Edinburgh has made a name for itself as a foodie’s haven boasting over a culinary melting pot that covers every corner of the globe. Undoubtedly, one of the capital’s favourite imports to its restaurant scene is the consortium of Thai restaurants that have established themselves as the go-to eateries for delectable cuisine. Here are our Thai influences favourites.
Ka Pao
Glasgow’s foodies have been raving about Ka Pao for years now, so it was high time that the brand launched in the capital too. The team chose the St James Quarter as its home, to bring cooking techniques and recipes gleaned from travels across Northern Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as some Australian influences. Edinburgh’s born Executive Chef Sandy Brown is at the helm, with a frequently changing menu that’ll keep you coming back for more, over and again. Seating 98, the bespoke space has been designed by Stuart Black, Head of Interior Design at Mosaic.
AddressFloor 4, St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
Web: www.ka-pao.com
Dusit
Tucked away down Thistle Street, one of Edinburgh’s narrow cobbled avenues two minutes away from the city centre lies Dusit. This quaint restaurant is somewhat unassuming at first look sitting unobtrusively beside its other neighbouring restaurants. However, it is the unparalleled cuisine that perhaps sets Dusit apart from its affiliates. Pom, Dusit’s restaurateur, originally from Bangkok, uses locally sourced produced as well as imported Asian ingredients creating the most delectable contemporary Thai cuisine.
Address: 49A Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DY
Web: www.dusit.co.uk
Chaophraya
Up the road from Dusit, across George Street and atop one of the city’s Georgian townhouses sits the Chaophraya rooftop restaurant. As well as offering the idyllic view of Edinburgh’s castle across the Princes Street Gardens, Chaophraya’s interior is similarly easy on the eye. Avoiding the overly opulent, the restaurant is aesthetically humble yet has a classy finish as though disregarding the superficial pomp of fine dining restaurants yet simultaneously asserting itself as a top contender among them. And the food is certainly testament to this view.
Address: 4th Floor, 33 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN
Web: www.chaophraya.co.uk/edinburgh/
Ting Thai Caravan
If you are looking for a more relaxing dining experience with food rivalling that of even the fanciest of restaurants then look no further than Edinburgh’s Ting Thai Caravan. This is the local haunt for students at the University of Edinburgh as it cooks some of the tastiest food at some of the most reasonable prices in the city. The street-food style cuisine comes served in cardboard takeaway boxes and chopsticks on a long communal table creating a very laid-back and inclusive atmosphere. Make sure to be quick to this restaurant or you will find yourselves at the back of the restaurants ever-present queue (although it goes down rather quickly).
Address: Teviot Pl, Edinburgh EH1 2RA
Web: www.facebook.com/tt.CARAVAN/
Phuket Pavilion
This restaurant seems to be located in the negative space between where the city centre ends and where Edinburgh New Town begins. However, if Phuket Pavilion is your Thai restaurant of choice then the very short time between the two will most certainly be worth the journey. Authentic is perhaps the best word to describe this small eatery with both its interior mirroring that of how one (somewhat ignorantly) assumes local Thai restaurants would appear and its food prepared using traditional Thai techniques and ingredients. One of the capital’s favourites.
Address: 8 Union St, Edinburgh EH1 3LU
Web: www.phuket-pavilion.co.uk/
Nok’s Kitchen
One of the newest additions to Edinburgh’s restaurant scene, Nok’s Kitchen has quickly cemented its place as one of the capital’s best-loved Thai establishments. Located in Stockbridge, an affluent suburb minutes from the city centre, Nok’s Kitchen has taken up residence in a space previously occupied by another Thai restaurant and has markedly improved it. The inviting decor and welcoming staff create a somewhat homely atmosphere to enjoy the most delectable food. To give you an idea: Nok whom suan – Thai royal steamed dumplings with juicy prawn, chicken, sweet turnip, peanut, black pepper and crispy shallot filling, finished with coconut cream reduction.
Address: 8 Gloucester St, Edinburgh EH3 6EG
Web: www.nokskitchen.co.uk/
