Esarn Kheaw

It's a strange phenomenon that you never encounter any Thai folks dining in Thai restaurants in London, maybe like the Italians they prefer to cook their meals at home. At least when we turned up at this restaurant in Sheperd's Bush we encountered some Thai diners. This place is great. The owner seemed downright miserable, but he did manage a few smiles when needed. The pomfret as the the previous reviewer suggested, was superb and as was the tom yum soup. Forget about the pretentions from the other Thai joints in the West End, this is the real thing, warts and and all. Enjoy.
Comment on this reader review

bellaphon
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Sunday, June 01, 2008

We have been going here for years. We love it.

The owner is, as is often reported hilariously gruff and if you did not know it one might think that he was deliberately rude. He does n't mean to be he just is. Whenever we order (for two) he normally tells us we have ordered too much and moves another table next to us to accommodate our food. It always amuses us as surely he is meant to sell the food. However his effect has been mollified by recruiting a younger man and a younger woman who are effusively charming and cannot do too much. If busy one can wait but the food is delicious.

Khnom Jeep are the real deal. Green and red curries are tangy and you can specify how hot you want them. My favourite is the crispy fried pomfret which is so authentic, not overcooked and mouth wateringly good. The stir fried meats are reliably zingy and I disagree that they come in some gravy like sauce. They do not. The sauce tastes of what you ask for. I also disagree with the reviewer as to the prawn in the pad thai. They are not tiger prawns but there has always on our many visits been a good smattering of king prawns in the dish. The noodles are good and not cooked to oblivion. One should also really try the authentic sticky rice.

We call it the Tiny Thai as the tables are too close and cramped, it can be hot in summer and cold in winter but make no mistake this place is a gem. There are many Mcdonalds like Thai restaurants in London but this place is lifted up by its kitchen which consistently in our many many visits produces good value, authentic and very good Thai food. Do go but dont expect the Blue Elephant environment, service or prices but do expect food that I think beats it hands down on all fronts. Go!
Comment on this reader review

Cas
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 29, 2008

Went to this restuarant on the back of the glut of unusually high marks listed below. Well were we in for a shock, and will not be going back again.

Tables are placed elbow to elbow but we could overlook that as the place was rather empty.

Started off with rather 'well-done' pancake rolls, and a couple of tepid beers.

Moving on, my noodles contained a few smallish, limp prawns - rather than the king prawns I had expected - and the sauce was way too thick and sweet.

My guest's beef noodle meal came swimming in gravy but with only a few measly strands of noodle. In fact we had to buy a portion of rice to soak up the liquid.

Have to say we have had better meals of this type in pubs, which is such a pity as the reviews had led us to expect something much classier.
Comment on this reader review

Liam
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Went to Esarh Kheaw last night based on the reviews here and the fact that this place is 5 mins away from where I live and I've seen but never ventured in.

Won't be bothering to go back. Before I even start on the food, Mr Puntar is extremely rude literally yelling at customers as they enter to put their umbrellas in the bucket by the door. His abrupt manner of taking your order may seem to some quite quirky, but it was as if he was doing us a favour by feeding us. The restaurant is cold and tables way too close together. It took over half an hour for our main course to come despite the fact that others who had ordered after us had practically finished theirs.

And then the food, whilst not repulsive, was very sub-standard. Tasted as though everything had just been deep-fried for the hell of it....apart from my seafood salad which had a few shrivelled up prawns and some very rubbery squid which I had to chew and chew and chew.

I know there aren't many great establishments in this part of the world, but there's some great kebab places and even Nando's a couple of doors down would be a better choice.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The best thai restaurant ever!!very good prices for a delicious meal and an excellent service, i really recommend it to everybody!
Comment on this reader review

Sarah
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 04, 2008

I found this restaurant many years after i lived in the area and I'm only sorry it took so long to find it.

The food is faultless and the equal if not better of any other Thai restaurants i've been to in London, including some so called hi class establishments.

I moved away from the area after I got married and still make a trip to Shepherds Bush just to eat here !!
Comment on this reader review

Rob
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Visited this place the other evening, and thought it was great- service friendly, especially the young waiter, who was charming and competent.

It was packed on a Sunday night, and over half the customers were Thai- surely a good sign!

Catfish salad was especially delicious and spicy, and all the dishes we ordered had the flavours of genuine Thai cuisine not the usual bland versions you get in the UK.

OK, so the food didn't arrive as quickly as in some places- but importantly it tasted FRESH - not as if they'd just reheated it.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, October 17, 2006

I have been visiting this restaurant regularly since I lived in Shepherd's Bush and what a fantastic local restaurant. But it is easy to take for granted till you go to other Thai and realise Esarn Kheaw is one of the most authentic Thai restaurants you will ever eat it. I can really recommend the Papaya salad and Bamboo shoot salad (very hot). The squid salad is delicious too. The staff are completely charming, you will return!!
Comment on this reader review

Joanna Gibbons
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Real taste of Thai food at a very affordable price. Great service. A real gem in Shepherd Bush. Highly recommended by a native Thai.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Saturday, April 15, 2006

Absolutely superb!

Food, service, atmosphere, wine and more!

Couldn't talk highly enough of this absolute "find".

Highly recommended - you will love it.
Comment on this reader review

Nathan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, March 21, 2006