Banana Tree Milton Keynes

You're wandering through the theatre district after a show, craving something more substantial than the usual chain offerings, when you spot this reliably excellent pan-Asian spot tucked into the Brooklyn development. The menu sprawls across Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and beyond, but don't let the breadth fool you – they actually nail the specifics, from properly fiery green curries that'll make you sweat to aromatic pho that tastes like someone's grandmother made it. The space feels more grown-up than your typical shopping centre restaurant, with dark wood and warm lighting that works whether you're on a date or feeding the family. Service moves at a decent clip, and crucially, they don't tone down the heat levels just because you look like you shop at Waitrose. At around £12-15 for mains, it's fair pricing for food that actually respects its origins.