A restaurant very close to the flat of Norbiton Hall where I live, has recently opened its’ doors to business.
On the London Road, leaving Kingston upon Thames, is The Basil Diner, rather a strange name for a restaurant, but having Chinese writing over the door, one would presuppose this was a Chinese restaurant.
On entering the restaurant is clean and inviting, it seems always having an available table to choose from.
The waitress greets the guests with enthusiasm, and is eager to please. As does the management, who will take time to talk to the diners.
The first one has to know that this is a Malaysian cuisine restaurant, giving different tastes and ingredients to the traditional Chinese food. See the menu. click
From Wan Ton soup, pork and prawn dumplings in a clear soup with the green vegetable pak choi, or the Tom Yum hot and sour soup from Thailand, to Malaysian Mee Goreng, a stir fried noodle with chicken, fishcake, egg, garnished with coriander, chilli and lemon, the food is served in good portions, and the quality is the best.
For me I cannot take the taste or smell of the Sambal paste which seems to be a basic ingredient in the cooking of Malaysian cooking, and the curries play havoc with my stomach, so I keep clear of those. But there is plent to choose from.
Unlike traditional Malaysian or Chinese serving, the food is delivered on individual plates to each diner, so each person chooses their own meal. No sharing of the central dishes.
The tastes and cooking is traditional Malaysian, with the staff all originating from Malaysia.
Very good food, and good value for money.
On this occasion, apart from my food left-hand picture, and on the right of the of the right-hand picture, food was served in the center of the table for all to serve themselves.
The Basil Diner, London Road, Kingston upon Thames, UK
RETURN to NEW BASIL DINER article click here
Click here to see menu as of 8th June 2007.