The Essential Thai Spots in London

Our curated picks

22 restaurants in this collection

1
AngloThai

Thai · ££££

90Signal

Start with

Ryall Farm Hebridean hogget massaman curry

An exquisite showcase of Thai technique and British produce, featuring plenty of 'deeply bronzed shallot' and a 'rich, but not overpoweringly coconutty sauce.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
Kin Deum

Thai · ££

86Signal

Start with

Tamarind Crispy Eggs

GQ identifies these as an 'absolute must,' featuring soft-boiled eggs blistered on the outside and 'slathered in fresh tamarind sauce and dried shallots.' They are a family favorite of the owners.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
Som Saa

Regional Thai · £££

84Signal

Start with

Deep-Fried Whole Sea Bass (Nahm Dtok Pla Thort)

The restaurant's signature dish, expertly fried so 'the bones are crisp enough to be nibbled as a snack' and 'buried under drifts of foliage and smokey chillies, the crunch of toasted rice and the intensity of more fish sauce.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
Farang

Thai · £££

80Signal

Start with

Gai Prik

An irresistible crispy IPA-battered chicken coated in a sticky fish sauce and green chilli glaze, widely considered the restaurant's signature dish.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

5
Singburi

Thai · ££

79Signal

Start with

Aubergine Pad Phet

An 'absolute standout' and a 'must-have dish' that is double-fried in tapioca flour for a specific texture before being tossed with oyster sauce, wild ginger, and holy basil.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Spicy Basil

Thai · £

76Signal

Start with

Pad Thai

Regarded as some of the best in London, the chicken and prawn version is described by diners as 'slappppsss' and delivers an incredible punch of authentic flavor.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
The Begging Bowl

Thai · ££

76Signal

Start with

Deep-Fried Whole Sea Bass

Explicitly recommended as a 'don't miss' dish, this showstopper is crisp, sweet, spicy, and flavourful, typically served with physalis, green mango, and tamarind.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8
Speedboat Bar

Thai · ££

76Signal

Start with

Chicken Skins with Zaep Seasoning

These 'irresistible salty-sour' snacks are 'shaken up with zeap seasoning in a cocktail shaker to order' for a moreish, punchy start to the meal.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

9
Kao Sarn

Thai · ££

75Signal

Start with

Moo Ping

Still smoking from the grill, these pork skewers arrive with a sweet-sour chilli and tamarind dip that 'makes you open your eyes wider.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10
Kiln

Thai · ££

74Signal

Start with

Aged Lamb & Cumin Skewers

These "charred, cumin-dusted" skewers are the essential way to start the meal, with critics noting they "always order on arrival" and suggesting "it’s worth having two."

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

11
Nipa Thai

Authentic Thai · £££

72Signal

Start with

Ruam Mitr (Chef's Special Starters)

A generous platter including traditional fishcakes, prawn dumplings, and satay chicken that critics call 'beautifully presented' and 'more than enough for two people.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

12
Plaza Khao Gaeng Borough Yards

Southern Thai · ££

72Signal

Start with

Gaeng Massaman Neua

A 'tender beef shoulder massaman' described as 'creamy and comforting.' It is highly recommended to order 'one of the excellent roti to mop up all the curry.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

13
Slurp Noodles

Thai · ££

70Signal

Start with

Hat Yai Chicken

Universally praised as "better than good," these juicy fried chicken thighs are marinated in coriander and garlic and topped with crispy shallots. Critics recommend using a spoon to clear up every bit of the "delicious shallot debris."

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

14
70Signal

Start with

Panang Chicken Curry

Creamy, piping hot, and reliably flavourful with just the right level of spiciness, making it a comforting staple of the buffet or a solid à la carte choice.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

15
Patara

Thai · £££

70Signal

Start with

Lamb Shank Massaman

The undisputed star of the menu; a hefty, tender leg of braised lamb in a deeply fragrant, rich coconut curry.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

16
Jin Da

Northern Thai · ££

61Signal

Start with

Tamarind duck

Consistently a standout dish, noted for duck that is not overcooked and a pleasant hint of bitter sweetness from the tamarind.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

17
Fitous

Thai · £

61Signal

Start with

Steamed Seabass with Chillies

Repeatedly praised across reviews for its perfect cooking, tart lime, and unapologetically fiery chilli dressing.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

18
Pad Thai Cafe

Thai · £££

60Signal

Start with

Creative Pad Thai Noodles

The namesake classic, beautifully balanced, deeply flavorful, and highly customizable with fresh ingredients.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

19
Monkey & Me

Thai · ££

55Signal

Start with

Pad Thai

It is described as delicious with a distinct 'sour tang from tamarind' and avoids being 'overly sweet' like many other versions.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

20
Mudmee Thai

Thai · ££

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Stir-fried Noodles

A classic staple noted among their authentic offerings.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

21
Taste of Siam

Thai · ££

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Pad Thai

The quintessential benchmark dish for checking the balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

22
Flavour Hubb

Southern Thai and Malaysian · ££

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Crab Curry Noodles

Highly praised for its comforting, creamy broth that serves as a perfect benchmark for their rich, house-made curry pastes.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.