Singburi | All-Thrills, No-Frills BYOB Thai Spot
If you walk down Leytonstone’s never ending highroad, somewhere between the Lithuanian pub and the Turkish grocers, you’ll more than likely passively breeze past the little, faded yellow sign that reads “Thai Food”.
Don’t.
It’s above the South-East Asian jewel that is Singburi, which has cemented itself in the city’s Thai food scene over the past two decades. The small, pokey, bustling café looks like it hasn’t been refurbed since it opened in 1999, and wouldn’t look out of place on a busy street in Bangkok – but that’s part of the charm.
The food is served as it’s ready by a very small army of wait staff (or indeed, the chef himself) who are too busy to stop and chat, but will be happy to if you’re brave enough to interrupt and ask them a question. And ask them you should, because while the menu contains all of the standard Thai classics, fragrant curries, blow-your-head-off soups, and savoury starters, the best move is always to ask about the specials.
Depending on the day, Singburi serves everything from a fiery chopped rabbit larb with enough ginger to take down a small horse; fried quail and nuoc cham; clams with Thai basil, garlic & chilli; and always the people’s favourite – deep-fried pork belly pieces, which are ordered by just about every table in the joint.
Drinks are BYOB, it’s all cash only, and the prices are extremely reasonable.
Then you can keep going towards the Turkish grocers.
NOTE: Singburi is open now. They don’t have a website, but you can book over the phone, which is recommended: 020 8281 4801. Check out their Insta right HERE.
Singburi | 593 High Road Leytonstone, E11 4PA
You know where else does great Thai food? All of these other great Thai restaurants in London