Phansit's Kitchen

Chef and owner Phansit's eponymous restaurant is a treasure trove of authentic Thai cuisine that brings alive the traditional methods of cooking from the island of Koh Samui, where he hails from. When tourism started taking off on the island, his mother introduced him to the delights of recipes passed down from generations; this stoked his passion for food. Initially she began by providing rustic fare to the visitors on the beaches, and then later set up the family inn. His understanding of ingredients was further enhanced by working alongside his father, who was fishing, hunting and growing crops for all the family to eat.

After arriving in Britain he worked at the Thai Square Group and Thai Metro in Central London before setting up his own establishment in an area which he describes as being nearest to the surroundings he grew up in. Today, having honed his skills, he is gaining a reputation for his ability to utilize local produce and create menus that transport you to that dreamy isle in Thailand. 

You can start a meal with spring rolls or prawn and vegetable tempura. Other alternatives comprise corn cakes - battered sweet corn cakes served with sweet chilli, cucumber, shallot and peanut dip - and minced chicken and prawn dumpling served with vinegar and soy dip.

Stir fries invite you with pat-bprio-waan, fresh pineapple, onion, pepper, cucumber and tomato with sweet and sour sauce and pat-king, fresh ginger, pepper, onion, mushroom, black fungus and carrot with oyster sauce. Both come with choices of chicken, pork or prawn.

The ubiquitous Thai red curry makes its presence felt while a curry of roasted duck breast, fresh pineapple, cherry tomato, pepper, lychee, Thai aubergine and fresh basil, springs a pleasant surprise if you are looking for something beyond the ordinary.

Rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, carrots, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts and special pat Thai sauce and fried rice with vegetables and roasted garlic are on hand to complete your main course.

They don't serve liquor at Phansits Kitchen, however, guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks for which they make a corkage charge. The dessert menu changes daily but you can expect to find a pleasing assortment of ice creams and sorbets on the regular bill of fare.

A board displaying special dishes that change daily goes a long way towards feeding your sense of culinary adventure, because you'll never know what to expect, providing a good reason to return. One more thing, Phansit also doubles up as the DJ, having prior experience at the turntables during full moon parties on the shores of his native country. So expect some upbeat music to accompany your gastronomic sessions there.

During the Christmas season they are serving a set party menu with exclusive use of the restaurant for parties of twenty or more.