Dream Team Dining: Thai Square

Birthday dining at Thai Square, St. Albans.

Turned twenty two yesterday, so for my birthday lunch of sorts I ventured out to Thai Square in St. Albans, easily one of my favourite Thai restaurants to frequent. Thai Square is one of multiple branches in the chain franchise, but the food is absolutely amazing, second to none in my experience so far. Pricing is a little steep, but the portions are plentiful and it is worth the extra splurge.

Decor-wise, the St. Albans branch is homey yet luxurious. It's situated just a little outside from the heart of the city centre, with a cutesy white painted front, but things get a bit more dark and mysterious when inside. All in all, a nice place to be for a couple of hours.

What (Jonny, Louise and) I Ordered:
- Tod mun pla (Golden fishcakes with cucumber and crushed peanut salsa)
- Toongtong (Minced prawns and chicken in pastry skins with chilli sauce)
- Gae phad phed grati sod (Lamb with Thai herbs, lime leaves, wild ginger and peppercorns in coconut milk)
- Moo pah phad phed (Wild boar with red curry paste, fresh peppercorns, wild ginger and coconut milk)
- Gang phetped yang (Roasted duck curry)
- Coconut rice

We started with two, er, starters to share between the three of us. Both were perfectly flavoured, but I'd especially recommend the Tod mun pla. That cucumber, sweet chilli and crushed peanut salsa was to die for!

I opted for the Gae phad phed grati sod after dithering for absolutely ages - and it was so worth it. A mix of lamb slices that were tender but not too soft in texture, the dish also had sweet peppers and aubergine thrown in there for a mixture of flavours. Paired with coconut rice, my tastebuds had never been happier. My brother opted for the Moo pah phad phed which he said was 'nice but a bit salty', and I'd completely agree after stealing a piece. If you're a pork fan, then this might be your kinda thing!

Finally, my sister went for the Gang phetped yang, a speciality curry dish with duck slices, lychee, tomatoes, pineapples and sweet peppers. Her slap-dash review mentions that it wouldn't be the same without the fruit. It suited our choice of coconut rice perfectly! (They offer a selection of steamed, Jasmine or coconut rice sides.) Overall, a recommended selection of dishes and an enjoyable birthday meal. ♥