Saturday 15 October 2016

Thai Lounge, Whitchurch, Cardiff restaurant review


Located on Whitchurch’s main drag, Thai Lounge is one of the stalwarts of the Cardiff restaurant scene. It’s certainly been around longer than my blog has existed and I’ve only ever heard good things about the place. So, I thought it was about time I paid them a visit. 

Ascending the staircase into the upstairs restaurant we were faced by a buzzing dining room and a glimpse into an open kitchen emanating all kinds of lovely aromas.


A mountain range of mixed prawn crackers (£3.50) were served warm out of the fryer. They were served with a reassuringly un-gloopy sweet chilli sauce.


Ice cold Singhas were seen off in a couple of gulps. As the designated driver (again), I had to make do with one whilst Mrs G worked her way through a bevy.


To start, Khanom Jeep (£6.50) were decent but a touch bland. The quartet of steamed dumplings comprised of thin cases nestling a minced prawn and chicken filling. They were pepped no end up by dipping them in a sweet soy and garlic sauce.


Yum Nuea (£9.95), a Thai beef salad (a main on the menu but ordered as a starter), was far more impressive. Super tender steak slices combined with cucumber, spring onions, tomatoes, shallots, coriander and mint in a dressing which hummed with chilli, lime, garlic and the umami hit of fish sauce.


Mains were both ace.

A lamb Massaman curry (£10.95) saw pieces of yielding meat and soft potatoes in a deeply spiced sauce heady with peanuts and garnished with toasted cashews. It’s always my preferred option over red and green curry and this example didn’t disappoint.


Gad Pad Bai Krapraw (£9.95) meanwhile was a whopping portion of flavour-saturated minced chicken tossed through with al dente green beans in a soy and chilli-based sauce. Leaves of wilted basil which topped the dish brought welcome fragrance to proceedings.


A heaped bowl of sticky jasmine rice was plenty for two people (£3.50).


Stuffed to the gills we passed on dessert and headed out into the crisp Autumn night.

Thai Lounge is a lovely restaurant and from the Thursday evening full house, it’s clear they’ve got a loyal following. If you’re looking for good Thai comfort food then it’s well worth checking out.

The Details:

Address -  Thai Lounge, 73B Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DD
Web - http://thailoungerestaurant.co.uk/
Telephone - 02920 611222

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