Coconut Tree Noodle Bar in Canterbury

Authentic food. Very tasty. Good service.

I hear Asian food, and I'll be there secepat mungkin. Lived in SE Asia for almost 30 years, predominantly Indonesia, and wrote about food extensively. Sad truth is there is so little genuine Asian food around that often we have to settle for poor imitation, especially the cuisine of Southeast Asia in all its diversity (Malaysian is not Indonesian, Thai is not Vietnamese, Singapore is not ... well, you get the picture). It seems like "pan Asian" in the UK often means I have a pan, I visited Asia, I'm going to have a go at cooking it. Great expectations for here because of the inclusion of SE Asian dishes on the menu. How was it in my buku? OK - I think in those moments of giddy elation just to have something that resembled Asian food I pronounced it "delicious" to the server - but the fried rice was pretty standard, serious lack of spice combinations and needed a dollop of kicap manis (kecap in Indonesian) that sets the nasgors of Malaysia and Indonesia apart from the blander "oriental" fried rices of other parts. Chuck in a few crackers why don't you - no nasi goreng server anywhere in Malaysia or Indonesia serves a fried rice without crackers to scoop it up with. I asked for extra chillies, which I got, but try laying out a few genuine sambals to boot. The fried tofu was, alas, like so much tofu in these parts like fried cardboard compared to the scrumptious crispy on the outside, moist on the inside tofu goreng of SE Asia street vendors (try serving it with kecap manis and onions,now that's something). Did see that there was Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) on the day menu but no great fish eater. Service officious - hey, I was a single diner who ordered two mains (one to take home) plus a side, how about tossing me a free dessert to be nice - and pleasant enough, that's all. When it comes to the potential offerings from SE Asia, there's a whole smorgasbord out there: gado2, tempe - now that could be a hit if done right - rendang ayam or sapi and, for that tofu, try doing a tahu telur with a kecap manis sauce, now we're cooking. I left a healthy tip, thought i would be back but, on reflection, nope, not worth it when it really doesn't cut the martabak for me (talking of martabak, that would get people talking!!).

The food was absoutely delicious and so much of it. The service was brilliant very quick, polite and attentive. I will defientely visting again and bringing my friends.

Lovely place, food was delicious and the staff were really friendly, attentive and welcoming, and even got a free sticky toffee apple! Will definitely be back!

Fantastic food, never had a bad meal here.

The food was excellent, you can really taste the smokey flavour of the wok. The service was exemplary, we even received a free desert, will definitely return.

Tasty Asian meals - prices are very sensible. Travelled from Canterbury and was not disappointed. We had to wait and walk around the town because we did not have a reservation - but they called us back in less than 30 minutes.

Absolutely lovely food. And excellent service. It's now a regular haunt of mine.

Over Priced for food which isn't particularly tasty, soups need more flavour and use of herbs, £4.75 for 4 mini spring rolls or Gyoza is taking advantage. No condiments on tables to adjust to your taste, something all proper noodle restaurants always have. When compared to Wagamama, its more expensive and not as flavoursome. Neon style decor more suitable for a nightclub than a noodle bar.Huge TV in the middle was off putting and distracting. Positive is the attentive service, helpful and prompt. Considering the location

Brilliant, excellent food, great service, good value for money and complimentary dessert! Looking forward to visiting again soon!