Kum Luang is a lovely restaurant with a lot of charm - a pretty valid alternative to the many over-crowded restaurants on the Greenwich High Road.

The Venue
Just outside of Cutty Sark DLR station, right opposite a huge Wetherspoons pub, this long established restaurant has been serving traditional Thai food in the heart of Greenwich for over a decade. The ambience is neat and tidy, with typical Thai touches such as the wood-carved small roof above the bar and golden cutlery and underplates.

The Atmosphere
Tucked away from the main street, but still in a central location, this restaurant is busy enough to be buzzing but not noisy enough to disturb your conversation. The staff also wear traditional Thai dress which adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The Food
The menu is extensive, offering traditional Thai soups, currys and noodles along with an interesting selection of vegetarian dishes and several set menus, although there seems to be little difference moneywise from ordering a la carte – a two course dinner for two including wine will cost you around £40. Whilst scanning the thick menu you can snack on complimentary prawn crackers.

The presentation is very simple but the dishes are flavoursome. The tom kha kai is a luscious and creamy coconut soup with generous sized pieces of chicken and juicy mushrooms. It’s only mildly spicy, supposedly to accomodate delicate palates or those who are not used to spicy Thai soups. Noodle-based dishes come in hearty portions and are rich in vegetables. The kuey teaw phad khee mao jae is made with flat wide noodles, egg and mixed vegetables with a spicy kick; for a milder alternative, the pad thai jae is spiceless and just as filling.

The Drink
The house red, from Thailand, is a pleasant surprise, easy to drink and full of spicy and fruity hints. Other than that, the wine range has no particular highlights and does not match the variety and quality of the food menu.

The Last Word
The setting is traditional and decorative, and the atmosphere is charming. The food is enjoyable, and the wide selection of dishes for vegetarians and those who do not fancy spicy food makes this place a worthy spot for (almost) everyone.

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