Step into a Thai paradise just off Fulham Broadway with the elegant and exotic Blue Elephant - a must for all Londoners.

The Venue
From the immaculate silk-dressed waiters to the glittering gold bar, the Blue Elephant really does take your breath away. You’ll be greeted by friendly, polite waiters who will guide you to either the bar area or your table, or even both. The bar is an attraction in itself - it resembles a royal Thai barge and boasts a majestic design that sparkles in gold.

You’ll be led to your table across a maze of wooden bridges, passing waterfalls and swimming fish as you venture deeper into the Thai jungle where your table awaits. It’s deceiving how large this restaurant actually is as it’s full to the brim with beautiful plants and flowers. If you’ve visited Thailand before, you may be reminded of their floating markets as you pass small boats full of exotic fruit and vegetables on the way to your table.

The Atmosphere
With the trickling of running water in the background, the Blue Elephant has a quiet, calm atmosphere despite its size and popularity. Service is efficient, ever friendly and eager to please, with a close attention to detail; from placing the napkins on your lap to offering warm flannels to clean hands between mains and desserts.

The Food
Now where to start? This extensive menu will get mouths watering, whether you choose a set ‘banquet’ menu or go a la carte (and sharing is definitely recommended as dishes can add up). Get started with dim sum (parcels of minced pork, shrimps and crab meat with tangy soy sauce), crisp spring rolls with chicken and vegetables or the chicken satay (the cucumber and peanut sauce perfectly balances the sweet and salt). Or you can go for ‘Pearls of the Blue Elephant’ with a selection of restaurant favourites (£13).

Moving on to the mains, there are many classic dishes for those of you who don’t like experimenting, and these are all created to a high standard. Pad Thai (£7.50) is always a winner, either as a main or an accompaniment to share, and you can have this with shrimps or vegetables. Another classic is the green chicken curry (£17.50), where large, tender pieces of chicken are mixed with Thai aubergines in a spicy, coconut sauce. For a tangy, fish dish, try the Imperial fish (£15), made with tilapia fillets in a sticky sweet and sour sauce. Other recommendations are lamb massaman curry (£17.50), Paneng nua (made with beef and coconut milk - £16.50) and tamarind duck (£16) with its fruity sour sauce.

Desserts win on presentation but flavours and textures might be a little unusual to some. Ta-ko looks like a shiny gift box and comprises water chestnut and pandanus flavoured jelly with a sweet coconut glaze - a subtle taste with a rigid, rather rubbery texture. The kanom kluai is also worth trying - ripe banana and coconut pudding in a steamed banana leaf cone, with a taste and consistency similar to barbecued banana, with a warm, fruity flavour. For less exotic puddings, there is also dark and white chocolate mousse and creamy cheesecake, and all desserts are priced around £6.50-£8.50.

The Drink
There’s a huge selection of sweet, white, rose and red wine on offer and your waiter will be able to help advise you with their own recommendations. Choose from a Chilean sauvignon blanc or French chablis (£24-£52 per bottle) or a full-bodied red such as an Italian barolo (£26-£103). There are also Thai wines on offer such as Monsoon Valley, as well as beers and spirits. If you’re in the mood for celebrating, you can also choose from a range of Champagnes and cocktails with exotic Thai creations. Soft drinks are also available.

The Last Word
More than just a place to eat, the Blue Elephant offers you the full Thai experience with enchanting decor, great service and delicious dishes.

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