A Long-Awaited Visit with Mixed Emotions
After waiting over a year to finally visit this up-and-coming Thai restaurant, I decided my birthday was the perfect occasion to experience the charming decor and try the enticing dishes I'd been admiring online for so long.
The setting was cozy and visually pleasing. Initially, the lighting felt soft and intimate, though as the evening went on, it became a little too dim for my liking. While the ambiance was pleasant, I couldn't help but notice the absence of background music, which meant the room was filled mostly with chatter. It lacked a distinct vibe or the kind of authentic, atmospheric touch I expected from a Thai restaurant.
The Starters: A Promising Start
The starters were the highlight of the evening. Each dish was beautifully presented, rich in aroma and flavor, and portioned just right--not too small, not overwhelming. I had the salt and chili prawns, which were perfectly fried, generously sized, and packed with just the right amount of kick to balance the salt. We also tried the fish cakes and calamari, both of which were 10/10 in flavor and paired with sauces that enhanced the dishes wonderfully.
Main Course Missteps
Unfortunately, the mains didn't quite live up to the same standard. I opted for a Thai green curry--a longtime favorite I've had at various authentic Thai spots--but this one was far spicier than expected. It's listed as the mildest curry on the menu, but the heat level was far beyond what is typically associated with this dish. While I understand spice tolerance varies, a dish advertised as mild should generally align with that expectation. Sadly, I couldn't finish it and had to return the dish.
On the other hand, the beef in oyster sauce was excellent--flavorful, well-balanced, and served in a generous portion. However, the "coconut rice" left a lot to be desired. It was priced higher than the jasmine rice, yet the only difference, as explained by the waiter, was a shaving of coconut on top. It wasn't cooked with coconut milk or infused with any actual coconut flavor, which felt misleading and unjustified in pricing.
Service Letdown Turned Around by One Exceptional Staff Member
What truly shocked me was the poor customer service--particularly from the owner herself. When I returned the green curry, she sent the waiter back out with the same dish, claiming they had "dampened the spice." They had mixed in the egg fried rice I had already started eating and re-served it all together. I was appalled--not only was the dish not freshly prepared, but the presentation felt careless and unprofessional. The owner was firm, even intimidating, and insisted the dish would remain on the bill.
I was genuinely surprised that someone with such poor customer service skills was handling the front of house. Thankfully, a staff member named Andrew stepped in and completely changed the tone of the evening. He handled the situation with professionalism and care, turning what could have been a ruined birthday dinner into a salvaged experience. Thanks to Andrew's approach, I'd be willing to give this restaurant a second chance.
Final Thoughts
This restaurant has incredible potential--the flavors and quality of the food (starters especially) are not in question. However, the customer service needs serious improvement. I'd suggest placing skilled customer care staff like Andrew at the forefront and offering training for others to ensure the overall experience lives up to the food.
Overall Rating: 6/10
The food shows promise, but the service--especially from management--needs to catch up. I'd consider returning in hopes of a more consistent and welcoming experience read more