SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT
SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT
I recently moved from Stanstead Abbotts, a beautiful little village in the valley of the river Lea. At the end of the high street is this quaint little Thai restaurant that I used to walk by and always said to myself "Before I leave this village, I will book a table and have a meal" So said so done.
On the afternoon of my move, I asked if they had a table available (on the spot) which they did not hesitate to give me.
The restaurant has 2 sections, the front is the largest. I was given a table at the back, as I'm assuming the other tables were reserved.
The menu is vast, bright and colourful, with a touch of personal personality and the price points were within my budget, plus I was giving myself a treat.
I ordered 4 dishes:
1. Pad Thai chicken & Ginger dish, which I thought came with noodles, but didn't
2. Crispy sweet and sour beef
3. Thai Green curry
4. Coconut rice
This was accompanied by a medium size glass of Lemonade with a slice of Lemon for garnish.
The Presentation was nicely served on white plates which made the colours of the food stand out.
I had two waitresses, MiMi looked after me the most and frequently asked if all was well as I ate. I was quite hungry, so she said no rush.
The decore in the back of the restaurant was embellished with potted plants, hanging from the ceiling with, faux red leather benched seating and white washed brick walls.
Where I sat (at the back) felt slightly cut off from the main hub of the restaurant, which did affect my overall experience, albeit I was grateful to be given a table, at such short notice, so I reframed that circumstance.
I could hear chatter in the busy kitchen, as takeaway orders, were going out, as well as seated reservations.
BACK TO THE FOOD:
All dishes were served hot and well presented. My Thai curry was in a bowl, that almost tipped over, not sure if that was my haste or the design of the bowl. This tasted exquisite. The flavours bounced around my palate and the chicken was so succulent and morrish with a touch of heat!
As I stated earlier, from the illustration on the menu I ordered Pad Thai, which I assumed was a noodle dish, yet when it arrived it was just chicken and ginger in a sauce. There must have been a miscommunication when I was making my order...Never mind, I had enough in front of me and wondered if "my eyes were too big for my belly"!
The crispy beef was OK, a little chewy! and the coconut rice was a delight.
All in all, I was full and the meal satisfied my hunger. In reflection, if I was to order all over again, I would have ordered x2 THAI GREEN CURRY and I would have been happy,
The bill was brought to my table promptly, after I asked for it in a nice golden ornate-looking bowl, accompanied by two pearl mints (nice touch)
Now for the hard part.." The Bill"
I was pleasantly surprised to pay £38.35, that afternoon, excluding a service charge (not sure if that was because I was eating alone or what)
If I were to give my whole experience of dining at Khunnai Thai Cuisine a mark out of Ten, I would grade it 7/10.
Room for improvement: The decore in the back part of the restaurant, maybe some soft Thai music, Change the colour of the deep red Faux leather seating to something more tropical looking, Maybe an extension for outside dining, at the back (during summer) and a little less NaCl.
Comments are given all in goodwill.
Thank you for a tasty meal.
I would eat at Kuhnnai Thai Cuisine and bring my friends or family along...Next time I will book a table for the front of the restaurant, which appeared to be a more open-plan layout with a buzzing atmosphere.