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Siam
CENTRAL is offering an innovative Thai Tapas menu - the first in
London, and a wider selection of classics served in more
sophisticated surroundings. The original chef Wandee returns to the
spot where Thai Metro was founded in 2000 before moving up the road
to bigger premises in 2003. Joining her in the kitchen are 'authentic
Thai' chefs from Thailand, and also local face George Poliakov
returning to manage the newly refurbished premises.
The first Thai
restaurant opened in London in 1967 and there are now over 1000 Thai
restaurants in the United Kingdom. Siam Central's owner is Egg, whose
mum Wanda plays a pivotal role in this family-run business having
funded the original Thai Metro. Long days for both of them start at
4.30am selecting fresh fish from Billingsgate, meat from Smithfield's
and vegetables from New Spitalfields markets of London. Fresh produce
makes its way straight to the specials board with delicacies of young
steamed coconuts and mangos in season.
Harmony is the
guiding principle behind each dish at Siam CENTRAL and with chef
Wandee's Buddhist background she shuns the use of large animals in
big chunks. Hence the menus offer lighter bites and Thai titbits
served together so that diners can enjoy complementary combinations
of different tastes. The ideal Thai meal is a harmonious blend of the
spicy, the subtle, the sweet-and-sour, and is meant to be equally
satisfying to eye, nose and palate.
The Thai Tapas
menu captures all these flavour combinations and allows the diner to
experience a wide range of Thai flavours on just a single ornate dish.
The major
ingredients of Thai curries are fresh herbs - not dried as in other
curries. Thai food is known for being light and healthy and Siam
CENTRAL has numerous steamed, vegetarian dishes and many options made
with fresh tofu. Then there are the 'super vegetables' such as Kanar
tenderstem, a succulent hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale which is
fat free, high in vitamins and contains coenzyme Q10, which is an
effective antioxidant and slows aging. Capsaicin, an active
ingredient in red chilli peppers helps in oxidising carbohydrates and
improves digestion by increasing digestive fluids in the stomach and
by fighting bacteria that could cause infection. Coriander lowers
blood sugar levels and 'bad' LDL cholesterol, and it too has
antibacterial properties. Coconut oil used in curries contains lauric
acid, and capric acid, which have recently been found to have
antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal - malaria and
amoeba-fighting properties. Other research has shown that including
coconut fat in your diet can help your body to control body fat
levels, protect against alcohol damage to the liver and boost your
immune system's anti-inflammatory response.
All that, and
reasonably priced, is good news for Siam CENTRAL's customers.
The restaurant
is open throughout the day and all-day tapas such as the
light-battered mussels made with Thailand's deep drawn,
carbon-filtered malt Singha beer, prawns in breadcrumbs, spicy fish
cakes, fillet of salmon and garlic jumbo prawns are £6.75 per
person or Siam Combo of spring rolls, prawn & chicken toast,
chicken wings, satay chicken and spicy fishcakes at £4.75. The
Express Lunch Menu (12pm - 5pm) offers one course for £5.50, two
courses for £7.50 and three courses for £9.50. Choose from
over 21 dishes. Main Courses such as delicious Stir Frys of Chilli
& Basil Mixed Seafood for £7.25 or the chef's own Lamb
Mussaman Curry are at £6.50. As well, of course, as classic Thai
Green Curry at £5.95 and Pad Thai at £5.50.
Thai food is
easily complemented by bottles of Singha Beer at £3.15 and Kirin
Ichiban Draught lager at £3.50 a pint and bottles of wine from
£10.75 - including our 'Summer hit' Ancora Pinot Grigio
Rosé with flavours of red berries and lush summer fruits at
£14.50.
Natural
elements have been harnessed in the décor to feature huge
clear windows, wind-catching bamboo light pendants and earthy tones
of green and red with golden bamboo cutlery. Thais have a strong
belief in Feng Shui Colours and each day is attributed a certain
colour. Green is the owner's lucky colour. Monsoon shutters in red
wood panelling offer protection and brown leather banquettes add to
the warmth. The terrace outside with heaters offers year round al
fresco dining.
Charlotte
Street is at the heart of London's fashionable Fitzrovia and Siam
CENTRAL sits affordably alongside its acclaimed neighbours Roka, Fino
and Michelin starred Pied a Terre. Originally an area of artists and
writers from John Constable to George Orwell it now has foodie and
media appeal.
During the
week we look forward to welcoming the office, media and creative
crowd, and for Saturday and Sunday we are tucked away quietly from
Oxford Street for shoppers and art gallery browsers and, as always,
our loyal neighbours and regulars.
Celebrity
diners from nearby Charlotte Street Hotel have included actors Robert
Carlyle and Kirsten Dunst.
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