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The new rocket fuel

Just returned from two weeks in London, where I've been freelancing for a specialist provider of financial information on the renewable and clean energy industries worldwide. The work has given me a clearer picture of the technology being developed to support the growing interest and funding being directed at the sector.

No more is this evident than in the NEX, a global index, which tracks the performance of 'companies worldwide whose technologies and services focus on the generation and use of renewable energy, conservation and efficiency, and advancement of low-carbon energy solutions.' A quarterly update on the performance of the NEX shows a gain of 25.3% in the first quarter of 2006. An increased interest from investors and the effects of rising oil and gas prices have contributed to this rise. The best performing sector was biofuels, biomass and waste-to-energy sector. Ethanol and biodiesel could well be the fuels of the future.

My rocket fuel has been provided by the delicious Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road, aka 'Little Vietnam'. I took on the gastronomic challenge of eating in every Vietnamese on Kingsland Road, in an attempt to find the best bowl of Pho. The mission was fuelled purely by my insatiable appetite for Pho.

I decided to try Viet Grill, 58 Kingsland Road E2 8DP, a new addition to the strip from the owner of Cay Tre on Old Street. More formal dining than most round here, the experience lacks the intimacy and buzz of eating in a canteen-style restaurant. My first bowl of Pho Bo Tai since Vietnam was good but not outstanding. The Viet Grill's house speciality of Cha Ca was better and worth trying until you can make it to Cha Ca La Vong in Hanoi.

Song Que, 134 Kingsland Road has 28 types of Pho so if you really want to know which type you like, come here. Don't be put off by the bland, unappealing descriptions, just choose one and tuck in. You'll be back to try the next one on the list before you know it.

The overall winner by far is Viet Hoa, 70 Kingsland Road. I've been coming here for over four years and despite two weeks of trying all the other restaurants, this remains the best. Go for the Special Pho and you won't be disappointed. Excellent service and smiles all round too.

If anyone in London thinks they know a better place to eat Pho in London, please let me know!

Comments

Emma said…
It seems the demand for Pho has encoureged yet another Vietnamese eatery to open on the Kingsland Road.
The Titanic was up until last month our local cafe. It is now called and fry ups have been replaced by stir fry.
Pestos said…
I believe the new one you mention is called Tay Do. let me know what it's like when you next go!
Emma said…
They are still making it less cafe and more Viet.
I really am watching paint dry in anticipation
Will let you know when they open.

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