Christoff.ai

Smoking Goat

restaurants•
London
London

Smoking Goat

64 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into Shoreditch High Street, Smoking Goat has carved out a reputation for bringing authentic Bangkok late-night street food culture to East London. With their no-reservations policy and those legendary £7 chilli fish sauce wings that broke the internet, this Thai BBQ spot embodies everything trendy and frustrating about modern London dining.

Smoking Goat: Where Bangkok Street Food Meets Shoreditch Swagger

Those viral wings are real, but the queues are too

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you're immediately hit with that smoky aroma that gives this place its name - it's like being transported to a Bangkok late-night canteen, but with Shoreditch's unmistakable trendy edge. The space strikes that perfect balance between vibrant energy and casual comfort, with an authenticity that feels genuine rather than manufactured. The open kitchen adds theatre to the experience, especially if you manage to snag one of the counter seats where you can watch the Thai BBQ magic happen. With energy levels hitting 7.8 out of 10, it's lively without being overwhelming, though the 6.5 social group score suggests it can get properly buzzy during peak times. The sophistication level sits comfortably at 4.5 - this isn't fine dining pretension, it's honest, laid-back casual dining with serious street food credentials. The smoky atmosphere isn't just aesthetic; it's fundamental to the experience, creating that authentic Bangkok drinking den vibe they're clearly aiming for.

Food & Drink

The food here is all about sharing plates that showcase proper Thai BBQ techniques, and those viral chilli fish sauce wings at £7 genuinely live up to the hype - crispy perfection that justifies their internet fame. The barbecue goat shoulder massaman curry represents the kitchen's serious approach to authentic flavours, while the £1.60 Barbecue Tamworth skewers offer excellent value for money. Northern Thai sausage and various curries round out a menu that's clearly inspired by genuine Bangkok street food culture rather than watered-down Western interpretations. The focus on smoked and grilled meats and seafood means everything carries that distinctive smoky character that permeates the restaurant. What sets this place apart is the commitment to authentic preparation methods - this isn't fusion food, it's the real deal transported from Bangkok's late-night food scene. The sharing plate concept works brilliantly here, encouraging the communal dining experience that's central to Thai food culture.

Service & Experience

The walk-ins only policy is both Smoking Goat's greatest strength and biggest weakness. On one hand, it maintains that spontaneous, authentic street food vibe where you can satisfy late-night Thai BBQ cravings whenever they strike. The staff embrace this casual approach, creating a relaxed, unpretentious service style that matches the venue's laid-back atmosphere. However, the no-reservations policy means weekend queues can easily stretch beyond 45 minutes, which tests even the most patient diners. The flexibility score of 8.5 reflects how accommodating they are once you're inside, but getting inside can be the challenge. Operating 12pm 'til late every day shows their commitment to accessibility, and the late-night focus means they're there when you need them most.

Value for Money

With a price level of 2 out of 4, Smoking Goat sits firmly in that sweet spot of moderate pricing with good value. Those £7 viral wings might seem steep until you taste them, and the £1.60 skewers are genuinely excellent value for the quality you're getting. The sharing plate pricing structure means you can control your spend while sampling across the menu - perfect for the casual dining rates they're targeting. The natural wines, craft beers, and cocktails add to the bill, but the overall value proposition feels fair for the quality and authenticity on offer. You're paying for genuine Bangkok-style preparation and premium ingredients, not just the Shoreditch postcode.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit the 5pm opening on weekdays to skip those notorious queues and snag the prime counter seats for kitchen action viewing. Weekend evenings can mean 45+ minute waits, so either arrive early or embrace the wait as part of the experience. Sunday service runs 12pm-9pm, offering a more relaxed timeline.

What to Focus On

Those £7 chilli fish sauce wings are mandatory - they're genuinely worth the viral status. The barbecue goat shoulder massaman curry showcases the kitchen's serious skills, while the £1.60 Barbecue Tamworth skewers offer excellent value. Don't miss the Northern Thai sausage for authentic flavours.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The walk-ins only policy means no reservations ever - plan accordingly and have a backup if queues are too longCounter seats offer the best view of the Thai BBQ action and create a more intimate experienceThe late-night opening 'til late makes this perfect for post-pub Thai food cravings

The Final Verdict

Smoking Goat delivers on its promise of authentic Bangkok street food culture in the heart of Shoreditch. Those viral wings genuinely deserve their reputation, and the overall food quality justifies the hype. The smoky, vibrant atmosphere feels authentic rather than contrived, and the sharing plate concept works brilliantly. However, the no-reservations policy can be genuinely frustrating, especially on weekends. If you can navigate the queues and embrace the casual, spontaneous nature of the place, you'll find some of the most authentic Thai BBQ in London. It's trendy without being pretentious, and the late-night opening hours serve a real need in the area.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Thai food enthusiasts seeking authentic Bangkok flavoursLate-night diners looking for quality food after hoursGroups wanting to share plates in a vibrant, casual setting

Quick Details

1

Smoking Goat

🇹🇭 Thai bbq
⭐️ Walk ins only
🌙 Late night eats
⭐️ Viral wings
⭐️ Bangkok vibes

The viral chilli fish sauce wings at £7 actually deserve their TikTok fame - crispy, sticky, and addictive enough to order twice. This Bangkok-inspired late-night canteen operates on pure chaos energy with its walk-in-only policy that rewards spontaneity over planning. Barbecue goat shoulder massaman curry and Tamworth skewers at £1.60 each showcase serious Thai BBQ technique in a casual setting that feels like stumbling into a Bangkok drinking den. The smoky aromas fill the space while natural wines and craft beers complement the fire-kissed flavors. Service moves fast once you're seated, but getting that seat requires patience during peak hours. The 12pm-late daily schedule means you can satisfy Thai BBQ cravings whenever they strike, though weekend queues test your commitment. The vibrant atmosphere builds throughout the evening as the space fills with smoke, chatter, and the sizzle of the grill.

What's Great

✓ £7 viral chilli fish sauce wings live up to the social media hype

✓ Walk-in only policy rewards spontaneous dining decisions

Keep in Mind

× No reservations means weekend queues can stretch 45+ minutes easily

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the 5pm opening on weekdays to skip queues and snag counter seats for kitchen action

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Thu: 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-10:30pm, Sun: 12pm-9pm"
📍64 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 3487 0174
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

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

Shoreditch Restaurant Secrets: Where Locals Actually Eat 2025 reference image

Shoreditch Restaurant Secrets: Where Locals Actually Eat 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
← More restaurants in London← Explore all of London