Ruan Siam
- Food served: Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 5.30–10.30pm; Sun 5.30–10.30pm. [Extended in Festival].
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 7
- Delivery: Free for orders over £15. 15% discount on menu price. Very advanced and clear online ordering system with tracking system and pre-order options.
- Private dining: Up to 26 covers
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs
- Music on stereo: Modern Thai
- Capacity: 46
- Largest group: 26
- Open since: 2005
- Average price:
£8.95 (set lunch)
£18 (evening meal) - House wine: £12.95 per bottle
Send us more details about this place.
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 current (2011) edition.
Tucked away down a short but steep stone staircase in the New Town, first impressions of Ruan Siam are akin to finding a hidden, imaginatively decorated grotto. Rather an overly romantic impression, perhaps, but the feeling is reinforced by the warm lighting, low ceilings and general atmosphere of candle-lit intimacy. In actual fact, there is a larger, more traditional dining room in the back, but if you’re in a small group (say two) then this is the place for you. The meals on offer don’t stray too far from the familiar Thai staples, but there is a strong focus on the use of local produce. The chicken spring rolls are crisp and fresh, and the tom yum soup is subtle but packs a citrus chilli punch. Mains offer more of the same – a sizzling duck curry is rich and fiery, and the staple beef green curry is the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness and tangy herbs. Desserts include a knickerbocker glory-sized mountain of ice cream from Luca's of Musselburgh or the equally tempting crispy, coconut-battered banana fritters.
- High point: Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere
- Low point: Is there such a thing as too much ice cream?
Reviews of Ruan Siam (48 Howe Street, Edinburgh)
- 4. FCMF, Edinburgh – 20 January 2012, 9:29pm
Ruan SiamReport -
I order deliveries from and eat regularly at this venue. It has a great vegetarian selection (and without the fishy taste that is often found in Thai dishes, so I feel confident that their vegetarian dishes are what they claim to be), the food always tastes very fresh, with good-sized helpings and healthy-tasting (ie not over-sauced). For all of these reasons, and the lovely ambience in the restaurant, I find this place worth the slightly more expensive price.
- 3. Linneypea, Edinburgh – 28 March 2011, 8:14pmRuan SiamReport
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Don't bother ordering from this venue. Although the food turned up on time it was not well recieved. The ingredients certainly were not fresh, the sauces tasted like they were out of a bottom-of-the range bottle and the flavours were significantly lacking.
Having been to Thailand several times and since trying out several Thai restaurants and takeaways in Edinburgh this is by far the worst. I could literally have done better myself. £40 wasted...but I suppose it was worth learning that Ruan Thai are a joke.
If you LOVE authentic Thai food then you will HATE this "restaurant". If only the Spicebox website hadn't been down...
- 2. Lynn*, Edinburgh – 18 January 2011, 11:56am
Ruan SiamReport -
I was there for dinner on Sat night with 7 friends for my birthday, 6 of which hadn't been there. They all raved about the food, the restaurant and the service! I've been a few times before for lunch and dinner and always had a great experience.
I would highly recommend!
- 1. Jake M., Edinburgh – 8 November 2009, 12:45pm
Ruan SiamReport -
We came here for dinner and were quite disappointed. Standard Thai food, tasty enough, but the portions were minuscule and greatly overpriced! The cramped interior meant we were virtually side by side with another table, even though the restaurant was by no means full.
Wouldn't bother going again and would definitely not recommend.
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