The award-winning Nipa Thai restaurant is situated on the first floor of mid-century icon Lancaster, offering unrivalled views across Hyde Park. Walking into the restaurant, we were greeted by Kaseam Jongpitakrat, manager for 19 years.The shimmering gold wallpaper, rich silk fabrics and carved teak-wood make you feel like you’re in a Thai palace. So immediately we knew we were in for the royal treatment.
The 55-cover restaurant is famed for outstanding traditional cuisine cooked by all female chiefs. They combine hot spices with mild and sweet flavours, offering a selection of dishes from Thailand’s central region. My friend and I enjoyed starters of Koa Krieb Pak Moh- Steamed rice wrap with chicken, shallots, roasted peanuts; at first I was concerned they used food colouring on the rice to get the beautiful colours, but was pleasantly surprised when Kaseam explained they used flowers to create the amazing colours – they were really incredible.
The friendly staff are great at helping you pick from the extremely large mouthwatering menu. As usual, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, so we ordered Yum Ma Muang Koong Mangkorn Pao – Grilled fresh lobster with spicy mango salad. The fresh flavours worked beautifully and the presentation was immaculate. We also had Kaeng Kiew Warn Kai – vibrant chicken with Thai aubergine in spicy green coconut curry and Aanguan’s Phad Thai. I’ve been to Thailand before and I can honestly say I have never had Thai food this fresh, vibrant and delicious before.
An average à la carte dinner would cost approximately £40pp for three courses with wine. But we went a little overboard and ordered like…well, royalty. When in Rome….
The mouth-watering-incredibly-worth-it damage…
Koa Krieb Pak Moh – Steamed rice wrap with chicken, shallots, roasted peanuts: £11.00
Yum Ma Muang Koong Mangkorn Pao – Grilled fresh lobster with spicy mango salad: £28.00
Kaeng Kiew Warn Kai – vibrant chicken with Thai aubergine in spicy green coconut curry: £16.00
Sanguan’s Phad Thai: £14.00
Banana & Caramel- Banana pudding dipped in rich banana syrup with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream £9.00
Ice Cream Kluay Tod – Crunchy fried banana topped with honey and vanilla ice cream £9.00
Bottle of Rose- £29
Total:£116
Nipa Thai is open for dinner from 5pm until 10.30pm, 7 days a week.
Nipa Thai,
1st Floor, Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
Reservations on 020 7551 6039
www.niparestaurant.co.uk
