London’s best Thai cuisine

From slurping up pad thai noodles amid the petrol fumes of passing motorbikes, to dissecting a colossus king prawn from its shell under the beachy shade of coconut trees: part of the magic of eating Thai food is the experience that comes with it.

It’s hard to replicate that among the skyscrapers and shopping centres of London. But for your best bet this side of the Andaman Sea, these are the seven spots not to miss.

Smoking Goat

Formerly a strip club, this Shoreditch joint still has something of a grungy look, with exposed brick walls, industrial lighting and vinyls playing in the background.

However, it also serves outstanding Thai food and creative cocktails (we like the Thai-style michelada).

Most of the food is cooked straight over a flame, creating that impossible-to-replicate smoky taste. There are some veggie options but the main spotlight is on unusual cuts of meat which have been barbequed to sticky perfection.