Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean
& Indonesian

Bristol

BAUHINIA
5a Boyces Ave, Clifton, BS8 4AA
Tel: 0117 973 3138, web: www.bauhinia-bar.co.uk
● Cosmopolitan, contemporary pan-Asian diner/cafe-bar with a laidback, welcoming atmosphere. ‘A chance to enjoy a reasonably priced, well-executed eclectic south Asian meal in nicely restrained, stylish surroundings,’ said our man-in-the-know when he visited in the early days, before going on to predict its success - and he was right, too. Unusual drinks range, including draught lagers from Hong Kong and Japan, pan-Asian bottled beers, Asian-influenced cocktails and green teas. Bauhinia’s mission is to serve well-made, well-sourced and tasty food to locals at midweek prices - try the two-course special for £8.50, daily till 7pm. See website for current offers. Price ALC: £4-£7.50/£7.90-£13.90/£4.90. SL (daily till 7pm): 2 £8.50. Party menu (groups of 10+): 2 £10.50 Wine list HW £13 btl, £3.50 gls Open Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight, Sun 12noon-10pm. Takeaway discount on food (10%) & alcohol (25%). Disabled access on ground floor. Parties/large groups welcome - call for details.

NEW
COSMO RESTAURANT
30 Triangle West, Bristol, BS8 1ET
Tel: 0117 934 0999, web: www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk
● See Chinese.

SIAM HARBOURSIDE
129 Hotwell Rd, BS8 4RU
Tel: 0117 330 6476, web: www.siamthai.info
● This long-established popular Thai restaurant (sister to the acclaimed Siam Thai in Chipping Sodbury) occupies a glorious waterside setting and serves food to match the view – this is good, traditional Thai fare, with some fantastic set-menu deals. Said Venue’s reviewer: ‘The food was splendid - skewers of crisp prawn and moist chicken came with warming, crunchy sate sauce and sweet chilli dips, followed by the properly hot ‘bo dak samui’ fish soup with plump green mussels bursting with marine saltiness. The main spread had a heap of koaw suay rice that was a delight in itself, and a succulent duck breast curry with fruit and coconut was only upstaged by the rich taste of fish in glorious sweet and sour sauce.’ Staff are friendly, helpful and traditionally attired, and food is served carefully on decorated china stands. Price ALC: £4.95-£13.95/£8.95-£12.95/£2.75-£4.95. Set menu £21.95-£27.95. SL: 2 £7.95 Wine list Extensive, including Thai wines & beers. HW £11.95 btl, £3.20gls Open Mon-Sat 12.30-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm, Sun 6.30-11pm. Disabled access. Takeaway discout 10% on £20+ orders. Can seat up to 35 at one table.

NEW
TAI PAN
39 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AD
Tel: 0117 924 6786
● Already well known with the Gloucester Road bunch for their super-speedy service and fantastic food, this friendly independent restaurant and takeaway offers good-value, classic Thai dishes such as red and green curries and the noodle dish pad thai. The bench-style tables are great for sharing, and there’s plenty of child-friendly food. Price Mains approx £4.95-£6.95 Wine list HW £9.95 btl, £2.80 gls Open Daily 1.30-10pm. Disabled access - ring for adv. Takeaway available.

TEOHS
28-34 Lower Ashley Rd, St Agnes, BS2 9NP Tel: 0117 907 1191
Old Tobacco Factory, North St, Southville, BS3 1TF Tel: 0117 902 1122 web: www.teohs.net
● Fabulous Pan-Asian specialists with two much-loved bistros in Bristol and still serving this Venue writer’s favourite pad thai in the whole city. Simple, utilitarian, almost canteen-like interiors keep a wide cross-section of diners happy. Of the 30 main courses on offer, an impressive 17 are available in vegetarian or vegan versions, all served by friendly staff. The huge 160-seater refectory hall that is the Southville branch is popular with large groups, and the varied, tasty menus, buzzing atmosphere and such good prices are hard to beat. Other strings to the Teohs bow are regular cookery schools and outstanding outside catering, while the St Agnes branch has an excellent Far Eastern supermarket attached, with recipes available on their website to inspire shoppers. Highly recommended for its value-for-money prices in the Observer Food Monthly’s 2006 Food Awards. Price All mains £7.50, sides £4.50, extras £2, all desserts £2.95 Wine list HW £14 ltr, £7 half-carafe, £3.50 gls. Sake, oriental liqueurs (inc Thai whisky) & lots of Thai/Asian btld beers. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10.30pm. Disabled toilets & wheelchair access. Set menu for large parties. Takeaway available

THAI CLASSIC
87 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NT
Tel: 0117 973 8930, web: www.thaiclassic.co.uk
● Extensive range of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine on offer at this calm, subterranean oasis on lively Whiteladies Road. The food is the real thing, conjured up by a chef who spent many years working in a top hotel in Bangkok, and service is friendly. Everything is freshly cooked, with many of the ingredients used imported from Thailand. Last year they bagged an Ethical Good Food Award as the best Thai restaurant in Bristol. Menu can viewed online. Price ALC: approx £4-£7/approx £7-£12/approx £3-£5. Set menus from approx £16.50pp Wine list Good selection of old & new world, from approx £11 btl. Thai beers Open Daily 12noon-2pm & 6-11.30pm. Takeaway discount 10%. Private hire, up to 40.

NEW
THAI EDGE
Unit 4, Broad Quay, BS1 4DA
Tel: 0117 927 6088, web: www.thaiedge.co.uk
● Part of a small chain, and offering an extensive menu with contemporary versions of Thai favourites (curries, pad thai noodles, plenty of vegetarian dishes). Said our reviewer: ‘The attentive welcome of the Thai staff as you settle at your table and the discreet traditional music all maintained the promise of a wonderfully stress-free experience.’ And he wasn’t disappointed. ‘Each generously portioned dish had strong flavours, waftings of garlic, lemongrass and ginger underpinned with coconut smoothness. In short, the food lived up to the decor – smart and satisfying – showing that the experience gained from Thai Edge’s other restaurants has been distilled into a winning formula.’ Check website for offers and to get a headstart on the opus of a menu. Price ALC: £5.50-£10/£6- £13.80. Pre-theatre: 2 £9.95 (5.30-7pm). Several set menus, approx £24pp Wine list HW £10.95 btl. Thai beers Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm & Mon-Thur 5.30-11pm, Fri-Sun 5.30-11.30pm. Private parties, call ahead.

WAGAMAMA
63 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QL
Tel: 0117 922 1188, web: www.wagamama.com
● Asian-style canteen chain, famous for its rapid-noodle formula, which attracts legions of followers in search of healthy fast food and the upbeat, lively atmosphere. The huge, diverse selection of pan-Asian dishes combined with the clean and simple decor and funky functionality is a confirmed crowd-pleaser. Friendly, knowledgeable staff will always find the time to advise on and interpret the menu choices, and you can’t argue with the prices. They are apparently the first restaurant chain in the UK to launch an iPhone application, which is free to download from apple’s iPhone App Store and means you can order your food on the go for even speedier selection. Keep an eye online and in Venue magazine for semi-regular 2-4-1 specials. Price ALC: approx £2-£6/approx £7-£13/£2-£5 Wine list Small but thoughtful; lots of fresh juices, sake & Asian beers. HW £12.55 btl, £3.65 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Special menu for under-10s. Disabled access. Takeaway available.

WEST THAI KITCHENS AT THE OLD FISHMARKET
59-63 Baldwin St, BS1 1QZ
Tel: 0117 921 1515
● Modern Thai gastro-dishes made with authentic exotic ingredients sit side by side with great American pub food at this relaxed and informal eatery (one of Fuller’s many Thai Kitchen concepts). There’s a small courtyard for the warmer months, and great views along the dockside. Using fresh exotic and locally sourced ingredients, the menu includes a quick-turnaround ‘Thai Express Lunch’ where you can choose from a selection of classics and the chef’s favourite, pad prik king pork, all at only £5.45 including egg fried rice and veggie spring rolls. Price ALC: starter approx £2-£7/main approx £8-£13 Wine list HW approx £12 btl, £3 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm & 5-10pm, Sun 12noon-6pm. Disabled access. Parties welcome.

YUM YUM THAI
50 Park St, BS1 5JN
Tel: 0117 929 0987, web: www.yumyumthai.com
● Sister operation to the original Bath incarnation, this modern, airy Thai diner serves contemporary and traditional Thai dishes with a healthy dollop of friendly vibe. The uncomplicated menu – a couple of dozen mains and around 15 sides – are all prepared from the freshest ingredients by qualified Thai chefs, and are guaranteed MSG-free. Thai fragrant rice accompanies all main dishes and is included in the price (except for noodle dishes). ‘Enticingly crammed with a colourful array, challenging us with its sheer quantity,’ said Venue. ‘We both agreed it was quite a treat, and left well stuffed with good food and drink.’ Excellent vegetarian options and substitutions (most dishes can be made with tofu on request), and bargain prices. Bristol fans can get a free meal if they invite three or more friends. See website for details and voucher. Price/Wine list See Bath listing Open Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm daily 5.30pm-10.30pm. Sat 12noon-11pm. Disabled access but call in adv. Takeaway discount. Nurses & Students 10% discount.

Bath

MAI THAI
6 Pierrepont St, BA2 4AA
Tel: 01225 445557, web: www.maithai.co.uk
● Long-standing, sparkly little haven of accessible exotica: waiting staff in gold-braided uniforms and a plethora of Hindu deities draped in scarlet ribbons set the scene, and menus run the whole gamut of Thai classics. Fish and seafood dishes are particularly agreeable, and the traditional curries are always a reliable option - ‘neither extravagant nor flashy, and very good value for money’, according to Venue’s own little pork dumpling. Price ALC: starter £4.75-£5.50/main £6.50-approx £9. Sides (rice, etc) £2. Set menus £17pp (min 2 people). SL: 2 £7.50 (inc coffee/jasmine tea) Wine list International, good choice of about 30 varieties. HW from approx £11 btl Open Mon-Sun 12noon-2pm, Sun-Thur 6-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 6-11.30pm. Disabled access, but no toilets. Credit cards £10 min. Takeaway discount 10%. Caters for parties up to 35.

SALATHAI
8 Pierrepont Place, BA1 1JX
Tel: 01225 484663, web: www.salathai-bath.co.uk
● Salathai used to be an underground-only experience: a low-ceilinged, subterranean rabbit warren with various dining areas tucked into characterful nooks and crannies. But in keeping with the general revamp that the Southgate redevelopment has brought to town, this family-run venture has taken on a whole new look by adopting a formerly anonymous shop on Pierrepont Street and turning it into a pristine street-level diner, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows. Those who prefer the rabbit route are still welcome to take a trip down under, but the new dimension is equally charming. ‘Our Salathai feast had the whole Far Eastern Odyssey thing going on,’ said Venue’s own little noodle doodle. ‘Hot, sour, sweet, bitter and fresh, fresh, fresh all the way, with all those distinctive aromatics (garlic, lemongrass, ginger, lime, chillies, coriander, tamarind, palm sugar, soy and fish sauce, etc, etc) all coming through loud and clear.’ The Thai curries hit the soft/sharp flavour balance so perfectly that it would be criminal not to indulge. Price ALC: starter £4.25-£5.95/sundries (rice, etc) £2.50/main £6.50-£12.95. SL: 1 £5.50, 2 £7.95 (inc coffee/tea). Set menus £16.95pp (min 2 people) Wine list HW £12.95 btl Open Daily (inc bank hols) 12noon-2pm & 6-11pm (10.30pm Sun). Disabled access. Takeaway discount. Parties catered for - call in adv.

THAI BALCONY
1 Seven Dials, Sawclose, BA1 1EN
Tel: 01225 444450, web: www.thai-balcony.co.uk
● Amid palatial decor that could have been borrowed from the neighbouring Theatre Royal, gracious staff wearing traditional garb and beautifully decorated tables set the scene for a feast of elegant, classic dishes including sumptuous banquets and a green curry that one Venue reviewer declared to be ‘a perfectly executed amalgamation of classic Thai flavours in perfect harmony’. Tamarind duck, prawn penang curry and steamed whole sea bass are all highly recommended, as is the dim sum selection. Fancy doing it yourself? The restaurant’s own Mini Mart (just below the Balcony itself) stocks everything you need to embark on your own far eastern odyssey without leaving the house (see Specialist Food Suppliers, Bath). Price ALC: starter approx £5-£7.50/sundries (rice, etc) from approx £3/main £7-£15. Banquets/SL/SD – call/visit website for details Wine list HW from approx £12.95 btl Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10.30pm. Disabled access. Takeaway discount 10%. Party bookings welcome.

NEW
THAI BASIL RESTAURANT
Thai Basil Restaurant, 90A Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BG
Tel: 01225 462 463, web: www.thaibasilbath.com
Bath’s original Thai restaurant (established in 1991) and still one of the best loved. Traditional (and very reasonably priced) Thai classics in suitably ethnic surroundings (fish tank, Thai paraphernalia). Menu S: baked fresh crab in curry or spicy thai sauce; papaya salad. M: matsaman lamb curry with onion, potato, carrot, cashew nuts; mussels, squid and king prawn stirfried in chilli and basil. Large selection of thai meat, seafood dishes & curries, plus great chef specials and excellent pad thai. P: banana fritters in sesame seeds Price ALC: from approx £3.80/from approx £7/from £3. SL: £5. Set banquets available Wine list HW from £11.50 btl, £3 gls Open every day, lunch from 12.00 - 2.30pm and dinner from 5.30 - 10.30 pm. Well-behaved children welcome. Disabled access, but no toilets. Major credit cards. Adv booking advised. Takeaway discount. Parties of up to 40 catered for.

NEW
THAI BY THE WEIR
16 Argyle St, BA2 4BQ
Tel: 01225 444834, web: www.thaibytheweir.co.uk
● At long last, somebody has made good use of the nest vacated by the bistro formerly known as Pastiche - and when we say good use, we mean very good use. Explore a menu stuffed with contemporary and traditional Thai delights (and a handful of pan-Asian fusion food thrown in for good measure), including tempura, gyozo and hand rolls, wonton and tom yum soup, noodles both wok-fried and in soup (ramen), and saucy specials including Malaysian beef/fish curries and plenty of phriks, pheds amd krapaos, all to be enjoyed in a lovely location right on Bath’s prettiest bridge, with glorious weir views from the rear. Price ALC: £3-£5.95/£6.50-£8.95/approx £4 Wine list HW from approx £12 btl Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10.30pm. Disabled access. Takeaway available. Parties/group bookings - call in adv.

WAGAMAMA
1 York Buildings, George St, BA1 2EB
Tel: 01225 337314, web: www.wagamama.com
● Canteen-style pan-Asian dining chain, famous for its rapid-noodle formula. See Bristol listing for details. Price/Wine list See Bristol listing Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Disabled access. Plenty of space for large groups, adv booking only.

YUM YUM THAI
17 Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE
Tel: 01225 445253, web: www.yumyumthai.com
● The original branch of this modern, airy, canteen-style Thai cafe (see also Bristol branch) specialising in contemporary and traditional Thai dishes. ‘Striking a lively balance between contemporary diner and chic restaurant, Bath’s YYT presents a refreshingly fuss-free countenance,’ said one of Venue’s professional scoffers. ‘Tables are nicely spaced, staff are cool, calm and collected (regardless of the demands being made on them) and menus are gloriously direct.’ She’s right, too: simply choose a rice/noodle-based main (or something from the ‘specialities’ selection, including curries, whole steamed wild sea bass and crispy duck) supplemented by side dishes that arrive when they’re ready to serve (not that you’ll need them - portions go large here). The restaurant’s mission statement is admirably straightforward: organic and free-range produce pushed to the fore, MSG banned from the premises, and the meat in most dishes easily replaced with tofu for the veggies among us. Price ALC: main (inc rcie) £9.50-£11.95/sides £4.90-£6.30/dessert approx £5 Wine list HW from approx £12 btl Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11pm, Sun 6-11pm. Disabled access. Credit cards min £10. Takeaway discount. Discount of 10% for nurses, students & Bath Theatre Royal/Little Theatre/Komedia ticket holders (exc Fri/Sat eves).

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