Bam Bou

Bam-Bou is an atmospheric French-Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of the Charlotte Street café strip where Indo-Chinese wall hangings, the predominantly dark wood interior and minimalist, ambient music create an evocative environment.

Their attention to detail is also reflected in the oriental cut of the staff’s uniforms and in the design of the crockery and utensils, ensuring you’re immersed in the atmosphere in advance of the French / Vietnamese food which, happily, is pretty good.

Starters average around £6, for substantial and refreshing combinations, such as crunchy asparagus and shitake salad served in a sweet peanut dressing or a deliciously smoky pumpkin and shaved coconut soup. Mains – generously sized and keenly priced around £14 - include a number of inventive crossover dishes such as grilled chicken brochette with lemongrass and peanuts, and honey-roasted duck with pak-choi and water chestnuts. More orthodox Vietnamese cuisine is also on offer with a range of aromatic green and yellow curries - all served with fluffy coconut rice - and an array of dishes infused with flavours such as lemongrass, sesame, soy, coconut and coriander.

Desserts – approximately £5 - are better than you might expect too, from the unusual, cigar-shaped chocolate spring rolls with kumquat to an exquisite passion fruit crème brulee.

An atmospheric, good value gastronomic experience.

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