Rosa’s Thai Cafe opens its doors in the heart of Ealing

Like many London food stories, Rosa’s Thai Cafe starts with humble beginnings on a street stall in Brick Lane’s Sunday market. Fast-forward ten years and the founding duo, Chef Saiphin Moore and her husband Alex, now boast an impressive 13 sites around the capital – the latest on Haven Green, moments away from an ever bustling Ealing Broadway station. We headed there on a sweltering Thursday evening, ready for some punchy flavoursome food and a very cold drink! Offering up a selection of modern Thai food, made with seasonally local ingredients, Rosa’s has a welcoming and laid-back vibe; tables pouring out onto the street and hungry passers-by taking more than a little interest as the restaurant filled up within minutes of our arrival.

Naturally, we began with prawn crackers (£2.75) and a few more starters to share, including the moreish Grilled Aubergine Salad (£8.95), which was a firm favourite, and the Grilled Sausage Northern Style (£7.50). The latter, a traditional homemade sausage, is infused with all of those signature Thai flavours you’d hope for – lemongrass, ginger, garlic and a decent hit of spice. The consistency is drier than your average British banger and has a deep, cured flavour for intensity. To keep things fresh and cooling, we went for the zingy and light papaya salad (£9.50) (an all-time favourite of mine). Starters done and bellies a little more full than planned at this stage, it was on to the mains.

For mains it had to be a classic green Thai chicken curry (£9.25) with steamed jasmine rice (£2.75). Fragrant, rich and just on the right side of creamy, the main did not disappoint. I managed to sneak a taste of the red Panang beef curry (£10.50) from across the table, too, and while I don’t usually choose beef in Thai curry, (I never find it tender enough) the flavours hit all the right notes and the meat was good too. This was all washed down with a refreshing iced tea (£3) – much-needed in the heat – while my guest enjoyed a chilled Chang beer (£4).

Aside from the fact that the spice levels combined with a 30+ degree London made it a little difficult to fully appreciate my food, the lovely staff were able to box it up for me to enjoy at home – that I did.

In a nutshell, Rosa’s is the place to go for a taste of authentic Thai food at a reasonable price. The staff are on hand and ready to help if you need to know your Som Tam from your Tom Sum, and you can expect a relaxed atmosphere while you enjoy your food.

Offering all day dining, Rosa’s Thai Cafe in Ealing is open from 12pm to 10.30pm (Monday to Thursday) and 12pm to 11pm (Friday and Saturday). Monday to Sunday; Rosa’s Thai Cafe; 33 Haven Green, Ealing Broadway, London W5 2NX; www.rosasthaicafe.com

Food & Drink News