As we remarked back in August, the opening of a quality new Thai restaurant is extremely welcome in an era where the first available table for the legendary Singburi isn’t until well into 2024.
This week the second branch of the Roman Road-based Mum Likes Thai Food finally flung its doors open on Leytonstone High Road – two doors down from the all-conquering Homies On Donkeys.
We popped by on the official opening day when balloons adorned the exterior, and in fact were still being blown up indoors, sax-laden ballads pumping out on the stereo. But the rather aquatic wavy walls, dark velvet banquettes, wood parquet walls and warm-glow pendants nonetheless evoked a pleasing air of tranquility.
Occupying the spot of deceased Thai restaurant Petch Sayam, MLTF is the brainchild of chef Tanakrit Pimpa, its simple premise being to offer traditional Thai dishes in an “unfussy restaurant with cocktails.”
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As it was a midweek lunch, our menu exploration had to start simply with a signature Pad Thai (£12.95): and happily it delivered flavour-wise, with the juicy hit of tamarind, a creaminess courtesy of the eggs, a generous amount of chicken, the refreshing crunch of bean sprouts, and ground peanut and chili to be added at our whim. Along, of course, with a spritz of lime (if you want prawns it’s two quid extra.)
Other highlights on the menu include green and red Thai curries (£11.95), a range of stir fries (£10.95), and starters from dumplings to fried tofu and Tom Yum soup.
A section labelled “Chef Recommends” adds some interesting-sounding creations, including deep fried sea bass fillet with tamarind sauce, steamed broccoli and pineapple (£15.95), laab gai (spicy minced chicken salad) at £13.95, a sizzling whole “chicken volcano” poussin at £15.95 (can’t wait to see that) and grilled sirloin beef with green salad on sizzling plate (£18.95). Maybe these in time will become as popular as Singburi’s chalkboard?
Obviously it’s early days, and we’ll review it fully after a couple of visits. In the meantime, this is, of course, a wholly welcome E11 arrival.
