| Ambiance: |  (4 / 5) |
| Service: | (4 / 5) |
| Value for money: | (4 / 5) |
| Toilet: | (3.5 / 5) |
As I’m on something of a health kick at the moment, eating out hasn’t been so enjoyable so finding somewhere relatively healthy to eat has been something of a challenge. However, I thought as Sam was down in Salisbury I’d give myself a night off. We settled on Thai, as it’s his favourite and I figured it’s possibly the least unhealthy of the Asian world cuisine.
I was worried that it’d be completely empty and even said, “we can’t go in there if it’s dead”. Sam argued that it’d be better because we’d get served quickly but I’m all about the ambiance! But amazingly, I didn’t have to worry because for a Wednesday evening, it was packed with only two tables for 2 left. Also, there were Thai people eating, implying that it must be pretty good!
The Menu
We were presented with our menus, which were pretty extensive; ranging from set banquet meals, to starters, curries and all the meat dishes and sides. We ordered a Singha each and some chicken wrapped in pandan leaves to start with. Oh, and I also fancied trying out some deep fried beancurd, as it sounded interesting. After a bit of debate about what to order, we agreed to share the number ‘88’ (this stands out more than the actual name of the dish, which I’ve forgotten) which was slices of lamb marinated in soy sauce, ginger and other Thai spices, a steamed sea bass (with the bones removed) and a portion of sticky rice.
Gai Hor Bai Teoy
Tao Hoo & Taro Tod (Deep fried Beancurd)
Our first starter, the “gai hor bai teoy” (Sam can pronounce it better than me!) turned up within ten minutes and was presented beautifully. As I didn’t know fully what I was doing, I took a big bite out of the leafy chicken wrap and immediately regretted it. Sam had taken the more sensible option of unwrapping the chicken from the hard banana leaf and seemed to be enjoying it a lot more, and quicker than me, who was still munching through the leaf. On second attempt, I followed Sam’s approach, and enjoyed the soft, juicy piece of chicken. Our second starter (the beancurd) wasn’t quite so enjoyable. Although it looked yummy, it didn’t really taste of much and we only managed to get through them due to Sam’s issues with wasting food. I guess that’s what I get for taking a gamble – in this case, it didn’t pay off!
Pla Neung See-Iew (Steamed Whole Sea Bass)
Me with our Mains (sorry about the silly face!)
Our main course was served on a heater, both in beautiful porcelain plates. The sticky rice was served in an authentic wicker basket and we were each given warm plates (big points!) The fish was perfectly cooked and almost melted in the mouth, and the lamb was equally delicious. The only downside was the sticky rice, but I’m learning that this seems to be the case in the majority of Thai restaurants. Unless it’s served immediately, and steaming, it seems to congeal into something you could probably use as a weapon. Sam was on the verge of juggling his!
Overall, we had a great meal at Thai Orchid. The service was great and the atmosphere even better. We ended up being the last people in the restaurant but in no way felt pressured to leave, and I’d definitely go back. The only thing I’d change would be the music. It wasn’t Thai! The bill came and at £45.75 for 2 drinks, a starter and two mains and a side, I guess it was pretty reasonable.
Recommendation
If you fancy Thai, I’d definitely recommend Thai Orchid. It’s well priced and would be great for any occasion. However, I think it’d work best as a date.
