Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean
& Indonesian

Bristol

BAUHINIA
5a Boyces Ave, Clifton, BS8 4AA
Tel: 0117 973 3138, web: www.bauhinia-bar.co.uk
Cosmopolitan, contemporary pan-Asian diner/cafe-bar with laidback, welcoming atmosphere. ‘A chance to enjoy a reasonably priced, well-executed eclectic south Asian meal in nicely restrained, stylish surroundings,’ said our man-in-the-know when he visited in the early days, before going on to predict its success - and he was right, too. Unusual drinks range, including draught lagers from Hong Kong and Japan, pan-Asian bottled beers, Asian-influenced cocktails and green teas. Menu S: deep-fried spicy salmon fishcakes, with sweet chilli dip; soft-shell crabs lightly battered, deep-fried and tossed in fresh chillies and sea salt. M: malaysian-style fried rice with chicken, tiger prawns, vegetables and spicy chilli paste; thai green chicken curry with aubergines. P: deep-fried pastry parcels with chocolate, dates and orange, with vanilla ice-cream; deep-fried banana in coconut and sesame batter, with creme fraiche Price ALC: from £4/from £7.90/£4.50. SL (daily till 7pm): 2 £8.50. Party menu (groups 10+): 2 £10.50 Wine list HW £12.50 btl, £3.50 gls Open Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome - no special menu but many dishes/flavours appeal to younger palates. Takeaway discount on both food (10%) and alcohol (25%). Disabled access on ground floor. Major credit cards. Parties/large groups welcome - call for details.

SIAM HARBOURSIDE
129 Hotwell Rd, BS8 4RU
Tel: 0117 330 6476, web: www.siam-thai.co.uk
This long-established popular Thai restaurant (sister to the acclaimed Siam Thai in Chipping Sodbury) occupies a glorious waterside setting and serves food that matches the view. Good traditional Thai fare, with some fantastic set-menu deals (including eat-all-you-can buffets – call for details), as well as a massive and delicious choice of dishes on the a la carte menu, too. All cuisine is authentic, and the delivery is utterly in keeping with Thai tradition. Menu S: grilled emperor prawns with honey and tamarind sauce; thai spare ribs with garlic, pepper and soy sauce; thai soups and salads. M: crispy fried duck with honey & tamarind sauce; stirfried squid with thai curry, thai herbs & coconut cream. P: thai desserts; ice-creams Price ALC: from £3.95/from £6.95/from £4. Set lunches/banquets/buffets: call for details, always extremely well priced and highly recommended Wine list Extensive. HW approx £12 btl Open Daily 11am-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm. Disabled access. Major credit cards. Can seat up to 35 at one table.

TEOHS
28-34 Lower Ashley Rd, St Agnes, BS2 9NP Tel: 0117 907 1191
Old Tobacco Factory, North St, Southville, BS3 1TF Tel: 0117 902 1122, web: www.teohs.net
Fabulous Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Malaysian specialists with two much-loved bistros in Bristol. The simple, utilitarian, almost canteen-like interiors keep a wide cross-section of diners happy and, of the 30 main courses on offer, an impressive 17 are available in vegetarian or vegan versions, all at incredibly low prices. The huge 160-seater refectory hall that is the Southville branch is popular with large groups. The varied, tasty menus and buzzing atmosphere at both outlets are utterly compelling. Other strings to the Teohs bow are regular cookery schools and outstanding outside catering, while the St Agnes branch has an excellent Far Eastern supermarket attached, with recipes available on their website to inspire shoppers. Highly recommended for its value-for-money prices in the Observer Food Monthly’s 2006 Food Awards. A third Teohs, in Cardiff, is on the way. Menu M: japanese chicken curry; green curry with prawns; kitsune udon; prawn black bean sauce; quarter crispy duck; beef rendang; kajang chicken satay; spicy butterfly prawns. P: daily specials on sweets board Price All mains £7.50, all desserts £2.95, side orders £4.50, extras £2 Wine list HW £14 ltr, £3.50 gls. Champagne, oriental liqueurs (inc Thai whisky), btld beers (inc Tiger, San Miguel, Ginseng) Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10.30pm. Children welcome. Disabled toilets & wheelchair access. Major credit cards. Set menu for large parties.

THAI CLASSIC
87 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NT
Tel: 0117 973 8930
There’s an extensive range of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine on offer at this calm, subterranean oasis on lively Whiteladies Road. The food is the real thing, conjured up by a chef who has spent many years working in a top hotel in Bangkok, and service is friendly. Everything is freshly cooked, with many of the ingredients used imported from Thailand. Menu S: fishcakes; thai soups; spring rolls. M: thai green curry (meat, seafood or veg); crispy duck on crispy noodles with sweet chilli sauce. P: ice-cream; banana fritters Price ALC: from £3.75/from £5.95/from £2.60 Wine list Good selection of old and new world wines, from approx £11 btl. Thai beers Open Daily 12noon-2pm & 6-11.30pm. Children welcome – suggest starter selection. Credit cards. Private hire, up to 40.

WAGAMAMA
63 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QL
Tel: 0117 922 1188, web: www.wagamama.com
Asian-style canteen chain, famous for its rapid-noodle formula, which attracts legions of followers in search of healthy fast food and the upbeat, lively atmosphere. The huge, diverse selection of pan-Asian dishes combined with the clean and simple decor and funky functionality is a crowd-pleaser. Friendly, knowledgeable staff will always find the time to advise on and interpret the menu choices, and you can’t argue with the prices. Menu ALC side dishes: duck & leek dumplings with cherry hoi sin sauce; deep-fried king prawns in panko breadcrumbs, with red chilli & garlic sauce; miso soup (light dashi soup flavoured with white miso paste, wakame, silken tofu, thinly sliced spring onions), with pickles; edamame. M: seafood ramen (noodles in a vegetarian soup topped with grilled prawns, kamaboko-aka, marlin and squid, garnished with wakame, menma, seasonal greens, spring onions); teppan-fried wholemeal noodles with egg, onions, garlic, mushrooms, peppers, beansprouts, spring onion, garnished with sesame seeds, fried shallots, red ginger, peppers, coriander and vinegar sauce; teppan-fried udon noodles with chicken marinated in ginger, garlic and lemongrass, with snow peas, red onions, beansprouts, chilli, egg, spring onions, garnished with fresh coriander. P: mango with lime zest and lychee sorbet; white chocolate & ginger cheesecake Price ALC: from £1.35/from £6.35/from £3 Wine list Extensive, inc vast selection of fresh, healthy raw veg & fruit juices, plum wine & sake, Asian beers. HW £11.80 btl, £3.60 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome, special menu for under-10s. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Diner’s, Amex). Takeaway available.

WEST THAI KITCHENS AT THE OLD FISHMARKET
59-63 Baldwin St, BS1 1QZ
Tel: 0117 921 1515
Modern Thai gastro-dishes made with authentic exotic ingredients sit side by side with great American pub food at this relaxed and informal eatery (one of Fuller’s many Thai Kitchen concepts). Menu S: chicken chilli squid. M: stewed southern curry lamb. P: fried ice-cream Price ALC: from £3.45/from £6.45/from £3.45 Wine list HW £12 btl, £3 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 12noon-5pm. Disabled access. All major credit cards. Parties welcome.

YUM YUM THAI
50 Park St, BS1 5JN
Tel: 0117 929 0987, web: www.yumyumthai.com
Sister operation of the original Bath incarnation, this modern, airy Thai diner serves contemporary and traditional Thai dishes with a healthy dollop of friendly vibe. The uncomplicated menu – a couple of dozen mains and around 15 sides – are all prepared from the freshest ingredients by qualified Thai chefs and are guaranteed MSG-free. Thai fragrant rice accompanies all main dishes and is included in the price (except for noodle dishes). ‘Enticingly crammed with a colourful array, challenging us with its sheer quantity,’ said Venue. ‘We both agreed it was quite a treat, and left well stuffed with good food and drink.’ Excellent vegetarian options and substitutions (most dishes can be made with tofu on request), bargain prices. Menu/Price/Wine list See Bath listing Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm (open Sun lunchtimes soon – call in adv) & daily 6-11pm. Children welcome. Disabled access but call in adv. Major credit cards accepted (min £10) but not cheques. Takeaway discount. Nurses 10% discount.

Bath

HONG KONG BISTRO
33 Southgate, BA1 1TP
Tel: 01225 318500/316088, web: www.hongkongbistro.co.uk
Contemporary Chinese diner furnished like an Ikea showroom kitchen and offering an exhaustive menu that combines all manner of ingredients, from carnivorous to vegan, in various degrees of imaginative, attention-grabbing combinations. This isn’t a starters/mains/puddings affair; instead, you’re gently steered towards a range of side dishes that accompany an extensive selection of more substantial fare divided under three headings: rice, noodles and soup. It’s possible to feast here on huge, flavoursome portions without an unhealthy blow-out in sight, at bargain prices, too. ‘Healthy comfort food with an exotic edge,’ according to one Venue reviewer. ‘At £30 for two (including wine and unnecessary side dishes), the final countdown is comforting, too.’ Busy, buzzy and fun. Menu ALC (sides) deep-fried bean curb in garlic, chilli & diced spring onion; crispy lamb. M: chef’s special rice (honey roast pork, chicken, roast duck, king prawns, assorted vegetables); king prawns, squid and scallops with thin thai-style ho-fun noodles in aromatic broth Price Sides from approx £2.80/mains from £5.75 Wine list HW: French, £9.50 btl, £2.25 gls. Beers (inc Tiger beer) Open Sun-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight. Children welcome. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Amex). Parties of 20+ but call in adv.

MAI THAI
6 Pierrepont St, BA2 4AA
Tel: 01225 445557, web: www.maithai.co.uk
Long-standing, sparkly little haven of accessible exotica boasting what a recent Venue reviewer called ‘obliviously, innocently kitsch interiors - the waitresses wear gold-braided aquamarine dresses, the gothic, carved wooden dining tables feature surreal 3D landscapes trapped under glass, and Hindu deities draped in scarlet ribbons dominate the bar’. When asked to quit babbling and tell us about the food, she summarised the traditional, good-quality Thai cuisine as ‘neither extravagant nor flashy, and very good value for money’. We told her she shouldn’t talk with her mouth full. Menu S: chicken satay; thai spring rolls. M: wide range of beef, pork, chicken and duck main dishes, thai curries, plus fish and seafood (including crab claw) and vegetarian. P: fruit-based desserts; ice-cream Price ALC: from approx £4.25/from approx £6/from approx £3.10. SL: 2 £7.50 (inc coffee/jasmine tea) Wine list International, good choice of about 30 varieties. HW from approx £11 btl Open Mon-Sun 12noon-2pm, Sun-Thur 6-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 6-11.30pm. Children welcome. Disabled access, but no toilets. Major credit cards (£10 min). Takeaway discount 10%. Caters for parties up to 35.

SALATHAI
8 Pierrepont Place, BA1 1JX
Tel: 01225 484663, web: www.salathai-bath.co.uk
Friendly, efficient and welcoming Thai bistro offering a vast array of authentic treats (including an excellent seafood/vegetarian selection) in a bright and breezy subterranean location. ‘Everything is clearly freshly cooked to order,’ said Venue’s resident fussy eater. ‘It’s possible to choose a dish that’s laden with fresh vegetables, light on carbs and big on protein, without too much conscious effort, and the Thai red curries hit the soft/sharp flavour balance so perfectly that it would be criminal not to indulge.’ A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Menu S: thai vegetable spring rolls with plum sauce; thai spare ribs with hot & spicy sauce. M: classic thai red/green curry (chicken, beef, pork, duck, prawns or vegetable); stirfried garlic & black pepper squid; thai soups & salads. P: banana fritters with sesame seeds; ice-creams Price ALC: from approx £3.95/from approx £6.95/from approx £3. SL: 1 £5, 2 £6.95 Wine list HW from approx £11 btl Open Daily (inc bank hols) 12noon-2pm & 6-11pm (Sun 10.30pm). Children welcome. No disabled access. Major credit cards. Takeaway. Parties catered for - call in adv for details.

SUKHOTHAI
90a Walcot St, BA1 5BG
Tel: 01225 462463, web: www.sukothaibath.co.uk
Bath’s original Thai restaurant (established in 1991) and still one of the best loved. Traditional (and very reasonably priced) Thai classics in suitably ethnic surroundings (fish tank, Thai paraphernalia). Menu S: baked fresh crab in curry or spicy thai sauce; papaya salad. M: matsaman lamb curry with onion, potato, carrot, cashew nuts; mussels, squid and king prawn stirfried in chilli and basil. Large selection of thai meat, seafood dishes & curries, plus great chef specials and excellent pad thai. P: banana fritters in sesame seeds Price ALC: from approx £3.80/from approx £7/from £3. All-you-can-eat buffet: Mon-Thur £15pp, Fri-Sat £18pp (under-10s half-price). SL: £5. Set banquets available Wine list HW from £11.50 btl, £3 gls Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2pm & 6-11pm. Well-behaved children welcome. Disabled access, but no toilets. Major credit cards. Adv booking advised. Takeaway discount. Parties of up to 40 catered for.

THAI BALCONY
1 Seven Dials, Sawclose, BA1 1EN
Tel: 01225 444450, web: www.thai-balcony.co.uk
Glamorous in a welcoming, understated way (and thankfully far more closely related to near neighbours the Theatre Royal and Bath’s most outrageously camp wedding dress shop rather than the Sainsbury’s supermarket below), this uber-charming destination makes the very most of it’s ooh-aah location. Inside, fairy lights, fresh flowers, gracious staff wearing traditional Thai garb and beautifully adorned tables set the backdrop for well-mannered, classic Thai food including excellent dim sum and a Thai green curry that one Venue reviewer declared to be ‘a perfectly executed amalgamation of all those classic Thai flavours: chilli, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves and coconut in perfect harmony’. Menu S: thai spare ribs; deep-fried crabmeat & pork dumplings with sweet & sour plum sauce; chef’s selection of mixed starter platter (min 2pp). M: tamarind duck; pork/beef/prawn penang curry; whole sea bass marinated in garlic, ground black pepper and coriander, chargilled and served with sweet chilli sauce; thai soups/salads/pad thai. P: ice-creams; fruit salad Price ALC: from approx £5/from approx £6.50/from approx £3.40. Banquets/SL/SD – call ahead Wine list HW from approx £12.95 btl Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10.30pm. Children welcome. No disabled access. Takeaway discount 10%. Major credit cards. Party bookings welcome.

WAGAMAMA
1 York Buildings, George St, BA1 2EB
Tel: 01225 337314, web: www.wagamama.com
Canteen-style pan-Asian dining chain, famous for its rapid-noodle formula. Menu/Price/Wine list See Bristol listing Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome, special menu for under-10s. Disabled access. Major credit cards (not Diner’s, Amex).

YUM YUM THAI
17 Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE
Tel: 01225 445253, web: www.yumyumthai.com
The original branch of this modern, airy canteen-style Thai cafe, specialising in contemporary and traditional Thai dishes. ‘Striking a lively balance between contemporary diner and chic restaurant, Bath’s YYT presents a refreshingly fuss-free countenance,’ said one of Venue’s professional scoffers. ‘Tables are nicely spaced, staff are cool, calm and collected (regardless of the demands being made on them) and menus are gloriously direct.’ She’s right, too: simply choose a rice/noodle-based main (or something from the ‘specialities’ selection) supplemented by side dishes which arrive when they’re ready to serve. The restaurant’s mission statement is admirably straightforward, too: organic and free-range produce pushed to the fore, MSG banned from the premises, and the meat in most dishes easily replaced with tofu for the veggies among us. Menu M: crispy duck in homemade organic honey & tamarind sauce; sweet lamb curry with onions, potatoes, carrot, cashew nut; steamed mixed seafood with spring onion, sweet basil, red curry paste. Sides: barbecued pork spare ribs; mixed seafood salad with jelly noodles; spring rolls. P: tiramisu; organic ice-cream Price ALC: sides from £4.90/mains from £9.50/from £4.20 ine list HW: from approx £12 Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11pm, Sun 6-11pm. Children welcome. Disabled access but call in adv. Major credit cards (min £10) but not cheques. Takeaway discount. Discount of 10% for nurses, students & Bath Theatre Royal/Little Theatre/Komedia ticket holders (exc Fri/Sat eves).

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