Baan Thai

HOME DELIVERY Inconsistency They USED to have free delivery for over £15. Sadly, they've started using companies like DELIVEROO(awful) and Just Eat (quite good). These companies charge "service". Baan Thai app (terrible) makes financial mistakes, omits the house number in email delivery confirmations and ALSO asks if you would like to contribute up to 15% service charge which doesn't include the delivery company over which you have no choice. STAY AWAY FROM APP - use a browser instead. This is a great shame for such a wonderful restaurant. . I have started asking staff for reccomendations. You know - like asking a wine expert on what's best to go with what. They don't just say the special or the most expensive item. You chat with them (they're very friendly people) and you say the sorts of things you like or have had before and they will come up with some suggestions. Today's hot fresh home delivery included; Tom Ka soup. If you like tom yum but find it maybe just a touch too spicy - try Tom Ka. It's sort of milder and got coconut milk. Marvelous. Bangkok chicken. In a sort of batter. But, not the Chinese takeaway or fish n chip shop batter. It's sort of thinner and just seals in the juices and taste of the chicken. In a sauce with veggies and Zing, tang, flavour. But,at the same time not overpowering and leaving you feel well fed but not stuffed. EGG FRIED RICE - no flavour. It's like someone forgot some ingredients. Consistent results are very important. I've been visiting and getting takeaways for more than 2 years. And, if you think about it...... consistently reaching or exceeding your expectations is why you go back again and again. 2 years ago in summer I wrote - Thai salads Perfect for hot summer weather when you just want a light, well priced salad with that wonderful Thai zing. Maybe with a lemon tea. Perhaps share a kampung nasi goreng. I have had nasi goreng many times in Bali and Baan Thai's is equal in flavour. Slightly different in layout (Baan Thai doesn't serve Ayam pieces on the side) but then, Balinese Indonesian is different from Java Indonesian etc. .......prior reviews This is Thai and Malay food. So, all the idiots ordering or asking for HK, Guandong, or Szechuan dishes need to re-read the sign. I started with Tom Ka (Tom Yum with coconut milk). Very flavoursome. Kafir lime as well as lemongrass, very tasty white chicken meat, quartered button mushrooms cooked just long enough to absorb the flavours. Fish sauce (of course). Some people don't like the smell of fish sauce. I agree it can take a little getting used to. But, I promise you - this Tom ka with the fresh basil on top was well worth it. I followed with a green papaya salad:- mmmm that sweet, sour, hot, crunchy combination is just wonderful. Perfect for a warm day. Shredded carrot, Julienne papaya, bean sprouts, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh, crunchy roasted peanuts, green beans, some red chilli lettuce..... And the sauce!! Hot, tangy, juices, palm sugar all twirled together and demanding to be eaten. I paid just over £11 for those two items total. Not too busy at 2pm.... Couriers coming and going and a few seated customers. A really yummy lunch. Subsequent visit(s) I tried the nasi goreng. Strictly speaking this is an Indonesian dish. But, the Malaysian and Indonesian people originate from the same stock so it,a not surprising that some dishes (particularly rice dishes) are identical. Though, for me, the influence in Malaysia of Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine has produced far more delicious variety. The Thai iced tea (without milk) is very fragrant and not too sweet. I am going to have to return many times, because everything I have tried so far is wonderful and delicious. Charming, courteous, pleasant staff (as one always finds with both Thai and Malay people). Six stars.