Nusa Kitchen, Barbican, London

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Nusa Kitchen, which has three shops in London, was established in 2004 by Patou Sekhon and her son Mark. The inspiration was one of Patou’s childhood memories of growing up in Singapore – the delicious soup served at her school tuck shop. My memories of the school tuck shop are cheap crisps and sweets, we certainly didn’t have home made soup! Nusa Kitchen originally served Asian inspired soups but has since expanded the menu to include salads, coconut rice boxes, breakfast and desserts. There is also a great choice of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options on the menu.

Momo’wich, Barbican, London

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Momo’wich is now called Momo Canteen

There are a number of independent little eating places around the Barbican area in addition to the usual Pret A Mangers, EATs and Subways. Momo’wich is a small modern cafe in Carthusian Street that sells South East Asian street food and aims to deliver ‘authentic Malaysian and Thai flavours.’  You will find amongst other things, Malaysian beef rendang,Thai green chicken curry, soup noodles including curry laksa, steamed sandwich buns, chicken satay and Vietnamese summer rolls on the menu. I’ve noticed bánh mi making an appearance as a special. Vegetarians can order butternut squash Thai red curry, tofu soup noodles, vegetarian spring rolls, tofu summer rolls and vegetarian steamed sandwich buns.