Well, so far it is anyway. That might be subject to change, but to be quite frank I can't even begin to imagine what a place would be like that beats the total experience that Hare & Tortoise provides to satisfy my everyday kind of eating out need.
Hare & Tortoise is not a fancy place. Actually, it looks a bit like a school dining hall and it is situated in an area that looks like you stepped out of Holborn and right into a war zone. Brunswick Centre, as the area is called, doesn't look very nice to start with (whoever let that architect have his will should have his brain examined with a blunt instrument, seriously, it is that hideous) and to top it off construction work has been going on for as long as I have known about the place. That doesn't affect the quality of the food though.
In other words: you don't take your first date here, this is the kind of place you go to with friends to hang out, eat great food, drink fresh fruit juice (or Asian beer by the jug if you are in that mood), and then continue to a pub to talk rubbish until the lights blink and you have to go home with a big smile on your face and a very happy tummy.
On the menu you find a mix of Japanese noodles, lo mein, chow mein, rice dishes, soups and even sushi. Some of it is extremely spicy (try the Satay for a lip burning experience that makes the top of your ears sweat) but there truly is something for everyone here.
We usually go for the Spicy Wing Sticks and a few bowls of Edamame (soy beans) for starters and then usually Seafood Ramen, Chicken Chow Mein or Yaki Udon for main. There really is so much to choose from though, the variety of food is superb.
Their Spicy Wing Sticks deserve a special mention. If you go there, you must try them. Prepared with lots of chili (seeds still in the mix...) and chopped garlic, Chinese spices, salt and pepper (like I said, when they say "spicy" they mean it), the taste is full, strong and nothing like any other grilled chicken dish I have ever tasted before. Beautifully served on a square, curved plate, the muscles of the chicken wing have all been cut at one end, making the meat curl towards the other end of the bone. Easy and non sticky to eat since it looks like chicken on a stick, mouth watering and thirst inducing, this is a real treat. If only I could have this delivered...
Service is ok, but be aware that this is sort of a fast food place. Normally there isn't a long waiting time (this place has however grown a lot in popularity since first we found it), but once you get your table you are expected to order quickly, eat your food as it arrives and not sauce around too much. And the staff act accordingly. They are nice however, and usually even find time for a smile and a few words.
Portions are seriously big. We have never left less than entirely satisfied with quality of the meals as well as feeling full to the brim. Most times we even have a small box each with us home for lunch the following day. Or a delicious night snack when you get home, if you so prefer, after all that rubbish talking at the pub. Sure beats the chip shop...
Wait, it gets better. Prices are some of the best I have found in London. Stick to the fruit juice and four people eating starters and main can get away with a total bill of under £50.
So, basically what I am saying is this: if you like busy places serving big portions of excellent Asian food, and you are a bit skint towards the end of the month, Hare & Tortoise definitely is the place to go.
URL: London-Eating, reviews and comments (ignore the first one...)
URL: TopTable.co.uk, plenty information about the place
Hi Magnus.
I'm guessing that this is the same chain as the Hare and Tortoise in Kensington? If so, thanks for the recommendation, I've passed it on my way to college every day for the last year and have been curious to try it out but was worried it might be a typical overpriced sushi bar!
If it is as good as your local one, I'll post back and let you know you, so can enjoy it in a more pleasant area!
Posted by: Ros | June 21, 2006 at 17:07
I am not sure if they are a chain to be honest. I have gone past the H&T in Kensington, but never been there. Would be great to know if you enjoyed the Kensington one.
Since I wrote my review the H&T in Holborn has moved across the square and been given a complete visual overhaul. It looks a lot better now, but somehow I feel that it actually wasn't an improvement... Something of the exciting, slightly worn down look is gone and that feeling of knowing one of the secret Asian food gems of London has gone away. Now it definitely looks like a franchise, like any Wagamama out there.
Posted by: Manne | June 21, 2006 at 23:44
Ah-ha, I knew I hadn't imagined it moving across the square!
Went there on Monday for the first time in about 3-4 years. I like that they've added sushi to the menu (didn't try it though as was in the mood for noodles). We had to queue! It never used to be that busy :)
Posted by: Kake | August 19, 2007 at 22:00
Yeah, funny move, isn't it? :) Agree, it used to be a whole lot easier to get in there. Just goes to prove what value for money they consistently manage to provide I guess.
// Manne
Posted by: Manne | August 19, 2007 at 22:41