Inspired by its name namesake restaurant at The Landmark, Bangkok, Nipa Thai at The Lancaster London in Bayswater stands out among the numerous Thai restaurants in London even as the popularity of Thai cuisine continues to grow. It is one among the chosen 15 places in Britain to be given the 'Thai Select' award by the Thai Government for restaurants proven to be performing to the highest standards of quality and cuisine.

The restaurant's credentials are impeccable - both the décor and menu are based on those of its illustrious Bangkok sibling - teak panelled interior with furnishings and artefacts have been brought here from Thailand and many of the chefs and waiting staff have worked in the original Nipa.

Chef Mrs Nongyao Thoopchoi was one of the staff who came from Bangkok to open London's Nipa in 1995. Her cooking mainly reflects the traditional dishes of central Thailand, while some of them blend the tastes of the different regional specialities to suit all kinds of culinary preferences. Her curries are of differing degrees of strength, but customary Thai fare must not be predominantly hot. The sharpness of the chillies and the spices ought to be toned down by the sweetness of the coconut cream, which also enhances the flavours of other delicate ingredients and herbs.