Review: We tried the new Rosa’s Thai menu and found it ‘authentically’ good

I must admit a good Thai curry is a strong contender for my favourite comfort food. While I like to think of myself as someone who eats widely across a menu, unable to limit myself to one dish, the truth is that I have my old reliables. In my eyes, you cannot go wrong with the sweet yet also savoury taste of a Pad Thai but then again, I love the spicy kick of a Thai Red Curry too.

When we were invited to try the new Spring menu at Rosa’s Thai, I thought, this would be a chance to sample something new that I could add to my ‘reliables’ list. After all, no matter how bad a day you are having, Thai spring rolls cheer me up every time.

I also dragged my partner into the deal to be able to order and sample more dishes. We chose to head to Rosa’s on a Friday to take advantage of its close proximately to the theatres as we had a play to get to. The new options were clearly marked on the menus and included options such as Popcorn Shrimp which consisted of crispy shrimp coated in breadcrumbs served with a Sriracha mayo dipping sauce and Thai calamari. Think deep-fried squid in a tempura batter served with homemade sweet chilli sauce.

I ordered off the set menu which at £19.50 per person wasn’t bad for a starter, main and a drink. I started with the fresh summer rolls as I love a good spring roll. I’m also terrible at using those rice wraps which I learned the hard way so I’d rather leave it to the professionals to make for me. Soft rice paper stuffed with carrots and veg was given a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce with herbs. The accompanying chilli sauce and crushed peanuts are not for the faint of heart as it's quite hot but the rolls on their own are delicious enough without.

My partner opted for the new dish, Khao mun gai tod which featured soft and succulent chicken coated with breadcrumbs served on fluffy rice. A fragrant soybean, ginger and herb sauce is drizzled over the top accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce. The filling dish got a thumbs up from the judge who finished every bit of it on the plate.

I was torn between what to order and it was a close call as I nearly opted for the deliciously described Khao pad puwhich is Fried rice (or khao pad) a simple, wonderful Thai staple. Jasmine rice, stir-fried with eggs, onions, and spring onions with a mix of white and brown crab meat.

In the end, I went classic with a red curry which I reasoned was technically trying something new as I was giving the set menu a spin. The reality of it is, I know the red curry at Rosa’s is extremely good and I’m a creature of habit. It was exactly what I needed - a bit of heat without it being overpowering or intense. That said, I was glad, in more than one way, to have a large glass of wine on the go.

The new menu and set evening menus are full of authentic yet original dishes served with Rosa’s Thai twist. A lot of the ingredients used by the chain are sourced in Thailand which adds to the experience. Staff were friendly and have begun to recognise me because I’m in more often than I admit to. I eat out far too often as this happens in two other restaurants in the city centre and I’m oddly proud of it.

The whole meal: two wines, two main courses and one starter came to around £45. I will definitely be back especially for the evening set menu as it was worth it for what was included.