Siam Cafe

Sadly I have to update that Siam Café is not what it used to be. In fact, it has become quite the disappointment.
As with many businesses Friday is inevitably a busy night and this evening was no exception. However, this is when top notch customer service is crucial and unfortunately our party did not receive a good service at all. Having frequented this establishment for quite some time (some of the party for a number of years) it’s safe to say that we really were not valued customers. We had to wait over an hour for the starters, which did not come together and then a further half an hour or so for mains while other customers (who arrived after us) were able to tuck into their food before us!
On top of this, when mains eventually started to arrive, my partner was then told that his dish was not available and that he would have to choose something else from the menu. When he politely requested that this dish be complimentary, he was met with a somewhat icy response.
The overall food quality was not their best, the crab rice (which has always been a winner for me) was soggy and we were left feeling rather disappointed. When we asked if we could speak to the manager the sole waitress told us he was «busy» and then proceeded to become increasing irritable and rude when we calmly explained our dissatisfaction. She seemed to think our complaints were personal — they really weren’t, but turning around and saying you don’t care if we don’t return because you have plenty of customers is a sure fire way of guaranteeing fewer turn up on your door! Word of mouth is a wonderful thing!
Oh, and to add insult to injury, she didn’t return our change from a £90 bill!

Totally agree with above reviews, Siam might have plain décor but the food is so fresh and tasty. Been living nearby for over 10 years and will continue to eat there regularly. Love introducing new friends to the place.

The Siam Café– doesn’t look much but its one of the best value restaurants in East London. For about £15 a head you can get 2 or 3 courses. The food’s delicious and the menu’s varied, with a wide range of dishes. Personally I love the chicken with garlic and the coconut rice– although I have heard very good things about the green curry, the snow-​flake prawns, the chow mein– actually, about virtually every dish served. Definatly get the prawn crackers to share– they have a hint of chilli and are not at all greasy. Beautiful.
The retaurant itself is located very close to Forest Gate station, which is convenient. Most people who come are locals– expect liberal, lower-​middle class professionals. Bring your own drinks– there are plenty of cheap off licenses nearby. And expect excellent service– the couple who run it are warm and friendly, and treat regulars like family.

I agree totally with above review, it is a little bit pricy but most restaurants in the East End compete on cost rather than quality. Siam Café is a find and it knocks the socks off any Indian or Chinese restaurants near by (or much further a field)!
Also, it is a BYOB (no corkage charge and there is a decent-​ish off licence across the road) so that brings the price down.
3 minutes walk from Forest Gate Station and Wanstead Park station.

Dont be fooled by the photograph — if you love Thai food, this is the place to go.
Incidentally, it appeared in the Evening Standard restaurant guide a few years ago (I kid you not).
Its small, unasuming, authentically retro and warm and welcoming. I was invited there for a ‘leaving-​do’ 4 years ago and have been going back about once a month since.
Its always pretty full and if there’s a party booked you can end up waiting a while for a seat, so always book.
Its run by a husband and wife team who prepare the food themselves as you would expect from the best home-​cooking in old Siam. The couple originate from middle Thailand, which means they do NOT use any Jasmine flavourings as they do in the North, and they are not as spicy-​hot as Southern Thai cuisine. They are: fom de midowl!!!
From the vegetarian perspective, we recommend the delicious fresh spring rolls, as honestly the best we have ever tasted. Their clear mushroom soup is just divine, etc etc. Fresh, nicely done great tasting Thai foodwhat more can I say, my mouth is watering
We have’t found another Thai restaurant as good as this — anywhere in the UK!