We wanted to write about this little gem. It’s actually owned by friends of ours, but we can honestly say that even if they were complete strangers we would happily make the trek to deepest darkest South London from our humble West London abode in order to taste the delights on offer here.
Thornton Heath is not really known for many things (apologies to Thornton Heathens, but it is our opinion and we grew up there) – the gateway to Croydon? The stomping ground of young Ian Wright (footballer) and Richard Blackwood (comedian/presenter)? Ok... we can’t really think of any other great facts and Wikipedia is less than insightful on the importance of Thornton Heath in the development of cuisine in the UK. However, despite those wiki-failings, we truly believe Thornton Heath is important in developing the taste buds of London as numerous cuisines have braved South London – Asian, Caribbean, African, Oriental and Western to name but a few.
Lip-lickingly good, Wrighty knew exactly where to go get some post-match Satay
For us, King amongst them is the Bunga Raya restaurant – a family run restaurant that started 30 years ago and is still going strong. It is a curious mixture of Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine (itself a curious mixture of Chinese, Indian and general South Asian flavours) that has been plying its trade in various forms since the early 80’s – it is the original Malaysian in London and laid the foundations for not just other Malaysian restaurants but also other foreign cuisines forcing themselves into our diet. The BNP would be horrified. Or full...
It used to be a typical service restaurant but for the last decade or so, it has become primarily a buffet restaurant. We’re not normally fans of buffets to be honest. There are mixed feelings – on the one hand there is the opportunity to eat yourself into a food coma, but then we’re also really lazy and hate having to serve ourselves. That said, if all buffets were of this kind of quality, we would never visit a normal restaurant. Seriously.
The food is amazing – the various traditional Malaysian tastes of Nasi Lemak, Beef Rendang, Mee Goreng, Roti Chanai and Egg Sambal (to name but a few) as well as more Oriental and Asian inspired foods and rarities such as Pork Belly, Braised Beef, dumplings, fritters, curries and the amazing Chicken Rice. Honestly – the grilled lamb cutlets alone will convince you that moving to Malaysia (or Thornton Heath) is a definite option in life. Moreover, we reserve special praise for their Satay and world famous Satay Sauce which is distributed in specialist Oriental shops around the UK. You will not taste anything better. It is deservedly one of their oldest and most cherished dishes.
The quality really is astounding – not just the flavours but the quality of meats on offer (not just the obligatory chicken and beef, but the more expensive duck, prawns and fish often find their way onto the buffet. We once had lobster on the buffet too. Amazing).
Value for money has long been the motto of the Bunga Raya family and that is no more apparent than when you’re onto your second dish of food. They only ask that people don’t waste food – which is a tough ask as the flavours drive even the most sensible person wild with greed.
Aside from the food, the restaurant itself is nice without being over-bearing and, on certain nights, there’s karaoke which we hate to perform, but my goodness it’s great to watch. Rumour has it that this is where Leona Lewis cut her singing teeth before getting on the X Factor (this may be untrue).
Go there now and pay tribute to one of London’s hidden treasures - don't let the slightly odd website put you off!
http://www.bunga.co.uk/