Benja Bangkok Table is a small authentic Thai restaurant just off the back of Carnaby Street on Beak Street; the restaurant offers a fair range of starters, main meals, exotic desserts and cocktails. Last week we dropped by to review the place and loved it, best Thai food I have had in a very long while. Read the review after the break.
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Decor & Location
Benja is located just behind Carnaby Street on Beak Street; the location is a slight disadvantage just because it’s based directly opposite a pizza joint in the middle of Soho! However with its bold décor it’s not easy to miss. The décor is very traditional but with a modern twist and it’s nicely decked with alluring furniture. I particularly liked the green, red and dark brown colour scheme of Benja, it’s quite zesty. The atmosphere is very intimate too as the lighting is quite dim and the music contributes to a ‘chillaxed’ experience. The restaurant has a lower level as well as an upper level where they have a bar and a very classy booth boasting opportunities for bookings for occasions like birthdays etc..
Benja Bangkok Table
17 Beak Street,
London
W1F 9RW
Tel: 0207 287 0555
Email: info@benja-bangkoktable.com
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Drinks
Before we even thought about food we went straight to the drinks menu! Benja offer a range of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic from champagne to wines & dessert wines right down to Mojito. Obviously we went for a couple of Mojito which were made really well and unlike most places it wasn’t just crushed ice, it was strong (which is the best way of course) but you could taste all of the ingredients- definitely on par with the Mojito’s from Cinnamon Kitchen.
Starters
For starters we got the Chicken Satay and the Grilled Squid. The Chicken Satay which cost £6 for 6 or £10 for 10 came with unlimited supply of a creamy peanut sauce which was simply delicious. The chicken was quite tender and seasoned much to my delight and you know I cannot take meat without seasoning! That starter definitely did me good, only regret was ordered 6 pieces instead of 10 :(
The missus ordered the Grilled Squid which cost £5. With squid I prefer it fried but grilled opened new realms for me, I thought it was great. It came doused in soya and with two different sauces. They say ‘don’t forget to squeeze the lemon’ and it’s good advice because it tastes twice as good with lemon juice, try it!
The Mains
For the mains we ordered the Thai Chicken Green Curry at £9.25 and the Grilled Jumbo Prawns also at £9.25. When I say this was the best Chicken Green Curry I have ever had I am really not exaggerating. The curry came topped with medium sized pieces of chicken and green & red peppers. It was so rich, and the chicken was very tender- there was a lot of spices and flavour coming from this one dish, I was too happy. It’s almost a sin to eat curry without rice, I got coconut rice which might have been slightly extra on my part as this dish goes very well sticky rice! However the coconut complimented the curry.
We’re both very enthusiastic when it comes to prawns so this was a win win situation, When they said Jumbo prawns.. they were not playing. I love the kind of prawns that are cooked in their shells and require peeling, they taste so fresh. Takes me back to the first time I tried them and ate the shells #embarrassing. The prawns came equipped with mint, lemongrass and shallot & chilli sauce; a fine combination! This may not fill you up so it’s advisable to order a side of rice.
Dessert
Ok at this point we had sated our appetites but we had to solider on for the final hurdle, dessert. If you flick through the menu, you’ll come to the er ‘Sweet Ending’…..where you’ll find a mouth watering selection of desserts! We ordered the Apple Fritters reasonably priced at £4.95. You’ll be served with 4 heavenly pieces of Apple Fritters coupled with honey and a generous helping of Pistachio ice cream and then topped with whipped cream.. yep, way off the calorie chart but well worth it!
Verdict
So on the whole I was really happy with Benja the food was amazing and I have to say the services was great, the staff were very pleasant and the atmosphere was quite relaxed. Our waitress even taught us some Thai which I still remember even after two strong mojitos #lightweight. If you happen to be in Soho and fancy eating some good quality Thai food, then I say head to Benja! You will not be disappointed.
About Yang
There are so many young people in London without the right guidance in life and don’t know where to turn. My dream is to set up my own company lending support, guidance and advice to young people so I can share everything I have learnt and will learn in the future with people who need it. Anyone sharing a similar vision get at me, we need to talk. Follow me on twitter