Has the pandemic got you longing for a taste of Thailand? From sizzling street food to an invigorating Thai massage, there are plenty of ways that London can bring a little Bangkok into your life.
To help you make a start on your Thai adventure, here are just a few of the incredible experiences that can be found right here in London.
This trendy Thai restaurant has found a home in an airy warehouse in London’s Spitalfields District. Savour Thai dishes like red curry fish cakes and 5 spice braised beef cheek while you enjoy the lively atmosphere.
You could also sip something at Som Saa’s bar which is open throughout the evening. Their drinks list has been carefully put together, focusing on punchy and unusual flavours that will hold their own when paired with bold Thai food.
Be sure to try one of Som Saa’s signature cocktails, like the Katoey’s Kiss, which features Thai basil and lime leaf-infused tequila.
Find them at E1 6BD. The nearest underground station is Aldgate East.
This award-winning cookery school offers you the chance to learn how to make authentic Thai food under the guidance of Thai chefs. It’s a hands-on experience that will let you get to grips with the tastes, textures and skills that go into creating spectacular meals.
Their focus on flavour means you won’t just be following a recipe here. You’ll be taught how to adapt dishes to suit your own tastes and the ingredients you have available.
No experience is required, you just need to be willing to dive in. Open classes run on Thursdays and Saturdays, with private sessions available at other times. Classes last 3.5 hours and feature instruction on 3 dishes.
The Thai cooking school is in Farnham in Surrey so it would involve a trip out of London. You can either get there by car or by catching a train from Waterloo Station.
For those of you looking for something even more indulgent, there’s the Thai Square Spa. They have created facials, scrubs and all manner of other treatments to harness the rejuvenating power of Thai rituals.
Try something regal: Their hot jade stone massage and Thai herbal ceremony are just two of the treatments to have been inspired by ancient Siamese royalty, and in our opinion potentially the best Thai massage in London. They even have a special treatment designed specifically for the weary traveller!
In addition to their treatment, you could book some time in their Sen Space. Here you can roam between the heat of the sauna and the chill of the mysterious ice fountain. Thai Square Spa also has its own Salt House, a treatment space specially designed around Himalayan salt and its restorative properties.
Find them at WC2N 5AP. The nearest underground station is Charing Cross.
For a more laid-back dining experience, consider Rosa's Thai Café. They have several locations throughout the city (and beyond) and they specialise in the famous dish, pad thai. Their take is a sumptuous stir-fry of rice noodles with tamarind and peanuts.
While their pad thai is justly famous (they proudly state that they’ve served over 1.6 million of them!), there are other tasty choices on their menu. Start with very dippable classics like crispy prawns and chicken satay, then choose from a simple yet vibrant range of curries and stir-fries. You can also order a meal-kit to make at home.
Rosa’s Thai promises a relaxed and no-frills atmosphere. So, if you’re in the mood for a tasty Thai meal, give them a try.
