Christoff.ai

Plaza Khao Gaeng

restaurants•
London
London

Plaza Khao Gaeng

103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on the mezzanine level of Arcade Food Hall, Plaza Khao Gaeng delivers what might be London's most authentic Southern Thai experience. This isn't your typical high street Thai - it's a no-frills counter operation serving fiery khao gaeng on plastic plates, complete with the chaos and intensity of a proper Bangkok street stall.

Plaza Khao Gaeng: Uncompromising Southern Thai Fire in a Former Cinema

Bib Gourmand brilliance meets Bangkok street stall chaos above Tottenham Court Road

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The converted cinema space immediately transports you from central London to the bustling streets of southern Thailand. Strip lighting illuminates rickety chairs and counter seating, while the constant clattering of woks and unmistakable aroma of fish sauce create an authentically chaotic environment. With an energy level hitting 8.5 out of 10, this place buzzes with the fast-paced intensity of genuine street food culture. The sophistication score of 4.5 reflects the deliberately rough-around-the-edges aesthetic - plastic plates and utilitarian fixtures are part of the charm, not a compromise. The buzzy atmosphere and transportive experience make you forget you're in a food hall next to Tottenham Court Road station. It's walk-in only with limited flexibility, so expect to be moved along when your time is up - this isn't a place for lingering over conversation.

Food & Drink

The menu reads like a love letter to Southern Thai cuisine, starring the fiery Gaeng Tai Pla alongside Gaeng Gati Gai, Gaeng Massaman, and Pad Prik Gaeng. The kitchen doesn't compromise on authenticity or spice levels - this is proper Southern Thai cooking that earned Bib Gourmand recognition for good reason. Beyond the signature curries over rice, you'll find Pad Krapow, Som Tum, Miang Phuket betel leaf wraps, and Klua Kling Muu dry pork. The Gaeng Som Talay sour seafood curry and morning glory stir-fry round out the regular offerings, while weekend crab specials provide something extra for those willing to splurge. Natural wines, Thai cocktails, and iced teas complement the intensely spiced dishes. The enthusiastic staff explain each item, which is essential given the uncompromising spice levels that define authentic Southern Thai cuisine.

Service & Experience

The counter-dining format keeps things moving at breakneck speed, with enthusiastic staff who genuinely understand the cuisine they're serving. Their willingness to explain each dish proves invaluable, especially for those unfamiliar with Southern Thai specialties. The service style matches the street food aesthetic - efficient, friendly, but not fussy. The walk-in only policy and time limits reflect the fast-paced nature of the operation. Staff clearly know their regulars and the rhythm of service, though the accessibility is limited with stairs-only access to the mezzanine level.

Value for Money

With Bib Gourmand recognition and an average spend of £30-£49, Plaza Khao Gaeng offers remarkable value for authentic Southern Thai cuisine in central London. The Deep South sharing menu at £35 per person represents excellent value for the quality and authenticity on offer. Weekend crab specials jump to £75 per person, positioning it as a weekend splurge option. The price level of 1 out of 4 confirms this as one of the more reasonable options for quality Thai food in central London, especially given the location next to Tottenham Court Road station.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Open daily from 12pm-10pm (Sundays until 8:30pm). Queue at 11:45am for lunch opening if you want the best selection - popular dishes sell out quickly.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the signature Gaeng Tai Pla or the Gaeng Gati Gai, though the latter sells out fast. The Deep South sharing menu at £35pp offers excellent variety. Weekend crab specials require advance planning and a bigger budget.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Gaeng Gati Gai sells out fast, so arrive early if it's a must-tryWeekend crab needs advance booking despite the walk-in only policy for regular serviceThe sharing menu format works well given the intense spice levels - you'll want variety to balance the heat

The Final Verdict

Plaza Khao Gaeng succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: deliver uncompromising Southern Thai authenticity in the heart of London. The Bib Gourmand recognition feels well-deserved, and the transportive experience genuinely makes you forget you're in a food hall. Yes, it's chaotic, cramped, and unforgiving on spice levels, but that's precisely the point. The value proposition is excellent for central London, and the staff's enthusiasm for the cuisine shines through. Just don't expect comfort or convenience - this is street food culture transplanted wholesale, plastic plates and all.

Christoff's Rating:
8.1/10

Perfect For:

Authentic Thai cuisine seekersSpice enthusiasts who can handle serious heatFood adventurers wanting genuine street food experience

Quick Details

1

Plaza Khao Gaeng

🇹🇭 Southern thai
⭐️ Authentic spicy
⭐️ No frills
⭐️ Bib gourmand

No compromises, no apologies - this is Southern Thai khao gaeng culture transplanted wholesale to London's Arcade Food Hall. The converted cinema space mimics Bangkok street stalls with strip lighting and rickety chairs, while enthusiastic staff explain each fiery dish served on plastic plates. Gaeng Tai Pla and other Southern Thai specialties deliver authentic heat levels that will challenge even experienced spice lovers. The fast-paced, no-frills approach means you're moved along when time's up, but that's part of the authentic street food experience. Weekend crab specials and the Deep South sharing menu showcase the kitchen's serious commitment to regional authenticity.

What's Great

✓ Bib Gourmand recognition with authentic Southern Thai flavors

✓ Enthusiastic staff explaining each fiery dish with genuine passion

Keep in Mind

× Not wheelchair accessible with stairs-only mezzanine access

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue at 11:45am for lunch opening - the Gaeng Gati Gai sells out fast and weekend crab needs advance booking

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Daily: 12pm-10pm (Sun: 12pm-8:30pm)"
📍103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB, United Kingdom
💷££
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Plaza Khao Gaeng has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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