Ruan Thai

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2010 edition.

Entering Ruan Thai from one of the Old Town’s tighter closes between the High Street and Waverley Station brings a sense of gentle relief. The three interconnected rooms are small enough to be cosy but not cramped. The homey, low-key décor engenders the feeling of ‘local’ Thai dining, reinforced by the open kitchen and welcoming staff. The menu follows this pattern by focusing on a solid and unfussy collection of robust curries, generous stir-fries, piled-high plates of noodles and straightforward wine list. A gaeng pah curry, made without coconut milk, is spicy on the palate without lingering to burn, and amply fills its bowl with lots of chicken, baby corn and aubergine. The prad kra praow has large slices, not slivers, of duck with Thai basil and fresh chilli. Dishes arrive as they are ready from the kitchen, so no risk of heat-lamp tiredness here. Loyal clientele ranging from Edinburgh professionals to a prominent MSP banter with the staff and test their Thai pronunciation. Consider this a soothing place to recharge your batteries and stomach on those busier days.

• High point: Cosy, homey dining in the heart of the Old Town
• Low point: Old Town closes may put some diners off

1. Cupcake Moon, Edinburgh – 9 July 2010, 4:36pmRuan ThaiReport

We had takeaway from here the other night (by accident as our 'usual' was shut) and it was absolutely delicious. Increrdible actually. By far the best Thai food I have ever experienced outside the Far East. I could not recommend Ruan Thai more highly. We will definitely be ordering again soon!