A Culinary Journey through Southern Thai Flavours
Supawan’s culinary offerings are a symphony of flavours, meticulously crafted to tantalise taste buds. Each dish is a masterpiece, showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant essence of Thai cuisine.
Situated in a surprisingly quiet spot in Kings Cross, Supawan stands as a vibrant Thai restaurant dedicated to successfully encapsulating the essence of the Thai saying, ‘Eat Well, Live Well, Be Happy.’ The restaurant’s passionate journey to the heart of Thai cuisine presents its findings in the form of an expansive menu, particularly highlighting Southern Thai specialties.
Stepping into Supawan, we were greeted by a stunning and well-kept interior. The modern, colourful decor, complemented by a glass wall overlooking a neighbouring flower shop, added a unique touch to the ambiance. The restaurant caters to various preferences, offering ample space for larger groups and families, yet creating an intimate setting perfect for a romantic date night. This is complimented by the diverse selection of signature cocktails, each artfully crafted to infuse traditional Thai influences with a modern twist. It is a shame I had visited the restaurant so early in the day as I didn’t have an appetite for alcohol yet.
We explored the Southern Thai section and indulged in the slow-cooked pork belly and Dad’s beef curry. The aromatic blend of spices and soy sauce elevated the pork belly, creating a delightful symphony of flavours. The spicy Dad’s beef curry, although tasty, left us longing for an extra depth of flavour. At first, we were unsure if the portion size was reasonable, however the quantity proved to be more than meets the eye. Each main dish was £18.50 and rice was a separate £4, leading to quite a pricey bill once the service charge was added. I would say that the pork belly is good value for money but if I visited again, I would try something other than the curry.
As we concluded our meal, the allure of sticky rice and mango pudding lingered in our thoughts, prompting us to explore the dessert menu. While the mango pudding wasn’t available, we found ourselves spoiled for choice with an array of other enticing options. Eventually, we settled on indulging in the salted caramel and coconut ice cream, skilfully paired with a sweet almond brittle.
On our arrival, the waitstaff at Supawan provided us with a warm welcome, letting us choose a corner of our choice. Our waitress was also kindly offered us insightful recommendations upon hearing it was our first time at the establishment. Despite the extended 20-minute wait for the bill, it was a welcomed pause as we intended to linger and chat a bit longer, although it did make us question whether they had forgotten about our table.
After a quick search it was easy to find that the restaurant’s philosophy is deeply rooted in authenticity and quality, enabling an unparalleled dining experience where a mix of modern and traditional flavours come to life. Having personally savoured the flavours of Thailand during my travels, I can attest that owner and executive chef Wichet Khongphoon’s vision to recreate the dishes of his youth is not only masterfully fulfilled, but also surpasses the gastronomic experiences I encountered in Thailand.
Supawan is a gem for those seeking an authentic Thai dining experience. The restaurant’s dedication to Southern Thai cuisine is evident by the fact that a significant portion of their vegetables and herbs are directly imported from Thailand. This effort to uphold Thai culinary heritage is not only evident in the sourcing of ingredients, but also in the kitchen where Supawan sustains the time-honoured tradition of crafting curry pastes and sauces in-house. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal and were satisfied with the quality. The homemade coconut ice cream especially left a lasting impression, making it a compelling reason for a return visit.
