You’ve had pad thai from a takeaway box. You’ve ordered green curry from an app. But have you ever had Thai food that makes you pause mid-bite, close your eyes, and think, “This is how it’s supposed to taste”? London’s Thai scene isn’t just growing-it’s evolving. And if you’re looking for the real deal in 2025, you need to know where to go. Not the places with the most Instagram likes. Not the ones with neon signs and plastic flowers. The ones where the chef still hand-crushes lemongrass, where the fish sauce comes from Thailand, and where the basil smells like it was picked that morning.
What Makes Thai Food in London Different Now
Five years ago, most Thai restaurants in London served a version of Thai food that had been softened for British palates. Less spice. More sweetness. Coconut milk everywhere. Today? That’s changing fast. A new wave of chefs-many trained in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Isaan-have opened spots that don’t compromise. They’re cooking the way their grandmothers did. The heat isn’t an afterthought; it’s the point. The sour isn’t balanced out; it’s the star. And the herbs? They’re not garnish. They’re the soul.
Take Thiptara in Belgravia. It’s been around since 1998, but it’s never stopped evolving. Their Pad Kra Pao-stir-fried minced pork with holy basil, bird’s eye chilies, and a fried egg on top-used to be considered spicy. Now? It’s the baseline. If you ask for it “mild,” they’ll raise an eyebrow. You want to taste Thai food that doesn’t apologize? This is it.
The Top 5 Thai Restaurants in London Right Now
Here’s where to eat in 2025. Not ranked by popularity. Not by price. By authenticity, consistency, and that intangible spark you feel when the first bite hits.
- Thiptara (Belgravia): The quiet powerhouse. No menu photos. No gimmicks. Just flawless Tom Yum Goong, crispy duck with tamarind, and mango sticky rice that’s not cloying. Book ahead. It’s small. And worth every minute of the wait.
- Chinatown Thai (Soho): Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t a Chinese-Thai hybrid. It’s a tiny, no-frills spot run by a family from Udon Thani. Their Khao Soi-a northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup-is the only version in London that makes you want to lick the bowl. They serve it with pickled mustard greens and crispy noodles on the side. Eat it like they do: mix it all together.
- Bo.lan (Notting Hill): Founded by a Thai couple who trained under legendary chef Bo Songvisava. This place is a masterclass in balance. Their Massaman Curry uses real tamarind paste, not syrup. The peanuts are toasted in-house. The cinnamon? Imported from Northern Thailand. It’s expensive, yes-but it’s also the closest thing to eating in a family kitchen in Bangkok.
- Isaan Thai (Camden): If you’ve never tried northeastern Thai food, start here. Isaan is where the heat lives. Their Som Tum (papaya salad) is pounded fresh daily with dried shrimp, fermented crab, and chilies that make your nose run. You’ll sweat. You’ll cry. You’ll order another. Don’t skip the Grilled Pork Neck with sticky rice. It’s the kind of dish that changes your whole view of Thai food.
- Chilli Padi (Wandsworth): A hidden gem with no website and no online reservations. Just a tiny storefront, a handwritten menu, and a chef who’s been cooking for 30 years. Their Pad See Ew is cooked in a wok so hot the noodles char just slightly. It’s smoky. It’s sweet. It’s perfect. Go on a Tuesday. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. And bring cash.
What to Order: The Must-Try Dishes
Not sure where to start? Here’s what to ask for-no matter which spot you pick.
- Pad Kra Pao: Minced meat (pork, chicken, or tofu) with garlic, chilies, and holy basil. Served with rice and a fried egg. Simple. Spicy. Satisfying.
- Tom Yum Goong: Hot and sour shrimp soup. If it’s good, you’ll taste the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal-not just chili powder and soy sauce.
- Khao Soi: A northern Thai coconut curry with egg noodles. Creamy, spicy, with a crunch from fried noodles on top. You won’t find this everywhere.
- Som Tum: Papaya salad. Not the sweet, mild version you get in malls. This one’s sharp, salty, sour, and spicy. It’s a flavor explosion.
- Mango Sticky Rice: The dessert. If it’s made with ripe, sweet mango and coconut milk that’s not too thick, you’ve found a winner.
How to Spot a Real Thai Restaurant
There are over 1,000 Thai places in London. Most aren’t authentic. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Look for the herbs: Fresh holy basil, cilantro, and kaffir lime leaves should be visible on the plate. If it’s all dried or pre-packaged, walk away.
- Check the sauce: Real Thai food uses fish sauce, not soy sauce. If the menu says “soy sauce” in the ingredients, it’s not traditional.
- Ask about the curry paste: If they say they use a “packet,” they’re not making it from scratch. Authentic places grind their own with chilies, garlic, shrimp paste, and spices.
- See the menu: If it’s 50 items long and includes sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, and egg fried rice, it’s not Thai. It’s “Thai-inspired.”
- Watch the staff: If the servers speak Thai, or if you hear Thai music playing quietly in the background, that’s a good sign.
Price Guide: What You Should Pay
Thai food doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. But if it’s too cheap, something’s off.
- Street-style dishes (Pad Kra Pao, Som Tum): £10-£14
- Curries (Green, Red, Massaman): £15-£19
- Specialty dishes (Khao Soi, Grilled Pork Neck): £16-£22
- Set menus (3-4 dishes): £25-£35
- High-end tasting menus (Bo.lan, Thiptara): £50-£85
Don’t be fooled by £8 pad thai. That’s not Thai food. That’s a quick meal with a Thai name.
When to Go and How to Book
London’s best Thai spots are small. They don’t have big kitchens. They don’t take 50 covers a night. So timing matters.
- Go early. 5:30-6:30 p.m. is the sweet spot. Less crowded. Food’s fresher.
- Book ahead for Thiptara, Bo.lan, and Chinatown Thai. Use their websites or call. Don’t rely on apps.
- Chilli Padi? No booking. Just show up before 6 p.m. and wait. It’s worth it.
- Avoid weekends after 7 p.m. If you want the best experience, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Comparison: Thai Food in London vs. Bangkok
Is London’s Thai food as good as Bangkok’s? No. But it’s getting closer.
| Aspect | London | Bangkok |
|---|---|---|
| Spice Level | Adjustable, often toned down | Default is hot. You ask for “mild” if you’re brave |
| Herb Freshness | Good at top spots. Patchy elsewhere | Always fresh. Often picked that morning |
| Price for Quality | Higher. You pay for authenticity | Low. A street vendor serves better curry than most London restaurants |
| Authenticity | Only at 10-15 places | Everywhere. Even the bus stop stalls |
| Service | Polite, sometimes overly formal | Fast, casual, no pretense |
The truth? You won’t find a Bangkok street stall in London. But you can find a restaurant that comes damn close. And that’s enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai food in London spicy?
It can be-but not always. Many places adjust spice levels for tourists. If you want real heat, say “Thai spicy” or “original spice.” Don’t say “medium.” That’s not a thing in Thailand. At authentic spots, they’ll serve it hot unless you ask otherwise.
Are there vegetarian Thai options in London?
Yes, but be careful. Many Thai dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste. Ask if the curry paste is vegetarian. Places like Bo.lan and Isaan Thai have dedicated veggie menus. Try the Pad Pak Ruam (mixed stir-fried vegetables) or Khao Soi made with tofu. Always double-check the sauce.
What’s the difference between Thai curry and Indian curry?
Thai curry uses fresh herbs and coconut milk. Indian curry uses dried spices and often dairy like cream or yogurt. Thai curries are brighter, lighter, and more aromatic. Indian curries are deeper, earthier, and richer. They’re not interchangeable. If you like Indian food, try Thai curry-it’s a whole different experience.
Can I get Thai food delivered in London?
You can-but you’re missing the point. Thai food is best eaten fresh. Sauces separate. Herbs wilt. Rice gets soggy. If you want the real thing, go out. Delivery apps are fine for a quick fix, but they’re not where you’ll find the best Thai food in London.
Which London neighborhood has the best Thai food?
Soho and Camden have the most options, but the best spots are scattered. Belgravia (Thiptara), Notting Hill (Bo.lan), and Wandsworth (Chilli Padi) are hidden gems. Don’t limit yourself to Chinatown. The real Thai food isn’t there.
Final Thought
London’s Thai food scene isn’t about quantity. It’s about quality. There are maybe 15 places here that serve food that tastes like it came from a kitchen in Thailand. And if you’ve never tried them? You’re eating Thai food without knowing what it really is. Go to one. Order something spicy. Ask for the real version. And taste the difference.
