Satay House

There's been a smart refurbishment and reopening at this much-loved Malaysian local, but fortunately nothing seems to have really changed, apart from a some smart design-work on the walls. The open kitchen still churns out great heaps of sizzling satays and a huge selection of authentic curries, with the inventive combinations of ingredients that have resulted from Malaysia's cultural melting pot. On the night we visited, a branch of the Malay royal family had hired out the downstairs dining room, and our meal was slightly marred by their flatulent bodyguard standing near our table, but apart from this, the atmosphere was loud, friendly and full of great cooking smells. Prices remain astoundingly low, with most main courses coming in around the £7 mark - though if you feel like splashing out, the whole mackerel in tamarind source is a truly remarkable dish.