THE internet is great, isn’t it? Once upon a time your takeaway options on a miserable evening were limited to whatever crumpled menus you could find behind the fridge and wedged into the sofa cushions.

Not any more – a tonne of takeaways have taken to the web so a world of food is at your fingertips.

That’s how I came to find Paya in Sidcup when I was looking for a Thai.

The restaurant has a staggering menu of Chinese, Oriental and Thai dishes and you can order online or their freephone number.

Deciding some human interaction was necessary, I called. The chap on the phone was polite and very efficient and the deliveryman who arrived astonishingly quickly was happy despite the rain.

The digital trickery didn’t stop with ordering either as he was dispatched with a card reader, saving me a damp rush to the cash point.

Yet again, I over-ordered. The sweet honey barbecue ribs (£5.95) I had to start were incredible – the meat fell easily from the bone and the marinade was moreishly sweet.

My Chicken Thai Green Curry (£6.45) was smooth with a good tang and was absolutely packed with tender meat.

It seems odd to single out rice as a stand-out, but I couldn’t stop shovelling down the Egg-Fried Rice (£2.85). It was just so good.

Paya, 4 Gloucester Parade, Blackfen Road, Sidcup DA15 8PS

How it rated:

Food: **** Giant portions but I scoffed the lot

Service: ***** A myriad of ways to order, happy and efficient staff