Thai Orchid

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £7.95 (set lunch)
   £18 (evening meal)
• House wine: £12.50 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: Authentic cooking in the shadow of the castle
• Low point: Realising your own creations back home are but a poor imitation
• Food served: Mon-Sun noon-10.45pm
• Open since: 2005
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of menu), Childrens high chairs, Take away

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Tucked just below the castle, Thai Orchid may enjoy an enviable location, but mercifully it resists the temptation to pack in the tourists and dish up MSG-laced stodge. Instead, a striking Buddha welcomes you into a Thai experience that is as authentic as any in the Old Town. Thai Orchid is one of a rare breed of Thai restaurants that has eschewed cheesy paintings and creaky old furniture in favour of smooth charcoal leather seats, wraparound mirrors and well thought-out lighting more in keeping with one of Bangkok's new wave of style bars. With just 40 covers, though, it never gets too rowdy, nor are the tables too close together. Standout starters include goong teet hae, with the prawns nicely spiced up by a tamarind and chilli dip, and among the main offerings is 'tiger cry' sirloin, beef strips finished off with a rocket-fuelled chilli sauce. Fortunately, generous helpings of coconut rice are on hand to soothe any flames ignited by the more fiery dishes. The banquet options are excellent value, though with cooking this good you may want opt for your own choices.