Review of 'Thipsamai'

The best “Pad Thai” in the world? Maybe…

The restaurant was quite easy to find. Google Maps had pinpointed the location and with a bit of GPS on the phone we easily spotted the bright sign for the restaurant which is largely by it’s own in this neighbourhood - Nothing else is anywhere near as big, or, as busy. The restaurant spills out onto the pavement with cooks at woks doing their thing and a queue for what looks like takeway.

The front section of the restaurant was jammed with people but a sign indicated that for 10 baht (£0.22) we could sit inside in the air conditioning. We did so. After passing through the hot front section of the restaurant we walked through a small gift shop selling ingredients as well as what looks like a small museum with various books, souvenirs and more articles in glass cases.

The large back room has dark wood walls covered with newspapers articles from around the world praising the restaurant - We were in the right place.

This area was not as full as the front (presumably because of the service charge) and it looked like not everyone was a tourist (thankfully).

The air conditioning was welcomed as we sat and looked through the menu. I ordered a “Superb Padthai” (big prawns; Padthai with shrimp oil, fresh dep-sea prawns; 200 baht or £4.50). Mel ordered the “Vegetarian Pad Thai” as she does not like prawns (60 baht or £1.35). Looking for something refreshing we both went for the “fresh orange juice”. We are very glad we did - It has to be the best orange juice either of us have ever had. So sweet and juicy. “Surapong Fruit Orange Juice” It seems this is also something that is very popular here as they have signs on the walls advertising it and there was a “today’s orange juice prices” sign on the wall (160 baht for “big”, 85 for “small” - we went with the large…and I ended up having two!).

The Pad Thai was served quickly and was absolutely delicious - Only slightly sweet with perfectly cooked noodles (slightly under, as they should be), egg wrapping and large, tender, prawns. On the side were were given fresh lime, a pile of bean sprouts, some fresh herbs and other vegetables.

Service was prompt if a bit cool. At 600 baht (£13.46) for dinner it was a good deal (for us) and we left very happy indeed and convinced that Thip Samai’s claim to be the best Pad Thai in the world is well justified.

Rating: “I have absolutely no complaints”

Review Date: 2017-08-30


Cuisine: Thai

Address: 313-315 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Location: Bangkok (Thailand)

Map:

 

Show in Google Maps  Get Directions

Telephone: +66 2 226 6666

URL: https://www.facebook.com/thipsamaipadthai/