Eat Here: Patara Fine Thai Restaurant, HampsteadBy Angelica Malin
Patara Hampstead is just what I’ve been waiting for. For me, there’s nothing more exciting than a new restaurant opening in my area. I’m such a proud North London girl, and when people exclaim that West is Best, it makes me very mad. Because, sure, up norf’ might not have the best restaurants in the world, but we have beautiful parks, over-priced coffee shops in Primrose Hill and probably the best creperie in the world. We have endless amounts of brunch spots in leafy suburbs, a hefty dose of Jewish-inspired delis and enough weekend-vibes to make your Monday feel like a Saturday. I love North London. Really, I do. So when I learnt that trendy Thai fine dining restaurant Patara had hit Hampstead High Street, I was the first through the door to feast on Pad Thai and mango sticky rice. I totally loved Patara and am so glad North London now has a Thai restaurant of quality to call its own. If you’re thinking of popping down, here’s what you need to know:
Patara Hampstead is the sixth Patara in London, and it’s a rather beautiful one. Split between two floors, the 110-cover restaurant is big enough for group dinners with friends, and yet still feels intimate and private – great for a date. The first Patara opened 25 years ago, starting a trend for new Thai restaurants in London, which balance classic flavours and food with a modern feel.
They’ve now got Patara restaurants in London, Switzerland, Austria, Singapore, China and Thailand, giving the group kudos for being able to create Thai food that people simply flock for. At Patara Hampstead, it’s all about well executed, contemporary Thai food, in a stylish setting, with an appreciation for presentation and detail (often lacking in Thai food, if we’re honest). There’s authenticity behind the restaurant; the chefs, all trained in Thailand, have a respect for quality ingredients and seamlessly blend eastern and western techniques for truly tasty dishes. You know what, you can really taste that.
The food. Oh boy, the food. It’s just, so, so good. The menu is large, with lighter options for lunch, Thai-style afternoon tea and dinner, as well as seasonally changing dishes, alongside Thai classics. We went for a mix of classic, and some more contemporary dishes, because no Thai meal is complete without a Pad Thai, right?
To start with, the tuna carpaccio is a real winner. The tuna is wafer-thin and totally delicious, sprinkled with fresh chilli, lemongrass, fresh mint, shallots and red onion – the dish is so fresh, the fish practically melts in the mouth, with just the right amount of heat from the chilli. Perfection.
Next up, a feast of Thai veggie and fish delights. The seabass steamed with lemongrass and chilli is light, fresh and healthy, with a tasty sauce that doesn’t overpower the fish – light, aromatic and full of flavour. The black cod is a triumph; rich, sweet, in a thick, deep sauce – it’s a dish of a very capable chef, and the fish is perfectly cooked.
The veggie dishes are great, too. The tofu and aubergine curry, in a traditional green Thai curry sauce, is a unbelievably moreish, with chunks of fresh vegetables and soft tofu. The curry is the perfect accompaniment to Patara’s signature coconut rice, cooked in sweet coconut water, with coconut shavings on top. Simply heaven.
The tofu and mushrooms skewers with satay sauce are simply divine – expertly cooked Thai mushrooms, served alongside sharp little pickled vegetables, for the perfect sweet, savoury mix.
And, of course, there’s Pad Thai. But not just any Pad Thai – the most beautifully balanced, fresh Pad Thai, served with little bowls of peanuts, chilli and sugar for customising your dish. If a fantastic bread basket is the test of a good Italian restaurant, a winning Pad Thai says all you need to know about a Thai restaurant. Patara totally nails it; all in all, the food is totally top.
Save room for dessert, it’s a highlight here. The mango sticky rice is simply amazing – Padan rice, with a lovely sticky texture, with perfectly ripe mango. A Thai dessert classic, done so, so well. The chocolate lava cake is also delicious; a soft, rich chocolate cake, with a melting middle, served warm with salted caramel ice cream. Simply divine.
There’s selection of Thai-inspired cocktails, including a great gin sour with coriander, Hendrick’s gin and cucumber. There’s also tradition Thai tea prepared on premises, serve over ice with splash of fresh milk, which is totally delicious. I went for a classic peach bellini, because Mondays. For something naughty, try the Bangkok Cappuccino – an updated version of classic dessert cocktail, with Thai rum and Amaretto almond liqueur combined, shaken with shot of espresso finished with milk foam. Glorious.
Patara ticks all the boxes. Incredible fresh food, a fun vibe, smashing cocktails and service with a smile. This is Thai cuisine done so, so well, and there’s a real focus on presentation, flavour and innovation – it’s food that truly wows you. Take my word for it, this is going to be the North London restaurant of 2016. Welcome to Hampstead, Patara, we’ve been waiting for you.
Patara is at 82 Hampstead High Street, London NW3 1RE, England
