SOM SAA

Vibe & Decor

Housed in a spacious converted warehouse but part of the Square Mile, means you can expect a melting pot of both the sneaker clad ‘creatives’ and suits. Expect to wait for a table (when we were there average wait time was two hours), but that’s easily done in the bar, as you sling back Muay Thai Kick’s (gin, thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, basil and lime) and Bamboo Planter’s Punch (a blend of rum, guava juice, pandan syrup and lime).

Flavours

Anyone that went to Som Saa during their Climpson Arch residency knows the deal: these guys aren’t your average neighbourhood Thai restaurant. If you want Pad Thai, move on. Instead it’s about creative takes on Issan (northeastern region of Thailand) dishes with strong, fresh flavours. Think grilled chicken legs with tamarind dipping sauce, grilled aubergine salad and dry crispy pork red curry – all of which were fantastic. For those who like their curries spicy, order the jungle – but, don’t say we didn’t warn you. The palm sugar ice cream with grilled banana for dessert was standout.

Top Tip

Go early. Tables are hot tickets and it’s first come first served. And stick to small groups, there only have a couple of big tables.

Highlight

We’ll be back for the palm sugar ice cream.