Dim T More London Place

Ismat J. A. ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

Thai Dynasty Welling SE London

This restaurant is not located in the current listings for some reason as it is quite old and fairly reputable having dined there for the last 10-15 years. I recently had a meal there and I had noticed that it was the winner of the Times award so I find it surprising that it is not listed. However I am a great fan of Thai food and this restaurant excelled in the food quality as far as authentic Thai food is concerned. Some Thai food just tastes Chinese but this restauraqnt food is distinctively Thai which is very pleasing. A few years ago I found the restaurant lacking an impressive decor o match it's rather regal name but now it's imp[roved by leaps and bounds. It is gilded in gold ornate discs with two atractive dragon flanking each side of the back wall and the characheteristic golden Thai dancing dolls is everywhere . There is a wooden perforated screen which is reminiscent of incence burning but there was none and an antique glass cabinet with various display items which is very popular in the East. There is blue candle lantern holders though with no candles and bamboo screens near the windows. I sat opposite a sheltered temple alcove which had obvious reference to a temple. The lighting was dark which is quite soothing and there was a ornamental orchid which wasa change from the Carnation and Cala Lilly. The table linen was in a attractive peach instead of crisp linen which can be too fomal and matching soft napkins.

Less said of the decor which ofcourse resembled dynastic proportions and the food was equally good. The first course was a ginger prawn curry which was delectable and the next course was fried Talipia in batter in a curry sauce. i remembered this dish to be dry but this was wonderful with peppers and of sweet and sour varierty. It was served with coconut rice in a rustic half a coconut shell. Though the rice was not very coconutty was however very sticky and went well with the main dish. For dessert I had ordered pudding in banana leaves with vanilla ice cream. This is very common in South East Asian food cooked or steamed in banana leaves but I found the pudding different and went very well with the ice cream. Though I had not had this dessert before I quite liked it and would order it again. I had Diet Coke with the meal but wines are available served in very attractive sleeves though whether this keeps the wine cool or not I don'r know.

I can only say the food had remained a very high standard for the last 10 to 15 years and the decor improved. It was mid week but the restaurant was almost filled with diners hence belying the quality of the food , the place and the decor. The service was very good I though I found too many waiters but however very attentive.

Though for a Welling location the restaurant was a bit pricy the bill comming to £28 , the food was was exceptional and it was worth paying the price for the high standard of food and decor. All in all i recomend this restaurant to anyone who loves Thai food and Thai traditional decor.

Rating ***