The ultimate date night dining experience in the heart of London is at Nipa Thai, which offers a blend of authentic Thai cuisine and a romantic, intimate atmosphere. Located within Royal Lancaster London, a prestigious five-star hotel adjacent to Hyde Park, the restaurant exudes charm and elegance, making it an ideal spot for a date night.
The warm, traditional Teak décor, sourced directly from Thailand, complements the tranquil setting, while the carefully curated menu showcases the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine. Dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Kha offer a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, reflecting the essence of Thai cooking.
Chef Sanguan Parr & Her Female-Led Kitchen
Head Chef Sanguan Parr has been leading the all-female kitchen at Nipa Thai for over 25 years, bringing her deep passion for authentic Thai cuisine to one of London’s finest Thai restaurants. Although Nipa Thai is the only restaurant where she has worked, Sanguan’s culinary expertise is exceptional. Her journey began in her childhood, learning to cook from her mother and at school, as is tradition in Thailand. Her love for cooking grew as she hosted dinner parties, where she quickly realised her talent for teaching others how to recreate her dishes. This led her to pursue her career at Nipa Thai, where she rose through the ranks to become Head Chef.
Sanguan is celebrated for her ability to balance the distinctive flavours of Thai cuisine, with Pad Thai being one of her signature dishes. Historically served from market stalls in Thailand, her Pad Thai stays true to its roots while offering an elevated dining experience. However, Chef Sanguan Parr’s favourite dish to cook is Tom Kha, a chicken and coconut soup that harmoniously combines sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. Through her leadership, Sanguan has played an instrumental role in maintaining Nipa Thai’s reputation for authentic, high-quality Thai dining in the UK.
Signature Dishes & Menus
The menu at Nipa Thai is a tribute to traditional Thai flavours, with each dish carefully crafted to balance the essential elements of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Among the signature dishes is the renowned Pad Thai, a classic stir-fried noodle dish that comes with tamarind, peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime, along with the option of prawns or chicken. The balance of flavours is harmonised, making this a must-try.
Another favourite is the comforting Tom Kha, a coconut-based soup that combines the tang of lime and the warmth of galangal with chilli for a fragrant, creamy taste. For those seeking a bolder dish, the Pla Rad Prik is an impressive option – a whole crispy fish served with a vibrant, spicy-sweet chilli sauce that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of Thai herbs and spices. These dishes, along with others like Massaman Curry and Green Curry, showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Thai cooking and quality ingredients. Nothing says “romantic evening” like indulging in dishes that tantalise the palate.
The Six Course Set Menu
Nipa Thai offers a variety of menus celebrating authentic Thai cuisine, including an A La Carte Menu, a Saturday Lunch Menu, and a Six Course Set Menu for special occasions. With a tailored six-course set menu, each option provides a comprehensive dining experience that balances the five key Thai flavours. The six-course set menu offers a truly romantic dining experience with sharing dishes throughout. Carefully curated to ensure each dish complements the next, the menu takes us on a sensory journey of captivating aromas and vibrant flavours.
The serene, candlelit atmosphere enhances the sense of romance, making it a wonderful choice for a magical date night. Among the highlights, the ‘Yum Ma Muang Poo Nim’ – crispy soft-shell crab served with a spicy mango salad, toasted cashews, and coriander – is sure to impress. Indulge in the ‘Koong Ma Kram,’ featuring fried prawns with garlic, pepper, and tamarind sauce. For the main course, savour the fried sea bass with Thai aubergine, lemongrass, red chilli, lime, sweet basil, and peppercorns, or opt for the roasted duck with Thai aubergine, grapes, and cherry tomatoes in a spicy red coconut curry.
Refreshing Sips & Sweets at Nipa Thai
The drinks selection presents a carefully curated variety of beverages to complement its authentic Thai dishes. Thai-inspired cocktails like the Thai Basil Smash, blending fresh basil, lime, and gin, offer a refreshing contrast to the spicier fare. For a more traditional touch, the Singha Beer, Thailand’s iconic lager, is available and pairs well with many of the restaurant’s bold flavours. The wine list features a selection of quality wines, including options such as Chablis and Pinot Noir, ensuring a versatile choice for wine lovers. Look out for some special wines too throughout the year which are superb value.
Desserts at Nipa Thai are sweet offerings that highlight classic Thai flavours. The Mango Sticky Rice is a standout, combining sweet, ripe mango slices with the creamy texture of coconut sticky rice, creating a perfectly balanced treat. For a lighter option, the Coconut Ice Cream provides a cool, smooth end to the meal with its subtle coconut flavour. These desserts offer a true taste of Thailand, bringing a sweet and satisfying end to an exceptional dining experience.
Overall
Tucked away in the Royal Lancaster London, Nipa Thai is a true treasure that brings the vibrant, authentic flavours of Thailand to the heart of the city. With its traditional teak furnishings and an all-female kitchen led by the experienced Head Chef Sanguan Parr, the restaurant stands as a testament to the art of Thai cooking. Holding the esteemed Thai Select Award, it showcases a commitment to authenticity in both its menu and ambience. For couples looking for a memorable dining experience, Nipa Thai offers more than just food—it provides a chance to share a traditional Thai meal with gorgeous views of London too.
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All imagery courtesy of Nipa Thai.