Tong Ka-Nom Thai

This restaurant isn't all that impressive. Mistakenly listed under "Kensington/Notting Hill", this restaurant is all the way in Kensal Green. Area a bit shady at night. Food was ok, atmosphere a bit crampped, and service subpar. Previous reviews looks like its written by the owners. Not worth the trip if you're coming from Central London.
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Kathy
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 5
Thursday, May 04, 2006

This is my favourite restaurant with a capital F. I have to go there atleast once a month if not more. The food is delicious and so cheap for what u get its amazing.

the restaurant is small but the decor is pretty and cosy.

the staff are friendly.

u can take your own booze and overall its a 10 out of 10 ten for me.
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SV wembley
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, April 24, 2006

Tong Ka Nom is without a doubt the best thai restaurant i have been to. I have had better meals there than while travelling around thailand for a month. I have the enviable position of owning a flat almost directly behind the restaurant, so therefore was a very regular customer. There are another 2 thai restaurants nearby - one called Mai's thai which i didn't even bother to go in, and boys cafe which purports to be authentic thai but doesn't come close to Tong Ka Nom.

It is a family run restaurant, the parents cooking with one of the sons on front of house duties, and they couldn't be friendlier. One birthday when i was there they killed the lights and brought out a thai dessert with a candle, singing happy birthday - i was very touched.

As for the food, apart from being disconcertingly cheap (main course on average £4.50), it is beautifully prepared and presented using all fresh ingredients and no MSG.

Starter recommendations - Chicken wrapped in panden leaves, Spare ribs, Papaya salad (my girlfriend's favourite), tom yum soup, tom ka gai soup, prawn toast, fish cakes, chicken satay.

Main course recommendations - Gai tod (chicken pieces fried in thai herbs and spices) is incredible and i have been un-able to find it served anywhere else. The nearest you will find is chicken stir-fry of some description. Gai tod is not a stir-fry. It is the most incredible flavour and tenderest chicken. I have a friend quite addicted to it.

The red duck curry is not to be missed, brilliant with the sticky rice.

The speciality fish is another taste sensation.

These are three of my favourite dishes, but i have had several parties there and there has been nothing but praise for every dish.

A fact i found out only recently - they are the only thai restaurant in london to have been consistently (last 3 years) shortlisted for the evening standard cheap eats under £60 awards. Only 3 establishments are shortlisted every year for each food category.

I cannot rave about this place enough. You would quite easily drive past the restaurant and miss it as it's on a busy corner of harrow road, but don't be put off by it's location and rather ordinary facade (updated just recently). They have also very recently renovated their cellar to acommodate more customers.

Go eat there as soon as you can, you will not be disappointed.
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alistair Miller
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 08, 2006

This is the best Thai food i have tasted outside thailand. It is cheap friendly and offers value for money. I have been there at least ten tines. The crispy chili fish is superb and the morning glory side dish is fantastic.
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Matt - Queens Park
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 01, 2006