Thai Restaurants in the UK

[Jaime]

I was trying to say that very few restaurants serve food to the same standards that I would expect to find in Thailand. Very often, rather than use authentic ingredients, restaurants cut corners and use ingredients that do not produce the 'Thai' taste.

I think we must be lucky this side of the bridge then as the couple I have been to in Cardiff are excellent - particularly the Thai House. Even Mrs Jaime agrees. But then they do also run the Thai Skymarket fresh import company.

On the subject of authentic ingredients I have to say that the quality of fish in Thailand is pretty poor. Almost every fish dish is improved by the use of firm fleshed fish of the type we get in colder climes. Salmon and trout are particularly good for chu chee bplah and as for red meat, lamb instead of beef makes a great gaeng mussamun. Fresh local ingredients are sometimes a better alternative to preserved or frozen Thai ones. That is the essence of good cooking innit?

BTW, Lanna food is apparently quite a bit different from Isaan food, which has a much better culinary reputation. From what I have read Lanna food has more in common with Burmese cuisine. Either way, it is usually cold, slimy or raw and always red hot spicy-wise. Most dishes seem to come in the form of a paste for accompanying sticky rice and curries are regarded as 'boring.'

[Big Boy]

Jaime,

lamb instead of beef

My wife, and several of her Thai friends are disgusted at the thought of eating lamb. Although I've never managed to get a real reason, it seems to have some sort of link to their religion. However, we've got several Thai friends who live in Wales, and they love it.

Salmon and trout

Agreed, my wife does a lot of food especially with Trout and Mackerel.

Fresh local ingredients are sometimes a better alternative to preserved or frozen Thai ones. That is the essence of good cooking innit?

As you have said you have the Thai Skymarket fresh import company, and we have similar companies here. Its not so much the preserved/frozen elements I'm talking about, its things such as the various vegetables - these are all imported and available fresh(ish) off the shelf.

Lanna food is apparently quite a bit different from Isaan food, which has a much better culinary reputation. From what I have read Lanna food has more in common with Burmese cuisine. Either way, it is usually cold, slimy or raw and always red hot spicy-wise. Most dishes seem to come in the form of a paste for accompanying sticky rice

I am not the cook - that's my wife's job (not meant to be a sexist remark) - I am sure you are right in what you say. Whatever it looks/tastes like - it probably wouldn't suit my delicate palette.

I must admit, I can only talk for the restaurants in the Bristol area - maybe we'll venture across the bridge one day and try some Cardiff cooking.

[Handsome Buddha]

I've only been to Thailand once, but the food was a big part of what proved to be a fantastic holiday. Reading the replies on this topic I guess that my experience was mainly from the tourist establishments.
I'm coming to Hua Hin in December, & I'd welcome any suggestions of the best, most authentic places to eat, along with any suggestions for any particular dishes to try.
We've tried the fish places on stilts, & we'll probably go there again, but is there somewhere that we can go if we want typically Thai food? (& beer!!)

[Jaime]

Many Thais profess a disgust for lamb. According to Mrs Jaime there is no religious restriction on Thai Buddhists eating lamb but often they may have made a 'promise' at the wat not to eat it, or even any red meat. I have been told stories about how sick grandmothers have recovered from their deathbeds as a result of such a promise made by a relative. It seems to be mainly women who make these pledges. Perhaps Thai women are just as neurotic as our own after all! (Sorry gals - )

Mrs Jaime loves lamb but when she first arrived she was unsure. She admitted to me the real reason why she couldn't eat it at that time. It was because, and I quote; "lambs are lovely." A bit like the way some people won't eat the ickle bunny wunnie wabbits. FOOLS!

I think that most Thais won't eat it because it is just not what they are used to and they shy away from the unknown - in the same way that we would balk at eating a dog or cat........ maybe ....!

If you do come across the bridge I recommend the Thai House - I understand that they were the first UK Thai restaurant outside of London, so they are very well established with a host of awards and they are right next to Queen Street station. Here's the details (and no - I'm not connected!):

http://www.thaihouse.biz/

[Jaime]

We've tried the fish places on stilts, & we'll probably go there again, but is there somewhere that we can go if we want typically Thai food? (& beer!!)

Somewhere that is popular with Thai families is a roadside restaurant called Gin Lairk (rough translation: Eat the lot!). It is on Petchkasem Road on the left heading south out of Hua Hin and is somewhere around the Sailom Hotel area. Taxi drivers will know it. You might have to wait for a table but the food is excellent. Despite what I posted above about Thai fish, I recommend the bplah bpreeo wan (sweet & sour fish). I can't remember if the menu is in English or not - I don't think it is.

Watch out for the giant, scarey khatoey waitress though! My four year old pointed and boomed out "daddy, that man's a lady!" Embarrasment all round but at least he knows the difference!

[Handsome Buddha]

I think my golf partner might like her/him!