Claypots!

For many, Claypots needs no introduction, but it was my first visit.

Where to start — the food or the place? I pushed the door open and was hit by live music, singing, and crowds draped over old couches. No chance of a table, I thought.

But a waiter caught my hesitation and led us through a maze of rooms, unfolding into a leafy courtyard.

From my seat, I could see what looked like Poseidon’s kingdom: every ocean creature piled high on ice.

We ordered chili crabs, grilled octopus, and a sticky rice tagine clay pot.

We ate with our hands, chili on our fingers, sauce running down wine glasses. Perfectly at home in that bohemian, infectious atmosphere.

The chili crabs stole the night - generous mussels, rich sauce, utterly delicious.
I don’t think I’ve ever licked my fingers in public before, but that was the day, and this was the place.