Star Anise Cantonese Take Away Cafe

Please don’t be fooled by exteriors…
As its name suggests, it’s Star Anise’s job to add a bit of spice to Mere Green’s culinary landscape. This place presents a functional image, rather than going for a gimmicky take on Chinese food culture. Why? Well, it’s because the food does all the talking. It does everything to a tea, the detail has brought me here again and again.
I’m salivating as I write and think about the fried rice and the yuk sung is one of the tastiest dishes I’ve ever eaten. In fact, I could order a whole feast of sides from this Chinese and never feel like I’m missing out on something more special. Shhhh… the crunch of the lettuce leaves are calling me.
Parking outside shouldn’t be a problem, but make sure you look both ways as the sweet and sour smell may make you lose your concentration.

Fast, friendly service, great takeaway food… but isn’t that pretty much what you’d expect? What, if anything, gives Star Anise an extra boost?
Firstly, despite the main road location, its setting within a commercial strip that useful 20 feet back from the traffic means parking outside the door is simple. It’s not something that similar ventures in Sutton can boast.
A clear view into the busy kitchen is also welcome, if only for the sense that in terms of freshness and hard work, it has nothing to hide. And while it may seem a small thing, there is ample, comfy seating while you wait, complete with a table to spread out the choice of national and local newspapers available to browse. Finally, staff make a point of checking your order before taking payment and again when you leave.
It’s a place to which you’ll likely return, once given a go. Recommended.