Review: Rosa’s Thai, Kingston
Review: Rosa’s Thai
By Helen Down
Rosa’s Thai has evolved from a humble Brick Lane market stall into a national chain of over 40 restaurants. And now, as of October 2024, its ultra reliable Thai fare can be savoured in Kingston. You may, like me, be wondering if there’s scope for another Thai chain in Kingston. But Rosa’s, with its buzzy ambience that’s almost as energetic as the Khaosarn Road, brings a slightly more relaxed and colourful alternative.
What better way to get a taste for what was to come than the mixed platter: ultra fresh summer rolls, okra tempura in impossibly light batter, spring rolls, pumpkin crackers and sweetcorn fritters with a soft Thai basil infused centre. Biting into the latter was the savoury equivalent of eating a soft centre Quality Street – delicious. It was a fine start that promised we were in for an authentic ride full of electrifying Asian cuisine.
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What followed was a veritable riot of flavour: Gaeng Tay Po with pork belly. That’s red curry to the uninitiated. And yes, you read the ‘pork belly’ part right. They even do slow-cooked beef cheek curry too. Warming spices and unctuous meat, it proved to be the perfect tonic for the unseasonably cold night. The other star of the show was Pad Makhuea: a signature Rosa’s stalwart of satisfyingly meaty aubergine chunks – no need to resort to beef cheeks for a carnivorous fix – in light egg batter, yellow bean sauce and Thai basil. The noodles were robust and yet as subtly sweet as they were salty. Zesty and crunchy Som Tum (green papaya salad) was a must-have because there’s no better way to judge a Thai restaurant. I’m pleased to say it held up against some of those I’ve had in Thailand itself. Likewise, the morning glory also did not disappoint. My only complaint? Our table wasn’t big enough to accommodate our greedy bellies. This problem, however, was most likely unique to us.
The flavours were as vibrant as the atmosphere, with no holding back on the chilli – which is absolutely as it should be IMO. Alongside bright decor, neon lighting and Bangkok-style wall art, it all felt wonderfully brash and crazy and authentic. Dishes that are guaranteed to deliver, and at reasonable prices too, Kingston has quite possibly gone and got itself a favourite new Thai.
Rosa’s Thai,
2-6 High Street,
Kingston upon Thames,
KT1 1EY
