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Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean
& Indonesian

Bristol

NEW
ASIA IN WOK
52 Park Row, BS1 5LH
Tel: 0117 929 9954, web: www.assiainwok.com
International pan-Asian restaurant chain Asia in Wok already has restaurants in Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and Mexico, but the Park Row eaterie is their first outlet in the UK. The impressive menu features dishes from across the Asian continent, including regional specialities from Japan, China, Bali, the Philippines and so on. Smart, modern and very affordable, the open kitchen adds a sense of theatre, and takeaways come complete with serviettes and chopsticks for those too impatient to wait until they get home. Menu S: Mongolian rolls (thin, crispy rolls stuffed with chicken and vegetables and wrapped in lettuce); goat’s cheese and Cantonese bacon salad. M: nasi goreng (fried rice mixed with chicken, prawns and vegetables served with marinated chicken sate, fried egg and a crunchy red onion topping); yellow coconut and beef curry. P: cheesecake; chocolate cake Price From £3.25/from £6.25/from £3.50 Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11.30pm, Sun 12noon–10pm. Takeaway service available (10% discount). Parties welcome (restaurant can seat up to 90). Major credit cards accepted.

BAUHINIA
5a Boyces Avenue, Clifton, BS8 4AA
Tel: 0117 973 3138, web: www.bauhinia-bar.co.uk
Cosmopolitan, contemporary pan-Asian diner/cafe-bar with laid-back, 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. Menu S: tod mun pla (deep-fried spicy salmon fish cakes, served with house sweet chilli dip); soft-shell crabs lightly battered, deep fried and tossed in fresh chillies and sea salt. M: nasi goreng (Malaysian-style fried rice with chicken, tiger prawns, vegetables and spicy chilli paste); gaeng keaw wan (Thai green chicken curry with aubergines). P: fire crackers (deep-fried pastry parcels with chocolate, dates and orange, served with vanilla ice-cream); pisang goreng (deep-fried banana in coconut and sesame batter, served with creme fraiche) Price From £4/from £7.50/£4.50. SL: daily until 7pm, two courses for £7.90. Party menu (groups 10+) 2 £10 Wine list HW: £12.50 btl, £3.50 gls Open Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome - no special menu but many dishes/flavours appeal to younger palates. Takeaway discount on both food (10%) and alcohol (25%). Disabled access on ground floor. Major credit cards. Parties/large groups welcome - call for details.

JOHN’S
27 Midland Rd, Old Market, BS2 OJT
Tel: 0117 955 0333, web: www.johnscafebar.co.uk
This little gem must be one of the few genuinely family-run bistros left in Bristol. John and Janice Wright opened in 1985 in what was then an off-the-beaten-track location, and have built up a loyal and hugely diverse following over the last two decades for their excellent homecooked Thai food and legendary, lazy Sunday lunches. The Thai menu (Fri-Sat) is an eclectic mix of cultures and styles - Bangkok meets Bristol – while the Sunday roasts are among the city’s best. The atmosphere is very laid-back and super-friendly, as befits a family-run eaterie. John will soon be introducing a range of takeaway sauces and gravies prepared to the same recipes used in the restaurant. Menu S: khai phad kaprao (ground breast of chicken stir fried in chillies, oyster sauce, fresh basil and cream, served on a bed of fine green beans with mixed salad); Thai fishcakes with green chilli dip. M: Malaysian fish curry; beef braised in red wine, oyster sauce, tomatoes, chillies & fresh basil. P: raspberry crème brulee; homemade ice-cream Price ALC: from £3.95/from £6.95/£3.95. Sun lunch: main course £8.95 Wine list Small but very decent international selection. HW: approx £11 btl Open Fri-Sat 6.30-10pm (last orders for food), Sun 12.30-4.30pm (last orders for food). Children (& breast-feeding mums) welcome, reduced-price portions. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Amex). Bookings for 20+ can be taken.

SIAM HARBOURSIDE
129 Hotwell Rd, BS8 4RU
Tel: 0117 330 6476, web: www.siam-thai.co.uk
This long-established popular Thai restaurant (sister to the acclaimed Siam Thai in Chipping Sodbury) occupies a glorious waterside setting and serves food that matches the view. Good traditional Thai fare, with some fantastic set menu deals (including eat-all-you-can buffets – call for details), as well as a massive and delicious choice of dishes on the a la carte menu, too. All cuisine is authentic, and the delivery is utterly in keeping with Thai tradition. Menu S: grilled emperor prawns served with honey and tamarind sauce; Thai spare ribs with garlic, pepper and soy sauce; Thai soups and salads. M: crispy fried duck with honey & tamarind sauce; stir-fried squid with Thai curry, Thai herbs & coconut cream. P: Thai desserts; ice-creams Price ALC: from £3.95/from £6.95/from £4. Set lunches/banquets/buffets: call for details, always extremely well priced and highly recommended Wine list Extensive. HW: Approx £12 btl Open Daily 11.30am-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm. Disabled access. Major credit cards. Can seat up to 35 at one table.

TEOHS
28-34 Lower Ashley Rd, St Agnes, BS2 9NP
Tel: 0117 907 1191, fax: 0117 907 1193
Old Tobacco Factory, North St, Southville, BS3 1TF
Tel: 0117 902 1122
Web: www.teohs.net
Simple, utilitarian 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 at incredibly low prices. The huge 160-seater refectory hall that is the Southville branch is popular with large groups, but the varied, tasty menus and buzzing atmosphere at both outlets are utterly compelling. 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, there are now plans for a third restaurant in Cardiff. Menu M: Japanese chicken curry; green curry with prawns; kitsune udon; prawn black bean sauce; quarter crispy duck; beef rendang; kajang chicken satay; spicy butterfly prawns. P: daily specials on sweet board Price All mains £6, all desserts £2.50, side orders £3.95, extras £1.50 Wine list HW: £12 ltr, £6 half-ltr. Champagne, oriental liqueurs including Thai whisky. Bottled beers (inc Tiger, San Miguel, Ginseng) Open Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm & 6-10.30pm. Children welcome. Disabled toilets & wheelchair access. Major credit cards. Set menu for large parties.

THAI CLASSIC
87 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NT
Tel/fax: 0117 973 8930
There’s an 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 has 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. Menu S: fish cakes; Thai soups; spring rolls. M: Thai green curry (meat, seafood or veg); crispy duck on crispy noodles with sweet chilli sauce. P: ice-cream; banana fritters Price ALC: from £3.75/from £5.95/from £2.60 Wine list Good selection of old and new world wines. HW: from approx £11 btl. Thai beers Open Daily 12noon-2pm & 6-11.30pm. Children welcome – suggest starter selection. Credit cards. Private hire, up to 40.

THAI PALACE
52 Park Row, BS1 5LH
Tel/fax: 0117 922 0649, web: www.thaipalacerestaurant.co.uk
Warm, friendly and always popular, the Thai Palace is a buzzy little restaurant with seriously good, authentic Thai cuisine and a calendar of interesting events including singles nights, discos and cabarets. Decent range of set menu options available for the less adventurous. Menu S: Thai fish cakes; mixed starter (for two) inc chicken satay, spring rolls, fishcake; Thai spare ribs; Thai soups. M: chu chi goong (emperor prawns cooked in a spice and herb paste); ped makam (roasted duck topped with a tamarind sauce); Thai curries, salads, etc. Good veggie options. P: sorbets; ice-creams Price ALC: from £3.95/from £5.95/approx £3.50. Set lunches/menus: call for details Wine list HW from approx £11 btl Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm. Children welcome. Major credit cards. Private room for hire for large parties - call for details.

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 décor and funky functionality is a crowd-pleaser. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will always find the time to advise on and interpret the menu choices, and you can’t argue with the prices. Check your weekly copy of Venue for regular reader offers and deals. See also Bath listing. Menu ALC side dishes: duck gyoza (duck & leek dumplings served with cherry hoi sin sauce); ebi katsu (deep-fried king prawns in panko breadcrumbs served with red chilli & garlic sauce); miso soup (light dashi soup flavoured with white miso paste, wakame, silken tofu & thinly sliced spring onions) served with pickles; edamame. M: Wagamama ramen (noodles in a vegetarian soup topped with marinated, grilled shiitake mushrooms, seasonal greens, kamaboko-aka, wakame, prawn, grilled marlin, chicken slices, fried tofu, menma & spring onions); seafood ramen (noodles in a vegetarian soup topped with grilled prawns, kamaboko-aka, marlin & squid, garnished with wakame, menma, seasonal greens & spring onions); yasai yaki soba (teppan-fried wholemeal noodles with egg, onions, garlic, mushrooms, peppers, beansprouts & spring onion, garnished with sesame seeds, fried shallots, red ginger, peppers, coriander & vinegar sauce); ginger chicken udon (teppan-fried udon noodles with chicken marinated in ginger, garlic & lemongrass, served with snow peas, red onions, beansprouts, chilli, egg & spring onions, garnished with fresh coriander). P: sweet spiced tamarind parfait on a crunchy meringue base served with sweet chilli sauce; white chocolate & ginger cheesecake with a candied orange compote and a lightly spiced chilli-ginger toffee sauce; moist chocolate fudge cake with a wasabi & white chocolate fudge filling served with chocolate-wasabi sauce & vanilla pod ice-cream Price ALC: from £1.35/from £6.10/from £4 Wine list Extensive, inc vast selection of fresh, healthy raw veg & fruit juices, plum wine & sake, Asian beers. HW: £11.75 btl, £3.45 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome, special menu for under-10s. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Diner’s, Amex). IDC: CMC.

WEST THAI KITCHENS @ 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 eaterie (one of Fuller’s many Thai Kitchen concepts). Menu S: chicken chilli squid. M: stewed southern curry lamb.P: fried ice-cream Price ALC: from £3.45/from £6.45/from £3.45 Wine list HW: £12 btl, £3 gls. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

YUM YUM THAI
50 Park St, BS1 5JN
Tel: 0117 929 0987
Sister operation of 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), bargain prices. 10% discount for nurses. Menu/price/wine list See Bath listing Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11pm, Sun 6-11pm (open Sun lunchtimes soon – call in adv). Children welcome. Takeaway discount. Disabled access but call in adv. Major credit cards accepted (min £10) but not cheques.

Bath

HONG KONG BISTRO
33 Southgate, BA1 1TP
Tel: 01225 318500/316088
Contemporary diner with a hip, fresh atmosphere. This isn’t a starters/mains/puddings affair; instead, the punter is gently steered towards a range of side dishes that accompany an extensive selection of more substantial fare divided under three headings: rice, noodles and soup. It may look like a plain and straightforward formula, but the choice is exhaustive (if not exhausting): beef, chicken, duck, prawns, pork, vegetables, tofu, coconut, fruit, chilli and on and on and on, in various degrees of imaginative exotica. It’s possible to feast here on huge, flavoursome portions without an unhealthy blowout in sight, at bargain prices too. Busy, buzzy and fun. Menu ALC: sides: crispy lamb; phoenix tail prawns; crispy seaweed; salt & pepper tofu. M: shredded honey roast pork, shredded chicken & king prawns with egg, bean sprouts, shredded red/green peppers, onions, spring onions, red chilli, curry powder & stick noodles; chopped roast duck breast & honey roast pork in Japanese udon noodle broth Price Sides from approx £3/mains from £5.85 Wine list HW: £9.80 btl, £2.70 gls. Beers (inc Tiger beer) Open Sun-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight. Children welcome. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Amex). Parties of 20+ but call in advance.

MAI THAI
6 Pierrepont St, BA2 4AA
Tel/fax: 01225 445557, web: www.maithai.co.uk
Long-standing, sparkly little haven of accessible exotica boasting what a recent Venue reviewer called ‘obliviously, innocently kitsch interiors - the waitresses wear gold-braided aquamarine dresses, the gothic, carved wooden dining tables feature surreal 3D landscapes trapped under glass and hindu deities draped in scarlet ribbons dominate the bar’. When asked to quit babbling and tell us about the food, she summarised the traditional, good-quality Thai cuisine as ‘neither extravagant nor flashy, and very good value for money’. We told her she shouldn’t talk with her mouth full. Menu S: chicken satay; Thai spring rolls. M: wide range of beef, pork, chicken and duck main dishes, Thai curries, plus fish and seafood (including crab claw) and vegetarian. P: fruit-based Thai desserts; ice-cream Price ALC: from approx £4.25/from approx £6/from approx £3.10. 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. Children welcome. Disabled access, but no toilets. Major 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
Friendly, efficient and welcoming Thai bistro offering a vast array of authentic treats in a bright and breezy subterranean location. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Great seafood/vegetarian selection. Menu S: Thai vegetable spring rolls served with plum sauce; Thai spare ribs served with hot & spicy sauce. M: classic Thai green curry (chicken, beef, pork, duck, prawns or vegetable); stir-fried garlic & black pepper squid; Thai soups & salads. P: banana fritters with sesame seeds; ice-creams Price ALC: from approx £3.95/from approx £6.95/from approx £3. SL: 1 £5, 2 £6.95 Wine list HW: from approx £11 btl Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2pm & 6-11pm, Sun 6-10.30pm (inc bank hols). Children welcome. No disabled access. Major credit cards. Takeaway. Parties catered for, call in adv for details. IDC: CMC.

SUKHOTHAI
90a Walcot St, BA1 5BG
Tel: 01225 462463, fax: 01225 420923
Bath’s original Thai restaurant (est.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; the three comrades: mussels, squid & king prawn stir fried in chilli & 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. All you can eat buffet: Mon-Thur £15pp, Fri-Sat £18pp (children under 10 half price). SL £5. Set banquets available. Takeaway discount Wine list HW: from £11.50 btl, £3 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2pm & 6-11pm. Well-behaved children welcome. Disabled access, but no toilets. Major credit cards. Adv booking advised. Parties of up to 40 catered for.

THAI BALCONY
1 Seven Dials, Sawclose, BA1 1EN
Tel: 01225 444450, fax: 01225 313802
Fresh flowers, sparkly fairy lights and softly whispering wind chimes; beautifully dressed tables, plush armchairs and gracious staff wearing traditional Thai garb… the Thai Balcony makes the very most of it’s ooh-aah location on one of Bath’s prettiest corners, just down the road from the Theatre Royal. Serves classic Thai dishes alongside dim sum and plenty of vegetarian options. Menu S: Thai spare ribs; hoyhor (deep-fried crab meat & pork dumplings served with sweet & sour plum sauce); chef’s selection of mixed starter platter (min 2pp). M: tamarind duck; pork/beef/prawn penang curry; whole sea bass marinated in garlic, ground black pepper & coriander, chargilled & served with sweet chilli sauce. Thai soups/salads/pad Thai. P: Thai traditional; ice-creams; fruit salad Price ALC: from approx £5/from approx £6/from approx £3. Banquets/SL/SD – call ahead Wine list HW: from approx £11.95 btl Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10.30pm. Children welcome. No disabled access. 10% takeaway discount. Major credit cards. Party bookings welcome.

WAGAMAMA
1 York Buildings, George St, BA1 2EB
Tel: 01225 337314, web: www.wagamama.com
Fourteen years on from its inception, the canteen-style pan-Asian dining chain, famous for its rapid-noodle formula, has finally arrived in Bath. See Bristol listing for full details. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome, special menu for under-10s. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Diner’s, Amex). IDC: CMC.

YUM YUM THAI
17 Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE
Tel: 01225 445253
The original branch of this modern, airy canteen-style Thai cafe serving contemporary and traditional Thai dishes, now also has a sister operation in Bristol. Cool atmosphere, friendly vibe and a mix ‘n’ match selection on the menu, with side dishes rather than starters. All dishes guaranteed MSG-free. Thai fragrant rice accompanies all main dishes and is included in the price (except for noodle dishes). Excellent vegetarian options and substitutions (most dishes can be made with tofu on request), outside seating during warm weather. Takeaways, too (see also Bristol listing). Menu M: stir-fried pork in chilli & red curry paste with mushroom, French beans, stem ginger & sweet basil; rice noodles with prawns, bean sprouts, dried turnip, spring onion & peanut; sweet lamb curry with onion, potato, carrot & cashew nuts; whole sea bream with special hot & sour sauce. Sides: sweet & sour soup with chicken, galangal & coconut milk; marinated minced prawn toasts with sweet chilli dip; steamed mussels in red curry sauce; spring rolls; organic corn cake; ribs Price ALC: main from £8.95, sides from £3.90. Wine list HW: from approx £12 Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11pm, Sun 6-11pm. Children welcome. Takeaway discount. Disabled access but call in adv. Major credit cards accepted (min £10) but not cheques.

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