Rosa’s Thai is a growing, remarkably successful series of Thai dining establishments. The initial Spitalfields bistro was launched in 2008 by the couple Alex and Saiphin Moore. They brought their culinary expertise from Saiphin’s birthplace in northern Thailand to the bustling city of London. While various restaurant franchises in the UK struggle and cease operations (examples include GBK and Byron closing multiple branches), Rosa’s Thai has defied this trend entirely. New branches have emerged all over London and in major urban centers like Liverpool, Manchester, and York across the nation. The Rosa’s brand now boasts an impressive total of 34 diners nationwide, indicating their solid approach.
In 2008, I had the chance to visit the Spitalfields bistro shortly after its launch; it was located near my workplace at the time. I distinctly remember being impressed by the genuine ambiance of the place, as I had previously traveled through Thailand for a month and had high expectations in terms of authenticity.
I recently dined at the Rosa’s outlet in Chelsea, which is situated conveniently along Fulham Road, close to the renowned Brinkley’s on Hollywood Road. Coincidentally, I was dining with the same friend whom I had traveled around Thailand with years ago, this time on a chilly Thursday evening in February. Despite the dreary weather, the eatery was bustling, creating a lively atmosphere. The restaurant exuded a comfortable vibe, featuring white tile decor and elegant mint-colored walls.
The menu boasted signature dishes like chicken skewers in satay sauce and Rosa’s special green Thai curry and pad Thai. What sets Rosa’s apart is the subtle incorporation of Western flavors, evident in dishes such as the sweet roasted duck curry flavored with cherry tomatoes, pineapple, and basil. A zesty tom yum soup and a papaya salad are also on offer, catering to seafood enthusiasts with numerous options across the menu.
Opting for a variety of dishes to share, we selected the tom ka soup, popcorn shrimp, cashew stir-fry, and Rosa’s panang curry – a delightful medley of aubergine, chilies, and kaffir lime leaves. The curries don’t include rice, so guests can choose from an extensive selection of side dishes, including coconut and jasmine rice. The portion sizes are generous; it’s recommended to share between two people. The rice was expertly prepared, typical of Thai cuisine – slightly sticky, fluffy, and aromatic.
Despite feeling quite full after the main courses, we managed to indulge in dessert. We savored two irresistible options – mango with sticky rice and a som tum brownie bite served with coconut ice cream and a tangy homemade tamarind som tum sauce. These delightful offerings provided a perfect conclusion to our flavorful meal. Rosa’s rivals other eateries with its excellent food quality and fair prices, making it the ultimate spot for a delightful Thai dining experience.
Image Source: Rosa’s Thai
