Janda Diner

‘Always warm and inviting, busy with locals, excellent pricing and really interesting food,’ just about sums up this unpretentious neighbourhood eatery born out of a pop-up in Nunhead and a popular residency in Peckham Rye. Chef/owner Ady Jacob earned his stripes at Le Cordon Bleu and brings the same professionalism to his personal take on modern Malaysian cooking. Expect up-front creativity and pin-sharp technique in ‘super-flavourful’ dishes ranging from slow-braised beef rendang to stir-fried greens, sambal and sago pudding, plus off-piste ideas such as ayam goreng susu (sticky milk-fried chicken with oyster sauce, white pepper, condensed milk and pickled beetroot). Also expect a gregarious party vibe, fuelled by a drinks list that runs from quaffable everyday wines (plus BYOB) to Singaporean Tiger beer, ‘teh o lemon’ (black tea with lemon) and spicy mocktails such as Onde-Onde (soy milk, palm sugar, vanilla, coconut cream). Long weekend lunches are also worth checking out.