When it comes to Thai cuisine, you should prepare yourself for an explosion of flavours that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Authentic Thai food is a symphony of vibrant colours, fragrant herbs, and the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, sour, and salty. Thai cuisine is an artful balance between vibrant flavours, fresh ingredients, and the perfect combination of spices.

Thai cuisine has undeniably undergone a subtle transformation over the years to accommodate the palates of UK diners. While still maintaining its integral flavours and culinary philosophy, Thai cuisine has embraced certain modifications to suit the preferences and tastes of the UK palate. The spiciness of traditional Thai dishes has been toned down to offer milder options, allowing Westerners to appreciate the intricate blend of herbs, spices, and aromatics without overwhelming heat. Additionally, Thai cuisine has embraced a greater emphasis on presentation, with more attention given to visual appeal and fine dining experiences.

REVIEW OF ROSA’S THAI, EDINBURGH

Rosa's Thai Restaurants in the UK (there are 21 of them) serve up Thai cuisine using fresh high quality British ingredients coupled with Saiphin’s (aka Rosa) Thai recipes. Rosa’s Thai opened in Edinburgh recently and I went along to try a set menu.

The decor is vibrant with warm and welcoming staff, and a menu bursting with a promise of traditional flavours.

Thai prawn crackers (£3.75), also known as "krupuk" in Thai cuisine, are a delightful snack that bursts with bold flavours and crunchy texture and served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. These prawn crackers are light, airy crisps that are incredibly addictive.

Next to arrive at the table was the Homemade Veggie Spring Rolls (Por pia tod) (£6.75) Hand rolled with crunchy vegetables, celery, mushroom and glass noodles, crisp-fried and served with sweet chilli sauce. A nice starter packed with subtle flavours that got the belly rumbling for more.

One of my favourites from the small plates menu was the Pandan Chicken Parcels (Gai Hor Bai Toey) (£7.50). Marinated chicken thigh, wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves and served with their homemade spicy Sriracha dip. Don’t eat the leaves! Enjoy the pleasure of unwrapping these gorgeous food parcels. The chicken is soft and succulent, lightly spiced and utterly delectable.

For mains we chose the Massaman Beef Curry (Gaeng massaman Nua) (£15.50) and the Chicken Pad Thai (£13.00)

Both these dishes were delicious and I could seriously devour them again. However, they were very well suited to my palate which doesn’t cope well with a lot of spicy heat.

The Massaman Curry was mild and fragrant with a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and aromatic flavours. The curry boasts a velvety sauce that showcases the dynamic interplay between savoury and sweet notes. It was complex enough with the tender chunks of beef having absorbed the essence of the spices.
The Chicken Pad Thai is a typical Thai dish. A flavourful stir-fried noodle dish effortlessly combining the aromatic and vibrant flavours of Thailand into a harmonious medley that leaves you craving more. Rosa’s Pad Thai is quite sweet and savoury but with few sour notes. A lot of robust noodles coated in the tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar blend but lacked the spiciness that you’d expect from a Pad Thai.

Desserts were Chocolate Brownie (£5.00) with coconut ice cream, drizzled with their homemade sweet and sour tamarind sticky sauce; and Thai Churros (Pa Tong Go) (£5.00) served with condensed milk.

How I loved the Churros with condensed milk. It’s everything you want it to be. Doughnut batter, sugar sprinkles, sticky sweet condensed milk. Mmmmm. It will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience at Rosa’s Thai in Edinburgh. It would be perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or a great place to catch up with friends and family over yummy dishes of food that are ideal for sharing.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT ROSA’S THAI

• They cater for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free

• They are not easily accessible - there are a few steps up to the front door

• They are open 7 days a week, Sun- Thu 12:00-22:30 and Fri-Sat 12:00- 23:00

Rosa’s Thai, 43 Frederick St, Edinburgh, EH2 1EP www.rosasthai.com/

My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10

I was invited by Rosa’s Thai to review their menu.

Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own