Thai Nights In Soho

Grazing at...

Lemongrass tart

PATARA

15 Greek Street

London W1D 4DP

Tel: 02074371071

Over the years we’ve certainly taken Thailand into their hearts, travelling there on holidays, gap years and sabbaticals. But when you return from your travels, having indulged in the best Thai cuisine on offer, it’s no easy task to find a place that will re-create those same delicious dishes to a level equal in detail and variety. So, it was with some delight that I happened across Patara in London’s Soho. Tucked away not far from the Palace Theatre – which West End fans will know as home to the musical Pricilla Queen of the Desert – Patara Greek Street is one of four branches of an international chain. Inside, there are two floors full of authentic furnishings and enchanting corners to dine a deux, which glow beneath the flicker of candle light.

Thai food is as much about the balance of flavours as the details that goes into each dish. I had a hot and sour soup – the tom yum goong prawn bisque scented with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaf - to start and with each bite of succulent prawn this signature dish whisked me back to those long gone weeks spent in Krabi. The fella had the phed nam peung – a honey marinated Gressingham duck breast golden fried in fresh pandan leaf. An empty plate and satisfied grin followed. For mains we were seduced by plump king scallops sautéed in chilli paste and sweet basil, with a side of pak choi and gang kari – a yellow coconut curry with New Zealand lamb, new potatoes and baby onions. Dessert became another course of divine indulgence, this time incorporating more subtle and fragrant flavours. The lemongrass tart with coconut ice cream left a lingering smile, while the fella enjoyed his baked banana! Patara is that rare mix of modern yet authentic, making it the perfect stop for some genuine Thai food…particularly for those longing to recreate the memories of a perfect holiday.

Three course dinner for two, plus wine and service, costs about £100.