Kiln Soho

Burmese, Thai·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Kiln Soho

Gold Award

“I could eat here every day,” declares one devotee of this hot-ticket purveyor of smokin’ Thai BBQ and peasant-style baked claypots filled with spicy regional curries. It’s the second restaurant from Ben Chapman of Smoking Goat fame and – like its sibling – the set-up is casual, with no bookings and obligatory queues.

Turning up really early may solve the problem; otherwise, be prepared to wait for a seat at the long, metal counter that runs alongside the open kitchen, while friendly clued-up staff deliver “slick service” to a soundtrack of classic vinyl from the likes of James Brown.

The short menu of “delicious and innovative” sharing dishes delivers “a taste extravaganza” based on impeccably sourced ingredients from named suppliers. We couldn’t fault a thing on our last visit – especially the soft and smoky turmeric sausages and the cumin-spiked lamb skewers, grilled to perfection and with a bitter spicy edge cutting through the finger-licking fattiness.

Larger pots also delivered a full-on hit, from a sharp and sour turbot curry to an aromatic Burmese beef neck curry, with wild ginger and pickled garlic providing plenty of fresh crunch. And don’t miss the clay-pot glass noodles with pork belly and brown crab meat: a comforting, dense and sticky delight.

The drinks list keeps the bar high, with an eclectic wine selection (note the orange wines and sparkling Riesling), plus craft beers and cider, sophisticated softs and Thai-inspired cocktails such as the dangerously drinkable Young Ginger Margarita. “Kiln deserves every plaudit it receives”, concludes an impressed reader.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Burmese, Thai
Ambience
Cool, Cosy, Dark and moody, Fun, Lively, Quirky
Awards
SquareMeal London Top 100
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Counter dining, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Dates
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Pint-sized Kiln has become one of Soho's most popular restaurants, a Thai barbecue joint which serves up a regularly-changing menu to its locals. At one time Kiln took walk-ins only, resulting in long queues down Brewer Street - thankfully these days it's possible to book, though the real fun remains at the counter, which is still for walk-ins only. 

Kiln is the brainchild of chef and restaurateur Ben Chapman, who is also behind popular Thai eatery Smoking Goat, which can be found in Shoreditch. Taking up residency on Soho’s Brewer Street, Kiln finds itself in good company alongside the likes of Randall & Aubin and El Camion. Much like its sibling, the menu here focuses on stir fries, curries and barbecue dishes cooked over open flames, championing dishes from a grill, seafood and clay pot alike.

To fans of Smoking Goat, it should come as no surprise that the food at Kiln is punchily spiced. The menu also changes regularly, with the offering evolving depending on what produce is currently in season. You can visit Kiln for either lunch or dinner, and while you’re there you might come across the likes of slow grilled chicken and soy, Tamworth pork belly curry with kapi, or wild ginger and beef neck curry which finds its roots in Burma.

One dish that you will always find on the menu is Kiln’s signature serve – clay pot baked glass noodles topped with Tamworth pork belly and brown crab meat. Kiln doesn’t serve desserts, but it makes up for that with a truly delightful drinks list. Accompany your meal with a glass from Kiln’s list of European-leaning wines, or opt for one of its house-made cocktails which experiment with fermentation and pickling.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for a Turmeric Gin & Tonic, or maybe it will be the Thai Basil & Peppercorn Mojito that takes your fancy. Competitive pricing, on both the drinks and food, is a further draw. 


FAQs

Do you need to book a table?

Yes, we recommend you book a table with us before visiting.

Helpful? 0

Do you have any vegetarian options on the menu?

Yes, we have some vegetarian options on our menu.

Helpful? 0

Location

58 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 9TL
Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-15:00
Tue 12:00-15:00
Wed 12:00-15:00
Thu 12:00-15:00
Fri Closed
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon 17:00-23:00
Tue 17:00-23:00
Wed 17:00-23:00
Thu 17:00-23:00
Fri Closed
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
All day
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri 12:00-23:00
Sat 12:00-23:00
Sun 12:00-21:00

Reviews

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15 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Anon

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Great atmosphere and authentic dishes 

Anon

24 June 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Outstanding in every way

Look no further this restaurant is outstanding. The wait staff chefs and management are passionate about being here to bring these Asian fusions that's sets your mouth alight. The sweetness that comes through these age old recepies are so authentic. This includes their organic wines too! Just watching the chefs cooking adds the the experience. This place is so worthy of Michelin recognition! Please bring Kiln to Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset. A fantastic community and International student population would love this. We are going to try out a sister restaurant over the next few days in London. That the test food trance I've had this year! Congratulations Amanda and Amber xx

Andrea L

03 August 2019  
Thai barbecue small plates, cosy, bar service, neighbourhood gem.

Connie B

26 July 2019  
Best authentic Thai in london.

Karen S

08 July 2019  
Hands down my favourite London restaurant at the moment. The food is sensational - incredibly tasty, authentic Thai flavours but with a real flavour kick, totally moreish. The atmosphere is great too, with buzzing counter dining upstairs and bookable tables downstairs. Lovely service - I have had some really nice chats with serving staff who are never too busy to be friendly and helpful. Oh I did I mention the food is amazing?!

Julie S

08 July 2019  
Great food, atmosphere, value.

James S

28 June 2019  
Literally my favourite place to eat in London.

Julian K

31 July 2018  
Still providing a taste extravaganza with great variety, great culinary skill and great value. Kiln deserves every plaudit it receives.

Oliver J

27 June 2018  
Delicious and innovative thai food - slick service too.

Mark D

08 November 2017  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4
Edge and integrity in equal measure
Really fun counter dining where you're guaranteed tasty food and an interesting glass of wine
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