Nipa Thai, the award-winning restaurant situated on the first floor of mid-century icon Lancaster London has just completed its redesign. Offering unrivalled views across Hyde Park, the restaurant is renowned as one of London’s best Thai establishments. Using authentic Thai recipes created by the all-female Thai kitchen brigade, the restaurant offers a classic and sophisticated experience.
Following its redecoration, the restaurant officially opened on 10 November 2014. The beautiful interiors have been designed in a luxurious yet traditional Thai fashion, with stunning contemporary touches. Majestic double glass doors lead into the reception, where a large vase of white orchids permeates the area, and artworks depicting Thai Buddha’s adorn the walls. The fusion of modern design with traditional Thai motifs is evident with shimmering gold wallpaper, rich silk fabrics by Jim Thompson, lantern-style lighting and carved teak-wood lotus flowers embellishments on the ceiling and walls. Textured cream silk chairs are gathered elegantly around black granite tables to give intimacy, while a raised dining platform with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park.
The restaurant’s all-female kitchen brigade is headed up by new Head Chef Sanguan Parr. Born in Thailand, Sanguan moved to the UK in 1984 and has been working in Nipa for 16 years since starting out as an Administrative Chef, and later working as Sous Chef for the past 6 years.
The 55-cover restaurant is famed for outstanding traditional cuisine that combines hot spices with mild and sweet flavours, offering a selection of dishes from Thailand’s central region. Each of the dishes is prepared by the dedicated team according to traditional recipes. New Chef’s Specials include indulgent dishes such as Koong Mangkorn Phad Char (Fried Canadian lobster with sweet basil, lemongrass, chilli and green peppercorn); Pla Tod Kra Tiem Prig Tai (Pan-fried seabass with pepper, coriander and crisp-fried garlic); Nor Mia Fa Rang Phad Hoy Shell (Stir-fried fresh scallops with asparagus).
Nipa Thai has received the prestigious “Thai Select” award from the Thai Government for its authentic cuisine. This accolade is presented to Thai restaurants proven to have achieved the highest standards of quality. The extensive à la carte menu at Nipa includes starters such as Por Pia Tod (Crisp spring rolls containing glass noodles, cabbage and crab meat with a sweet plum sauce). Main course dishes include specialities such as Pla Nueng Ma Nao (Steamed seabass in a garlic, lemongrass, lime leaf and chilli broth). There is also a wide selection of Thai salads, pan-fried dishes and red or green Thai curries. Guests can enjoy delicately flavoured Thai desserts, such as Kaow Niew Ma Moung (Mango sticky rice with coconut cream).
The efficient service is overseen by Nipa Thai’s Restaurant Manager, Kaseam Jongpitakrat, who has been with the restaurant since its launch 18 years ago. An à la carte dinner would cost approximately £40 for three courses with wine. Nipa Thai is open for dinner from 5pm until 10.30pm, 7 days a week.
Nipa Thai, 1st Floor, Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
Reservations on 020 7551 6039 or visit www.niparestaurant.co.uk