5 Leonard Street,
Old Street,
London,
EC2A 4AQ
The ViewLondon Review
We are all busy people these days as we rush about our daily lives. Luckily, Grab Thai Street Kitchen makes it easy to grab a quick but delicious lunch or dinner when on the go.
The Venue
Grab Thai Street Kitchen is all about simplicity, and that's reflected in its décor, which manages to keep it bright and neutral without straying into being dull. The bold white frontage with its large black sign spans a huge window that offers a glimpse of what’s within - namely a bright, if a little small, space that has an industrial edge courtesy of planks of wood nailed to the walls, a ceiling covered in spotlights and low-hanging lightbulbs, a wooden counter and stripped-back wooden tables with red plastic chairs. It’s certainly a strange mix but it really does work. It’s comfortable enough that you can sit in and enjoy your meal but you won’t really want to languish for hours in luxurious surroundings – but that’s not what Grab is all about anyway.
The Atmosphere
Grab Thai Street Kitchen does have the feel of somewhere where convenience is king, though that’s not to its detriment – quite the opposite, in fact. This is a place that has taken easygoing eating to heart and made it as easy as possible for people to pop in, grab some good food and get going. And the staff are efficient and friendly, and ensure the queue of people keeps moving with seamless efficiency.
The Food
In addition to convenience, there's an emphasis on quality. They cook all the food fresh every day and use free range eggs and meat, as well as British beef. And it certainly shows in the simple menu of curries, salads, soups and noodles. The prices aren’t bad either, with most main dishes coming in at around the £5-£6 mark, with smaller portions available for less if you’re not feeling so hungry.
And the portions are well sized. The pad Thai chicken (£6.25) is a firm favourite at many Thai restaurants, and it’s particularly good here. The noodles are pleasantly fat and well cooked, veering away from greasiness despite being stir fried. The egg adds depth to the dish without weighing it down too much and the beansprouts are clearly fresh and crisp, working well with chunks of tofu. Crushed peanuts add texture and richness to a dish that's well seasoned and perfectly spiced. It’s certainly a nice surprise that a place that seems to aim itself at the convenience market doesn’t ignore the quality of the food they serve.
The Drink
The drink menu is a little less interesting with coffees and soft drinks dominating - although they are well priced, with nothing exceeding £3.10. They do have a Thai milk tea and Thai iced coffee, which shows they haven’t added in drinks purely as an afterthought.
The Last Word
Grab Thai Street Kitchen is a strong all-rounder and a great lunchtime spot if time really is of the essence.
GRAB Thai Street Kitchen has been reviewed by 4 users