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Busaba Eathai

<p>Hot on the heels of cheap-chic eatery Wagamama is another affordable (and decidedly better) Asian diner from the same owner: Alan “Hakkasan” Yau. Three central London branches serve deliciously authentic, spicy, and sweet Thai cuisine amid minimalist dark-wood communal tables, low lighting, and faint exotic incense. Try chicken with chili and pumpkin; tangy yet tart <em>tom yum</em> soup; salt-and-pepper squid; or a classic pad thai with smoked chicken, prawns, and sweet basil. The swiftly moving lines to get in on weekends are justly deserved.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> While the restaurant does not accept reservations, there are two other locations, at Bird Street and at Store Street (Store Street has a private dining area that can be reserved for 12–20 people).</p>