Benja review by avideater
Overall - I had high expectations from Benja's which were confirmed initially by the impressive decor on the first floor where we were seated. However from the starters onwards the food increasingly disappointed and ended with desert consisting of fresh fruit dropped ice. We left convinced not to visit again. The trip confirmed Nakhon Thai Waterfront as the best Thai place in London in my view.
Background - I decided to take a friend of mine with his girlfriend who my wife and I were meeting for the first time. We were seated on the ground floor. Another friend had had a birthday party here but I didn't have the chance to check his experience. The overall ratings on this website attracted me but the contradicting reviews were confusing.
Food - We went for the satay (chicken and prawn) and a pastry-type starters. The prawn satay in particular were cooked and skewered and had no specific taste.
For mains, we had the green prawn curry and yellow lamb curry. The green curry turned out to be white and was watered down to the extent that pouring it in the rice had no effect than to wet the rice. The yellow curry was stronger, the lamb was well cooked but the curry itself tasted like an Indian curry.
For desert we had apple fritters and something with a Thai name that I can't quite remember. The apple fritters appeared fried but the apple was still confusingly crunchy. The Thai dish that my friend had turned out to be fresh cut fruits in ice!
Service - Service was relatively quick. The complementary rice was a nice touch but cannot hope to make up for the quality of the food.
Atmosphere - The atmosphere was stylishly dark and quiet - impressive enough to h. The table stands however are chunky and for a table of four can make it difficult to place your feet comfortably.
Value for money - Though my friend (embarassingly) paid the bill I can tell it easily came to three digits. Far too much for the food we were served.
Alternatives - Nakhon Thai Waterfront is still by far the best Thai place that I have been to in London. The food, ambience and view are excellent and you can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
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