Ning

It's never an easy task to infuse chic into Oriental restaurants because the 'exotic' tag is never really far behind, imbuing a certain heaviness either in décor or food. But a visit to Ning in Oldham Street might change some of your notions particularly as you take in the stunning pink floral wallpaper that is as flamboyant as it is pretty. Other prominent colours that feature are black and white, and in a combination that truly embodies elegance.

Open only in the evenings, Ning offers its customers a range of Thai, Malay, South East Asian and fusion cuisine prepared fresh and without that devious accompaniment, MSG. You could start with chicken murtabak, Malaysian Indian-style pancake filled with chicken, onion, potato, egg and herbs, and follow up with rendang, tender beef in coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass and chilli. Beers, wines and champagnes feature in this compact drinks list, while ice creams and sorbets make for some very good desserts.