Thai Candle, Lamb's Conduit Street, Central London

Small and unusually spartan for an Asian restaurant, the Thai Candle specialises in set lunches of two courses for a tenner. Among the starters on the time-worn, laminated menus, the fish cakes are small, solid and spicy. Much better is the duck curry main course, which includes pineapple and other tangy flavours, served in a bowl with a side-helping of boiled rice. The pad Thai noodles, stocked with plenty of prawns, is also a good combination of flavours. The service is quick, but surly and adds an extra 12.5% to your bill. 6/10