Age: A solid eight years old. It took over the old Eatzone noodle bar that had been in situ for years (ask your mum).
Where exactly is it? On Fortess Road, frustratingly positioned with a bus stop outside, but with cosy wine bar Tabac next door for pre- or post-prandial snifters (incidentally, we’re still obsessed with their 125ml glasses filled right to the top for just £4.)
OK. So what goes on there? Extremely reliable Thai and Malaysian food. Don’t be afraid to experiment (as we did here) but also please don’t swerve the old faves, too.
So what should I eat? The other night, before Baxter Dury headlined at The Forum, we shared deliciously seasoned fresh edamame, and perfect chicken gyoza, crispy on the outside with a soft, deeply savoury centre. But it was the classic pad Thai that stole the show: generous amounts of juicy fat prawns, a good sprinkling of crushed peanuts, and a tangle of stir fried thin rice noodles, bean sprouts, spring onion and egg, all in pleasing harmony. In short a textbook version – and less than nine quid.
The interior? Eclectic framed prints adorn the walls, and there’s a red leather banquette running down one side, with booths on the other. Slightly awkward Covid-secure plastic sheeting separates the tables.
And what do I drink? House wine is about £17 and proved more than decent. Or there’s a small range of bottled beers.
What’s the service like? Efficient and to the point. There’s a swift turnover here, but we didn’t feel rushed, despite the small room. But if you do need another drink, there is that awesome little hideaway next door…hic.
Baan Thai 18 Fortess Rd, NW5 2HB Lunch 12midday -15:30, dinner 17:30-22:30. Find out more on their website here.
Please support us if you can
If you enjoyed reading this, perhaps you could help out? In November 2021, Kentishtowner will celebrate its 11th birthday. But with the sad demise of our free independent monthly print titles due to advertising revenues in freefall, we need your support more than ever to continue delivering cultural stories that celebrate our neighbourhood. Every contribution is invaluable in helping the costs of running the website and the time invested in the research and writing of the articles published. Support Kentishtowner here for less than the price of a coffee – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
