Nipa Thai

The story

Nipa Thai London: Traditional Thai Cuisine Inside Royal Lancaster

Provenance and Kitchen Leadership

Nipa Thai operates inside the Royal Lancaster hotel on Lancaster Terrace in London, serving traditional Thai cuisine that mirrors Bangkok street stalls. Guests enter a space defined by handcrafted teak furnishings imported directly from Thailand. The kitchen maintains an all-female, all-Thai lineup guided by Head Chef Sanguan Parr and manager Kaseam Jongpitakrat, both veterans who have shaped the menu for over twenty-five years. Their steady craft secured a second AA Rosette for culinary excellence this year.

Traditional Techniques and Balance

Sanguan Parr learned to cook watching her mother and later taught neighbours how to recreate her family recipes. She eventually joined Nipa Thai, working her way up from the line to lead the kitchen entirely on her own terms. Her approach relies on the classic Thai balance of sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and salty rather than heavy sauces or modern shortcuts. Every plate arrives prepared with measured heat and clear ingredient layers that let the natural profiles shine.

Signature Plates and Setting

The menu highlights Sanguan’s signature Pad Thai, which she still serves folded into a cone-shaped banana leaf much like vendors do in Thailand. Guests seeking warmth often order the Tom Kha, a Thai coconut-based chicken soup that threads together tangy galangal, fresh lemongrass, and gentle chilli. Dining happens beneath polished wood beams and soft lighting that keep the room quiet enough for conversation. Regulars return for the consistency of these preparations, which complement the dedicated drinks menu available to guests.