Siam Cafe

Totally agree with above reviews, Siam might have plain decor but the food is so fresh and tasty. Been living nearby for over 10 years and will continue to eat there regularly. Love introducing new friends to the place.

The Siam Cafe- doesn't look much but its one of the best value restaurants in East London. For about £15 a head you can get 2 or 3 courses. The food's delicious and the menu's varied, with a wide range of dishes. Personally I love the chicken with garlic and the coconut rice- although I have heard very good things about the green curry, the snow-flake prawns, the chow mein- actually, about virtually every dish served. Definatly get the prawn crackers to share- they have a hint of chilli and are not at all greasy. Beautiful.

The retaurant itself is located very close to Forest Gate station, which is convenient. Most people who come are locals- expect liberal, lower-middle class professionals. Bring your own drinks- there are plenty of cheap off licenses nearby. And expect excellent service- the couple who run it are warm and friendly, and treat regulars like family.

I agree totally with above review, it is a little bit pricy but most restaurants in the East End compete on cost rather than quality. Siam Cafe is a find and it knocks the socks off any Indian or Chinese restaurants near by (or much further a field)!

Also, it is a BYOB (no corkage charge and there is a decent-ish off licence across the road) so that brings the price down.

3 minutes walk from Forest Gate Station and Wanstead Park station.

Dont be fooled by the photograph - if you love Thai food, this is the place to go.

Incidentally, it appeared in the Evening Standard restaurant guide a few years ago (I kid you not).

Its small, unasuming, authentically retro and warm and welcoming. I was invited there for a ‘leaving-do’ 4 years ago and have been going back about once a month since.

Its always pretty full and if there’s a party booked you can end up waiting a while for a seat, so always book.

Its run by a husband and wife team who prepare the food themselves as you would expect from the best home-cooking in old Siam. The couple originate from middle Thailand, which means they do NOT use any Jasmine flavourings as they do in the North, and they are not as spicy-hot as Southern Thai cuisine. They are: “fom de midowl”!!!

From the vegetarian perspective, we recommend the delicious fresh spring rolls, as honestly the best we have ever tasted. Their clear mushroom soup is just divine, etc etc. Fresh, nicely done great tasting Thai food…what more can I say, my mouth is watering…

We have’t found another Thai restaurant as good as this - anywhere in the UK!