Saturday 16 August 2008

HOT: Nipa Restaurant, Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace W2 2TY

The hotel bellboy assured me that this was the best Thai restaurant in London and it has even been approved by the Thai government as only one of fifteen restaurant in the UK for the 'highest standards of quality and cuisine'. Well, Nipa is fantastic and so well-priced for the quality, teak-panelled decor with views of Hyde Park and friendly service. I only wish it was busier for their sakes, being only half-full on a Saturday night. Our meal: soft-shelled crab with mango salad, crunchy and just the right side of spicy; kao krieb pak moh described as steamed mince chicken with peanuts wrapped in a flour crepe but actually a slightly glutinous wrapping filled with a salty and spicy taste sensation; a red chicken curry (I'll try it without the coconut milk next time); a traditional stir-fry with chicken, Thai basil and chilli, all served with sticky rice. I'll definitely be visiting again.

NB With a Taste London card, you even get 50% off the bill.

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