Chinatown, Thai Restaurant Guide

Ben Chapman’s epic BBQ Thai in Soho has racked up phenomenal ratings in our annual diners’ poll since it opened in 2016 and packing into a perch at its counter to savour the electrifying tastes of its spicy, smoke-infused meats has become a mainstay of ‘Top London Eateries Right Now’ lists online. But while it’s “always been a bit too cool for school”, this year saw a dip in ratings. No harsh critiques, just less buzz and wow-factor! (“OK, we are a bit old, but where lies the fun in spending quite a lot of money to sit in cramped surroundings, crammed up against others and eating the same old? I’m giving up on Time Out lists I think!”)

2023 Review: This “modest but terrific” former pop-up near Trafalgar Square, from entrepreneurial Lao-Thai chef Saiphin Moore (of Rosa’s Thai), is “well worth the visit” for “good-sized portions” of “authentic” Laotian food – a lesser-known Asian cuisine with meals revolving around the staple of sticky rice.

“Much closer to ‘fine dining’ than most local Thai restaurants” – this well-established quartet from Khun Patara Sila-On is part of her international, decades-old chain which started in Bangkok in the 1970s; and “every dish is of the highest standard, with superb presentation” (although if the food is “a couple of notches better than standard fare, prices are also a couple of notches higher”). Top Menu Tip – “whole chilli sea bass is a delight”.

“A bit mad and a lot great” – chef Luke Farrell’s tribute to the fun and flavours of Yaowarat Road, Bangkok’s Chinatown, goes down a treat in London’s Chinatown with its lurid cocktails and dishes using ingredients grown in the founder’s own tropical greenhouse. In July 2025, it spawned its first spin-off House in Portobello Road, a joint venture between backers JKS Restaurants and the Soho House group at The Electric Cinema. Formerly The Electric Brasserie (RIP): it looks set to remain a good place for local Trustafarians to work off their hangover… or to create one, as it will be open until 1am, complete with Thai pop and rock.

A tribute – via Hong Kong – to Ho Chi Minh’s street food ‘Lunch Lady’, Nguyen Thi Thanh – this September 2025 newcomer opens on the former Covent Garden site that was once Frenchie (RIP). On the menu: bun thai, bun mam, and banh mi (baguette sandwiches).

“An absolute favourite modern Thai in a very strong London market”, Luke Farrell’s “authentic street-food canteen in the mezzanine above the Centrepoint food court” “embraces the colourful Thai food-market vibe, and all the dishes have the real punch and fire you’d find in Bangkok”. “The simple setting keeps prices down” – but “make sure you book!”.