Reviews
highqualitythai
Natasha Blair finds hidden Thai treasures tucked behind Holborn station and Lincoln's Inn
Hidden away just behind holborn Station, Pu's brasserie is a little gem. The restaurant, contrary to what one would expect from its name, serves Thai food. The ground floor has recently been refurbished to give a modern up-to-date feel with huge glass windows at the front. there are several tables outside the restaurant which is on the pedestrian walkway through to lincoln's Inn Fields. There are over 70 dishes to choose from as well as variations on individual items such as the addition of chicken, pork, beef or seafood. If the choice is too daunting, there are also four set-menus starting at £18 per person. The food is typically Thai, although a selection of the chef's Speciaities allows for some originality on his part. We started with the Golden Treasures which is a dish for two sharing. it comprises a selection of five starters for £11: Chicken satay, which is served as they do in Thailand with a peanut sauce and minute pieces of diced pickled cucumber; Spring rolls; Prawn tempura; Koi krob, crispy fried wonton filled with minced chicken; and Prawn toast supreme, a mixture of minced prawns, coriander and pepper spread on wedges of French bread which is extremely popular with customers. All these are accompanied by plum dipping sauce. Vegetarian starters include Whole baby corn in rice pastry, fried until crispy; and vegetable tempura, deep-fried mixed vegetables in a light batter.
our main course included a crunchy noodle dish called Pad Thai, made with fried noodle with egg, crushed peanuts and bean sprouts which can be ordered with either chicken, pork or prawn; and thin slices of duck which are grilled and then fried, and served in a vegetable and tamarind sauce. With this came two of the chef's specialties, Black pepper lamb, pieced of meat sauteed with vegetables in a garlic and black pepper sauce; and, my personal favourite, grilled king prawns baked in a creamy curry sauce. Plain boiled rice makes a good base for many different flavors, although there is also a choice of four other dishes.
Desserts are presented on a fragrant wooden frame. According to Joy, the owner, the majority of customers make room for at lease one of their specialties, which are all priced a £4.25. these include ice-cream wrapped in thin filo pastry which i fried and served on large plates with chocolate sauce; and fried banana coated with cinnamon, and served with a Tia maria-based citrus sauce.
The restaurant is licensed and offers a limited selection of wines plus beer from Thailand. Little touches such as beautifully carved flowers made from raw vegetables are served with the food. The staff all wear Thai costume which gives the place an authentic feel. A take-away menu has prices similar to those in the restaurant. A first floor dining area has more authentic Thai decor, but is generally used only if the main restaurant becomes too busy.
Pu's brasserie, 10 Gate Street, WC2, 020-7404 2126, is open Mon-Sat noon-3pm, Mon 5pm-11pm, Tue-Sat 5.50-11.30pm. Nearest tube Holborn.