Silks & Spice (Chiswick)

Having been turned away at Saigon Saigon for our failure to book a table (even though they were nearly empty) my friend and I wandered along towards Turnham Green wondering where to eat.....

As if by chance we stumbled upon Silks & Spice. Wasn't exactly by chance. It was on the same road we walked along.

Anyway after reading the reviews here I felt the need (through a lack of anything better to do) to chuck in my two penneth, 3 pennies worth or whatever the expression is.

First impressions were of a nice warm glowinf restaurant. Nice ambience. Not too bright, not too dark. Friendly service without being overly attentive.

However, I came to eat. So, onto the important part. The food.

To start I had the dim sum which was absolutely delicious. Couldn't fault it. Although I would have to admit I have never had dim sum before so it could have been rubbish for all I know.

What I do know is, my main course sucked big time. I had a Thai red curry with beef and sticky rice. The rice was on the 'specials' menu so I assume it was a new addition to the menu and it showed. Awful solid glutinous mass. I have visited Thailand several times and while I am no expert I do know how sticky rice should be and it wasn't this hard lump.

The curry was (quite possibly) made with a commercial paste bought from one of the 2 local thai supermarkets and had that unmistakable flavour that comes from putting too much paste in. I have eaten countless amounts of thai curry and made even more. This one is the second worst one I have had. Just slightly behind one made with a Barts paste about five years back when I had no idea what Thai food should taste like.

Silks & Spices should decide which part of South East Asia cuisine it wants to be good at and concentrate on that. There was an air of 'Jack of all Trades' about the place.

I'm sure it pleases a lot of people but I was dissapointed. I have given it a 7 for value for money which is a shame as it is reasonably priced but obviously as my food was poor it wasn't 'value for money'.

Much better off going to the Racing Page or preferably the Hill Tribe in Richmond. If you want a little slice of Thailand then go to Anan Thai Express Cafe on Sheen Road.
Comment on this reader review

Johnny T
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, November 05, 2006

The food here was beautiful and the service fantastic. We went here for a relaxing anniversary meal. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. This resturant will definately be one of our regular haunts from now on.
Comment on this reader review

Emily Matthews
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 17, 2006

The food here was beautiful and the service fantastic. We went here for a relaxing anniversary meal. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. This resturant will definately be one of our regular haunts from now on.
Comment on this reader review

Emily Matthews
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 17, 2006

We had an absolutely excellent meal here last night. The food was a real cut above your average Thai restaurant fare and the prices were extremely reasonable. Every table was taken about an hour after our early evening arrival, proving we weren't the only ones to have concluded this place is a real gem. Will definitely be returning.
Comment on this reader review

CathTB
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Saturday, June 24, 2006