mandalay

Edgware Road isn't exactly known for its exotic pavilions and lush, tropical landscape, but it does contain a gem of a Burmese restaurant – London's one and only. Mandalay is a small, family-run set-up, the menu influenced by Thai, Indian and Chinese cooking, as well as Burmese cuisine. Expect plenty of fish and seafood, fragrant bowls of rice and noodles, and light aromatic curries. If you enjoy healthy broths, opt for bottle gourd soup: scented with toasted garlic slivers and containing shrimps, rice noodles and strips of the gourd, it makes a superb palate cleanser. Staff are passionate about their craft and happy to take curious customers on a guided tour of the menu.