Kêu – Roast Duck Banh Mi

When I pregnant and working in Soho this particular location was still an eatery but not one that I wanted to visit. It was a very different establishment where trays of (dodgy looking) salads were being laid out when I walked past on my way into the office in the morning and were still laid out for people to use as a salad buffet at lunchtime. It looked like a greasy spoon trying out a health kick.

Fast forward past my maternity leave and the trays of salads are gone and the eatery has been taken over by a new owner with a completely different cuisine who has done a complete refit and set up their KÊU branding. I heartily approve of the changes as it now looks appealing and like the kind of place I’d like to try food from… so I did!

Walking into the restaurant was a different experience – I was expecting to be hit with the scent of food but instead was surprised by the smell of incense. I paused for a moment but I did get used to it and I wonder if the experience of eating in would be heightened by you scent and taste senses sending you different messages.

As is appearing to be a theme with Soho eateries the service was perfunctory and efficient but neither rude nor friendly. Through this series I am starting to wonder if Soho restaurant staff are too trendy or simply too jaded to say ‘hello’ any more. My only complaint would be that other customers around be were asked if they’d prefer a white or grain roll, but I wasn’t and found myself querying the option when asked for payment.

Keu Roast Duck Banh Mi

I was a little disappointed when I was handed my takeaway bag as the portion seemed very small for the cost. However, after devouring the Banh Mi (minus coriander) I found that I was pleasantly full of very tasty food. 

Keu Roast Duck Banh Mi close up

The flavours and sensations of the duck, chilli, cucumber, carrot, etc all balanced perfectly leaving me with a pleasant tingling on the lips but no desperate need to drink a jug of water. Although I do wish that I’d asked for no coriander as I hate the stuff and the orders can be customised as they prepare the Banh Mi from scratch. My own fault and I’ll make sure to avoid the coriander in future. It’s always a risk when eating asian food as it’s a frequent feature of the cuisine.

Overall impressions – Good tasting food with well balanced flavours

• Price – £5.95
• Service & atmosphere – 7/10
• Taste – 9/10
• Distance from office – a short 5 minute walk
• Satiety – 8/10
• Likelihood to return when back in Soho – Fairly likely