A little Thai Pandora's box situated off the Strand.

The Venue
Narrow and rectangular with a curved ceiling reminds one of a lacquer box. The petite space can seat no more than four width-wise comfortably, and ten length-wise. Yellow-ish walls hung with Thai artwork, dark furniture and common china cutlery complete the Asian Pandora's box motif.

The Atmosphere
Dim lighting and Thai pop music hit the generic buttons of this Asian restaurant. Service should be punctual in such a tight space but you'd be surprised how some do get overlooked.

The Food
The fare is generally as traditional as London's Thai imports (goods and chefs) would allow it to be. Jasmine rice (£1.50) and pandan leaf chicken (£5) are easy to replicate, and satisfyingly replicated it is. The Pad Thai (£6.50) however is pale and dry, tossed in with a lot of raw onions - this seems more of a testament of the kitchen calibre than the goods. The roasted duck red curry is also not as well-made, it being overly sweet despite holding big chunks of chewy duck. Likewise the starter of boneless chicken wing stuffed with minced pork (£5.50) - crisp and well-seasoned on the outside but crumbly and wet on the inside.

The Drink
Staples like jasmine tea and coffee can be had for less than £2. The Sing Ha is more pricey at £3.25. Wine is haphazardly gathered from all over the world, resulting in a weak Merlot (£12.95) for a house red. Other alcohols are suspiciously stated as "various" (all £2.95) so interested parties must ask the server to recite the list.

The Last Word
A cheap find off The Strand that is especially good for after-work drinks, when your defences are low.

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