beef salad. I'm not alone there either - the last time we visitied, the guy at the table next to us ordered them for his main course too! Staples such as spring rolls are also good, or the huge "Banh Xeo" pancake.
The main courses are more of a mixed bag, with some of the stir-fry type food being a little underwhelming. The bbq dishes such as the lamb on skewers or the chicken with satay are very good though, as is the "pho", or noodle soup.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.