A truly traditional Thai in the melting pot of Clapham eateries.

The Venue
Adding an Eastern element to the stretch of restaurants that extends down Battersea Rise, this is easily one of the more authentic looking. In good weather the restaurant is open fronted, and stepping from the pavement to the inside transports you to a Thai temple. Simple, spacious and subtly ornate, with light wooden floors and chairs and white table cloths, it doesn’t look dated, instead creating a genuinely relaxed feel.

The Atmosphere
In their traditional-esque uniforms, staff are quietly attentive (almost timid), mastering the art of smooth service. Busy with the local Clapham lot, Thai Garden also does delivery within 1.5 miles if you’d rather enjoy the food from the comfort of your own sofa.

The Food
You’ll find everything you’d want and expect on the menu, without it being confusingly extensive (although there over 70 choices). While you digest the options, munch through the basket of prawn crackers on the table, a mix of both the standard dissolve-on-the-tongue white type, and a spiced corn-coloured chilli variation. Starters include wuntons, wings, ribs, fishcakes, spring rolls and prawns, all for under a fiver, or a sharing plate for two combining several (£11.95). Judging by the chicken satay (£4.50), the plates are well portioned - four succulent meaty skewers, soft and meltingly marinated. The accompanying peanut satay sauce is smooth and creamy, balanced by a translucent cucumber relish, similar to sweet chilli dipping sauce without the kick.

For the main course, green chicken curry (£6.95) doesn’t disappoint. The coconut liquid is light, fragrant and moreish, in a bowl filled to the brim with courgette, peas and bean shoots. Extra spice would make for a more powerful dish. The red beef curry (£6.95) is richer and simpler without any vegetables, the meat slightly chewy but the broth flavoursome. One rice between two is the perfect amount to help you soak up every last drop of liquid, light and fluffy plain steamed for £1.50 or egg-fried for £2.50. The numerous list is also made up of soups, salads, noodles and stir-fried pork, chicken, beef, fish, prawns and squid dishes – about five different variations per meat, all under £8.

The dessert menu is laminated, with photos, always a sure sign of frozen sweets. However there are also a few more traditional options, banana fritters or a Thai-style glutinous rice pudding which, although not the most appetising of descriptions, might be more tempting than the others.

The Drink
Singha beer is the bottle to go for here, traditional and big enough to last you through the courses. The wine list is simple and inexpensive too, with a nice selection of white, red and rose, and a standard selection of soft drinks or teas and coffees to round off your meal.

The Last Word
The bill is difficult to check, hand written ‘two covers’, ‘two beers’ and a price – but as the trust has been built up from the opening prawn crackers, you’ll pay happily and leave satisfied.

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