Reviews of Duke Thai

I'm recovering from an operation at St. Thomas's hospital and desperate to eat something that hasn't had the taste extracted ( hospital food it never changes ) googled the area looking for nearby restaurants. This little gem popped up and I thought I'd give it a try.

Located above the Crown and Cushion pub it's a no frills eatery with basic but comfortable seating. Staff are polite and attentive and the menu authentic Thai. I was initially disappointed as there appeared to be no vegetarian dishes available ( I'm a vegi ) but upon enquiry I was told that everythin g on the menu was available as a vegetarian choice.

I started with the spring rolls with plum chilli dip - worth every penny of £3.50, very fresh and tasty, then I ordered a hot green vegi curry and egg fried rice. The curry arrived served in an authentic Thai bowl as did the rice, stuffed with vegetables ( must have had my 5 a day in one dish ) good size portion and even bigger side of rice. Very fresh vegetables and fabulously hot piquant curry sauce, I didn't order a drink but was provided with a complimentary iced water - nice touch.

The curry was blinding, very hot as I requested ( tell them how you like it )rice ws excellent with plenty of egg and some peas. Shovelled the lot down double quick, this is the best Thai meal I've had in years, all in this unassuming little dining area above a pub.

Total cost for my indulgance - £11.95, I will most certainly return to sample other food from the menu, noodles and stir fry are also available as is a £4.95 lunch menu, think I'll move in. Takeway is also available, open 12-3 and 6 - 10 Mon - Sat. I can't reccommend it highly enough, if you like authentic Thai and don't mind basic surroundings this is the one. Pop and try it, if in a couple of weeks you'll see me a fat bloke in the corner with steam coming out my ears chowing through a nuclear hot curry.

The lady and I ordered a delivery from here recently (our 2nd), and again we were impressed. Lamb bhuna was excellent, chicken shashlik was good, pakora were unusually hearty and rustic (v nice). Not so keen on the dry spinach bhaji (tasted of tea - this seems to happen quite frequently with spinach in indian restaurants). Free bottle of wine. Much cheaper than some other recommended curry houses on these pages...