Hare & Tortoise (Japanese) – Ealing Broadway

We’d heard a lot of good things about this place, and so decided to give it a visit.

With a semi-open kitchen that’s seemingly clean and vibrantly busy.

Hare & Tortoise has a large waiting area to the right of the entrance for takeaway purposes, and a door immediately to the left that leads to the dining area that’s bright, modern-looking and inviting.

Deluxe Sushi Box (16pcs) – Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, botan shrimp, scallop, surf clam, omelette nigiri, ikura gunkan, 3 salmon maki, 3 tuna maki and 2 futomaki, £18.30

Yes, it’s an acquired taste, and yes it’s not to everyone’s liking, but it’s certainly worth a try if you never have.

It’s not grade-A sushi, but it’s not far off. Great taster.

Curry Laksa (right) – Rice noodles in a spicy coconut curry soup with slices of grilled chicken breast, naruto, prawns and squid, garnished with deep-fried tofu, beansprouts and cucumber, £9.80

Take a look at this! The Curry Laksa in all its glory with the following goodies hiding away: rice noodles in a homemade spicy coconut curry soup, with slices of grilled chicken breast, naruto, prawns and squid, garnished with deep-fried tofu, beansprouts and cucumber. This had depth of flavour and a kick to it that really hit the back of the throat, and an addictively strong broth that only dissipated after a while.

Could you ask for anything more?

Grilled Chicken Ramen – Ramen noodles in a shoyu-based soup, topped with grilled chicken breast slices, boiled egg and menma, garnished with nori and spring onions, £9.50

An enjoyable bowl which, despite being perfectly seasoned and quite tasty, we aren’t sure we’d necessarily consider it authentic ramen.

For one, the broth simply wasn’t as hot as we’d have expected of a good ramen. Secondly, the portion size of the noodle was small in comparison to the size of the bowl and certainly not freshly made. Having said that though, this is as close to a Halal version as you’re going to get. The search for an authentic Halal ramen continues…

Panang Curry – Seasoned chicken thigh and potato in a rich Thai curry, garnished with fresh chilli and kaffir lime leaves, served with steamed rice, £8.50

Deliciously flavourful dish which, despite one Lion considering the lime leaves to be stronger than they should have been, the others disagreed.

Although the chicken was relatively tender, the skin left on top of some of the pieces therein was rather unpleasant. Nevertheless, the potatoes were large and soft. Overall, a very tasty curry that we’d certainly recommend.

Chicken Teriyaki & Rice – Deliciously grilled marinated chicken thigh topped with homemade teriyaki sauce, served with steamed rice, garnished with Chinese greens and sesame seeds, £8.80

Loved the Chicken Teriyaki.

Strong pungent marinade that’s very tasty and flavoursome.

Unagi Don – Grilled eel fillets in eel sauce served with steamed rice, pickles and miso soup, £16.30

All the above are winners, including this perfectly cooked eel dish, with eel that’s decently cooked and with a slight bite to it.