Strand, Thai Restaurant Guide

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.

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!”)

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!”.

“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.