As a former Londoner now living in an area with limited culinary options, my return visits to the capital always present a delightful dilemma: where to dine?
This is where I turn to Instagram for guidance, and food influencers like Shu Lin @dejashu never fail me.
Her joyful recommendations recently led me to Nipa Thai (which means ‘shining light’ in Thai) nestled within the elegant Royal Lancaster Hotel.
We arrived on a bustling Saturday evening, greeted by a sea of glamorous guests (likely wedding attendees) filling the lobby with cars lined up outside the hotel.
The setting was understated and refined, an exciting precursor to what awaited us upstairs.
Ascending the cool marble staircase to the first floor, we were welcomed into the peaceful sanctuary that is Nipa Thai.
The minimalist, elegant décor immediately felt welcoming. Despite sitting in the middle of the room, I could sense that the tables by the window overlooking Hyde Park would be a treat for future visits.
The ambience struck a perfect balance: it was lively, yet not overwhelming, with just the right amount of buzz.
The warm, attentive service made it feel like a home away from home. Our host’s bright smile and friendly atmosphere set the tone for the evening.
Nipa Thai prides itself on authenticity, boasting an all-female Thai kitchen team led by head chef Sanguan Parr and Restaurant Manager Kaseam Jongpitakrat.
Our culinary journey began with a mixed starter platter, featuring:
- Succulent chicken satay
- Crispy and flavourful crab and vegetable spring rolls
- Perfectly spiced, tender crab cakes
- Nipa Thai’s signature crispy prawn won tons with a moreish filling
Each bite was a revelation – the chicken was juicy, the spring rolls packed with flavour, and the wontons delightfully crunchy.
Even the crab cakes, sometimes the last to be eaten, left cold and soggy on the platter, were beautifully spiced and irresistibly soft.
Our mains continued the culinary journey with standout dishes like the rich, coconut-infused green chicken curry, and the perfectly steamed sea bass singing with aromatic lemongrass notes.
The bowl of garlic prawns was a particular highlight – they were plump, succulent, and plentiful (a rarity in many restaurants where you are lucky to get six prawns at best).
The beef with mushrooms in oyster sauce was tender, and the grilled marinated chicken had a smoky, barbecue flavour that lingered on the palate.
The infamous Pad Thai was a mountain of noodles, while the fried rice noodles with chicken and greens were bathed in a savoury, delectable sauce.
Dessert, although slightly rushed due to the kitchen closing, was an indulgent affair.
We sampled the Thai exotic fruits, and the coconut cheesecake paired with elderflower sorbet.
The presentation was stunning, with intricately carved fruits bursting with vibrant colours and flavours.
To complement the meal, we enjoyed a bottle of Chablis J Moreau & Fils, a crisp, light, and dry choice that paired beautifully with the fresh flavours of our dishes.
Next time, I shall be exploring the cocktail menu as well.
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself reluctant to leave Nipa Thai, despite the late hour and the staff’s understandable desire to conclude service.
The restaurant’s warm ambience and exceptional cuisine had cast a spell that made time slip away unnoticed.
Nipa Thai has not only solved the perennial dilemma of where to dine in London but has also set a new standard for my culinary adventures in the city.
I can’t wait to return.
Nipa Thai
Royal Lancaster London,
Lancaster Terrace,
Bayswater,
London,W2 2TY
