There are so many good places to eat in our neck of the woods, sometimes the taste buds boggle. We discovered another gem on St. John’s Street, just around the corner from Angel.
The Banana Tree Canteen is an unassuming, pan-Asian micro chain restaurant – a bit like Wagamama’s but less hectic.
On arrival we were quickly ushered to our table, provided with colouring/puzzle sheets for the kids and a high chair that locked to the table so Jed could sit on the bench beside me.
This was fun at first but soon got old when Jed kept standing up on the bench and trying to climb out. It’s easier to ‘imprison’ him in a traditional standing chair, but I was impressed by how sturdy and secure this chair was.
I ordered a spicy Mee Goreng with beef noodle dish with pork dumplings starter and Ezra chose the egg fried rice with crispy chicken off the kid’s menu. One plate was more than enough for the boys to share and the food came without delay.
‘The crispy chicken is delicious,’ Ezra pronounced and then later, ‘this is the best restaurant ever!’ Jed was too busy munching for table chat.
I enjoyed my meal too, it was a good size portion and maybe slightly on the salty side but rich with flavour. In fact I couldn’t stop eating my noodles and by the time I tried the dumplings, they were already cold.
The lunch menu is around the £5-£7 range for an average dish which is not bad, although the kid’s menu is slightly pricey at £5.45 per head. However unless your little ones are big eaters, the dish is easily split between two.
It’s also a nice setting with personal lighting (‘how did they make the lights so low, mummy?’ Ezra wondered), a relaxed lunchtime ambience and of course banana plants nestling in every corner.
The service is swift and friendly. When we needed the toilet, a waitress led us out back to the disabled toilet which was clean and spacious with a changing table.
All in all, the Banana Tree Canteen is a cool spot to visit for lunch and I’ll definitely be back to check out the rest of their menu.
Bite Size Review
The Banana Tree Canteen is a new munchtime favourite with an extensive pan-Asian menu and a kid happy attitude.
Facilities: Kids’ menu, high chair, baby-changing, pushchair-friendly
Banana Tree Canteen is on 412-416 St. John’s Street, EC1V 4NJ. Tel: 020 7278 7565
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