Thai cuisine is a tantalizing addiction, drawing us back again and again, even though it sometimes leaves us sweaty and begging for mercy. Apparently, London’s chefs are equally captivated, approaching it from every angle and offering everything from the rigorously traditional to the wildly creative. That said, crafting a definitive list of the top spots isn’t an easy feat, but I’ve managed to round up some of the best Thai restaurants in London, where the flavors are so authentic, they’ll have you booking a flight to the land of pad thai before dessert.
I'll dive straight into my top pick. Well, clearly, I’m not the only one obsessed with it — Som Saa is an always-bustling Spitalfields spot in a former fabric warehouse that will make you wait (unless you gather a bunch of friends for a group booking). But honestly, should I really complain about the wait when I can pass the time at the bar sipping indulgent cocktails that tease with lemongrass and lime leaf, getting me ready for the flavor explosion ahead?
If you're with a party, definitely go for the set menus, which are also available in vegan versions. À la carte, Isaan-style deep-fried seabass with fresh herbs is an absolute must-try, and my latest discovery — pumpkin massaman curry — stands out with its earthy sweetness and spicy depth. And don't skip those fabulous chicken skewers with tamarind dip. Som Saa thoughtfully curated a list to complement every dish, and I particularly loved their special Riesling section featuring interesting biodynamic labels.
Tem toh menu — £35
While Kiln doesn’t exactly try to reinvent the wheel, there’s something comforting about predictably good dishes that hit the mark every time. Grab a seat upstairs — the fiery action in the open kitchen, with chefs juggling flames, glowing charcoals, and clay pots, has a chaotic charm that evokes the energy of a food market in Thailand. I’d steer clear of the basement, though — it’s uncomfortably tight for my liking.
The cuisine is rooted in bold Thai flavors, with a dash of influence from neighboring countries woven in. Northern-style laap sausage is a standout — herbaceous and unapologetically spicy. A beautiful clay pot featuring glass noodles, pork belly, and crab meat seems to be their bestseller — and I should say it deserves every bit of its hype. Drinks-wise, the wine list is respectable, but I prefer a chilled tap beer here — it just better suits the atmosphere and pungent plates.
Northern-style laap sausage — £5.80
Luke Farrell definitely excels at mastering South Asian flavors in London, a fact well-known to foodies thanks to his signature touch at Plaza Khao Gaeng and the Viet Populaire pop-up. So I was pretty excited to hear that he opened Speedboat Bar, inspired by Bangkok’s Chinatown eateries. Bursting with colors, energy, and mouthwatering aromas, the place captures the essence of those late-night feasts in Thailand, where locals gather around bowls of deliciousness on plastic stools.
The dishes here are spot-on authentic, and even the menu design takes cues from the canteens of Thai capital. Though, of course, the prices remind you're in the heart of London, leaving you with an urge to wish they were listed in baht instead. Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong — whether it’s flat rice noodles with beef, rich crispy pork curry, shrimp ceviche, minced beef with holy basil, or amazing stir-fried morning glory (a personal favorite that’s not always easy to find). Oh, and seeing Singha beer towers was a fun bonus!
Rice noodles with beef — £19
I heard Farang snagged a nod of approval from the Thai embassy — and I wouldn't be surprised if that was after sampling jungle curry and appreciating its no-nonsense spiciness, exactly how they like it back home. Luckily, most other dishes dial down the heat to cater to the typical farang palate. Stepping into the laid-back canteen-style space, brimming with greenery, I didn’t hesitate long before opting for a sharing tasting menu.
It was a delightful culinary tour, authentic and clearly crafted by someone who understands the art of balancing complex flavors. That someone, by the way, is Sebby Holmes, a chef with an undeniable, long-standing passion for Thai cuisine. Gai prik, irresistibly crispy beer-battered chicken, was a standout — worth a return visit on its own, as well as smoked haddock in a wonderfully sweet & sour glaze, paired with fried shallots. And make sure to try at least one of their curries.
6-course menu — £65
I couldn’t possibly leave this list without a mention of the Patara chain. It’s a longstanding institution founded by restaurateur Khun Patara Sila-On who brings authentic Thai culinary philosophy to different corners of the world. You can safely pick any branch in London — each offering a smart-casual vibe with subtle Asian touches. I’m particularly fond of their red curry with honey duck, complete with the surprise twist of lychee and pineapple, all served elegantly in cute little copper pots. Of course, classics like green curry and chicken massaman are always a solid choice.
I also can't get enough of prawn khao soi — it's my low-key go-to order every time I visit. Thai basil chili is well-executed, though I’d skip fish cakes — they’re pretty underwhelming. Non-meat dishes are plentiful, and desserts go beyond the usual mango sticky rice, with interesting options like taro pearls in warm coconut cream
Duck red curry — £23