Stir-fried octopus, sesame noodles and green chilli with coriander, cucumber and watercress salad

Well-balanced flavours and textures create perfect harmony in this dish. Look for baby octopus that have not seen the inside of a cement mixer (a common implement for tenderising!) — the difference in texture is unbelievable. You can use large octopus just as successfully, but you need to cook it whole beforehand and then slice it before proceeding.