Friday 8 June 2007

The Paddyfield, Balham



It was a random Thursday evening and we were feeling peckish. Browny's inspirational words of '.... how about the Paddyfield for supper...' brought music to my ears. I have wanted to try this local haunt for ages.


This is probably the only BYO in the area and it is a real bonus. We popped into the Oddbins on the corner and picked up a bottle; with a £1 corkage fee it certainly helps finances!

The restaurant itself would not be bigger than your average decent sized kitchen. The walls are painted dark red and decorated with charming black and white prints taken in Nam.

As we walked in we were immediately greeted by the delightful owner; the youngest sibling of the family business. As it was only 7.30 pm, initially there were only 3 other couples in restaurant; however, by 8.30pm the place was verging on saturation.

The menu is simply but not restricted, offering classic signature dishes for starter and main. The owner/waiter made some excellent recommendations and then to top things off, he brought to the table two complimentary prawn springs roll. Now these really weren't your average spring rolls... they were truly sublime. Plump, juicy prawns with greens wrapped in the lightest of cases, accompanied with a homemade dipping sauce. I could have eater 12 of them they were so good!

For starter we shared a seafood Vietnamese salad and fish cakes.. both fresh and beautifully delivered. For main Browny opted for a red chicken curry with eggy rice, while I had one of my favourites; a Pho soup with sliced beef. Light, fragrant, exceptionally fresh produce and ever so tasty... I was delighted with my choice.

The bill must be one of cheapest we've ever had!


It has also received excellent reviews from others....

We will definitely be returning. A lovely unpretentious place right on my doorstep, producing classic Vietnamese cuisine and incredibly good value...what more could we ask for!

No comments:

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin