MANGO TREE

With branches in Bangkok, Hong Kong, London and Dubai, Mango Tree markets itself as a Thai restaurant chain with fine-dining inclinations. The interiors are indeed way above your average Thai spot, featuring high ceilings, sleek, stylish design and blonde wood tree-like structures dividing the space. Food-wise the sophisticated take translates into a menu of exquisite and beautifully presented Thai cuisine, whose chief shortcoming is perhaps to play it too safe on the spice spectrum. Classic Thai dishes are all present, so expect tom yum, pad thai noodles and plenty of curries. Tom yum goong comes piping hot, and is ladled at the table by the waiter. It’s aromatic, the mix of kaffir leaves, lemongrass and galangal offering layered notes of sweet and sour, the river prawns meaty enough to make this a satisfying dish. The wine list is succinct but offers plenty of options by the glass. Service is very good: our water glass is never empty and dishes are smoothly delivered. Mango Tree has plenty of crowd pleasers, but doesn’t necessarily wade into adventurous waters.

Tri’s approach to Balinese cooking is a colourful one