Monkey and Me Thai Marylebone
Neighbourhood restaurants are such treasures. All those little family run places that operate under the radar that continually feeds the local crowds are the true hidden gems in London.
One such is Monkey and Me on Crawford Street in Marylebone. A family run Thai restaurant that has been around since 2007. Obviously a local favourite judging by the crowd on a mid week night. Their longevity is a testament to their delicious Thai food. They are also recipients of “Thai SELECT”, a certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce, the Royal Thai Government to guarantee the authentic Thai taste of Thai food products.
How to order in Thai restaurants
Thai food is best eaten family style. Rather than the starter, main and dessert, order a variety of dishes for sharing. They will arrive at once, just place them in the middle for sharing.
Thai food family style is usually served with steamed Jasmine rice or sticky rice, eaten off a plate with a spoon and fork.
From the Bangkok inspired menu, we ordered the duck with tamarind sauce, grilled calamari, fish cakes, papaya salad and of course a pad thai.
The duck was an absolute stand-out dish with the zingy flavours of the tamarind sauce enhancing the rich duck meat. The som tum papaya salad was not dumbed down in terms of flavour and was significantly less spicy than the ones that I had in Thailand.
Pad Thai was delicious with enough of a sour tang from tamarind and not overly sweet as some versions can be. I like to ask for nam prik pla (birds eye chilli in fish sauce and a hint of lime) on the side to go with this. Thai fish cakes was recommended by our server and one not to miss, especially if you’ve never had this before. It is not soggy like the western ones but chewy and spicy.
For pudding, who can resist the lure of banana fritters. Crispy breadcrumb coated bananas, served hot with ice cream is a dream combination. If that is not your thing, the coconut ice cream in a coconut shell is a light option to end a delightful meal.
What we ordered
Prawn crackers
Pad Thai
Green papaya salad Som Tum
Thai fish cakes
Grilled calamari
Deep fried duck with tamarind sauce (Ped Makham)
Honey banana fritters
Coconut ice cream in a coconut shell
If you are looking for good Thai food in London, head to Monkey and Me. With moderate pricing and great Thai flavours, I expect this place will keep serving the Marylebone locals for years. They also offer a great lunch deal at £14.95 for 2 courses. You won’t be disappointed.
Monkey and Me
114-115 Crawford St,
London W1H 2JQ
Tel: 020 7486 0400
EatCookExplore was a guest of Monkey and Me and the Thai Embassy
