You've got to feel for the many London hospitality businesses who opened their doors in the weeks running up to lockdown. All that excitement, passion and energy followed by an abrupt closure and then, nothing. Mandy Yin's Nasi Economy Rice was one such place, opening for business just 10 days before Boris made the call to close all restaurants.
But, in the manner of a phoenix rising from the ashes, it's back in business from next week as more of a Malaysian deli.
As Mandy explains: "At first it will just myself and one other in the kitchen. We will be offering set ready meals served chilled, sauces, marinades and curry powders whilst we get used to our new business parameters. Our menu of set meals will change every one or two weeks to give you something new to try.
The launch ready meal will be an enticing sounding Malaysian chicken curry with potatoes, black bean fried tofu puffs and garlic greens with steamed white rice. Plus, every Friday and Saturday they'll be selling ready to eat deli boxes (perfect for picnics) like soy sesame chicken or garlic greens with spring onion ginger potatoes and chilli mint salad.
They're hoping to switch up to offering hot meals, once they see how things work. For the moment it'll be a collection and delivery-only service. "We'll be working with a courier service to enable same-day delivery within an 8-mile radius - so you'll be covered in Enfield, Wembley, Ilford and Streatham! The website will be open for orders next week."
And if you're out of the range, don't worry - "I am also working to introduce a nationwide postal ordering service asap. So don't worry, it is coming. One step at a time!"
More about NASI Economy Rice
Where is it? 169 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX
When does it reopen? 3 June 2020. To begin they'll be open Wednesday to Saturday 11.30am to 4.30pm
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @nasilondon.
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