Harden's says
Seven Dials outpost of this casual Thai chain serving an exclusive Northern Thai menu, bringing diners an authentic flavour of Thailand’s lesser-known dishes, particularly from the mountainous province of Petchabun, the hometown of Rosa’s head chef and co-owner, Saiphin Moore.
Harden's survey result
Summary
The “lovely Thai food” at these reliable cafés is “impressively authentic given that they are a chain” – “excellent value” and “fast”, if occasionally let down by “iffy service”. Founded in 2008 by Saiphin and Alex Moore, who inherited the name of their first East End site, the group has 15 branches in London and expanded to Liverpool and Leeds this year following the sale of a majority stake to US investors. The couple also have two spin-offs, Lao Café in Covent Garden and the new Chinese noodle bar Hoh Sek in St Katharine Docks.
Summary
The “cheap and tasty Thai food” at this fast-growing chain “hits a decent standard despite its many branches” and its delivered by “friendly, speedy staff” making them “a good stand-by option”. Founders Saiphin and Alex Moore, who opened the original branch in 2008, have recently sold a majority stake to US investors TriSpan.
Summary
This “hectic” and “cheerful” Thai café chain has grown apace over the years. Compared with the early days (when “the original E1 branch set the standards for the roll-out”) its spicy fare is probably “nothing to write home about”, but most reports still say it’s “tasty and fresh” and “really well priced”.
Summary
“Does what it says on the tin!” – these “reliable” cafés are a trusty source of “tasty, unpretentious Thai food”, with the “heart-of-Soho” branch by far the best known.
Opening hours
Sun-Thu noon–10.30 pm, Fri–Sat noon–11 pm
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