TOBA CHEF PATRON, PINO SINAGA'S INSIDER GUIDE TO THE WEST END
The chef driving London's Indonesian food revolution brings us his definitive guide to eating and drinking around the capital's historic entertainment hub
Since Toba’s Chef Patron Pino Edward Sinaga launched the Indonesian restaurant four years ago, it has wowed critics, with Grace Dent describing the dishes as “bliss” “heavenly” and “earth shattering;” society bible Tatler naming it one of the world’s must-visit restaurants, and awards including Best Authentic Indonesian Restaurant for the past two years.
Pino has been at the helm of the Indonesian food movement in London, feeding the city’s growing appetite for authentic and exciting new flavours, with heritage.
Heritage and authenticity are central to his West End restaurant, which is named after the hometown of Pino’s late mother, and serves dishes using recipes passed down from her.
He launched the fine dining Indonesian restaurant in he heart of London’s buzzy foodie destination, St James’s Market, following the roaring success of his Camden Market food stall.
And he combines his passion and skill for introducing the UK to the flavours of Indonesia, with his impressive 25-year background, working at some of London's most high-end venues, from Annabel’s to Chiltern Firehouse. The result is authentic and diverse cuisine championing Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, fused with remarkable fine dining.
Expect a sharing concept featuring delicacies, like their signature, six-hour braised beef rendang; their Sate Padang (Minangkabau-style grilled ox tongue skewers) curries, fritters, pancakes, and creative, Indonesian-style dumplings.
Pino has taken a moment from his foodie revolution to create the ultimate guide to West End dining, from morning to night.
Toba, 1a St James’s Mkt, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AH
________________________
COFFEE
Bija
It's the best coffee in London, and my first stop of the day. The coffee is consistently good; the people behind the counter actually know what they're doing, and it's the kind of place that makes a busy West End morning feel a little slower.
Bija, 2a St James's Market, London SW1Y 4AH
BREAKFAST
Fallow
Fallow is my go-to for breakfast. You have to try the Sunday roast, too.
Fallow, 52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP
LUNCH
Maison François
Maison François is my lunchtime treat. It's a proper French brasserie - elegant without being stiff, and the room alone puts you in a good mood. Save space for the dessert trolley.
Maison François, 34 Duke Street St James's, London SW1Y 6DF
DRINKS
Bar Termini
Bar Termini is tiny, but it's one of the best bars in London. It has the feel of an old Italian café-bar, with sharp service, beautifully made drinks and a buzz that pulls you in. Stand at the bar for one drink and you'll stay for three.
Bar Termini Soho, 7 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JE
INSIDER TIP
Blanchette
London's best steak frites, for just £14, at Blanchette in Soho. Most people walk straight past it. It's a proper French plate at a price that feels like a secret, so go before everyone else finds out.
Blanchette, 9 D'Arblay St, London W1F 8DR
Like what you've read? Please keep in touch!
Comments