What’s for Lunch? Paolina’s

By tikichris Last edited 183 months ago
What’s for Lunch? Paolina’s
Paolina's Thai Cafe

Londonist asks that most pressing of daily concerns: where to go on your lunch break.

Paolina’s Thai Café

181 King's Cross Road, WC1X 9BZ

020 7278 8176

MAP

Mon-Fri,12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm

Sat, 6pm-10pm

Expect to Pay: Around £7 for most mains

The endearingly cartoonish plaque on the endearingly wood panelled wall (just above the “5 EASY STEPS AT PAOLINA” instructions) at this quaint King’s Cross eatery reads “Voted Best Thai Café in the World!” By whom? We dunno, but probably by some sensible folks that like homey food served in a welcoming setting.

Walking in the door and being greeted with a sincere hello and the most unassuming smiles we’d ever come across in London, Paolina and company charmed the socks off our jaded hearts with fresh chrysanthemums set at each Formica table and with humble artwork of Thai folk life and (of course) Thai royalty. We got great vibes from Paolina’s patrons too! We eavesdropped on more than a few cheery conversations among what appeared to be diners happy to convene at a favoured lunch spot with cherished friends.

And the food? Oh the yummerific food! We had the squid rings as a starter, which were good, accompanied by a sweet chilli sauce which was awesome (was that a tad of honey makin’ it so delish?). Lovingly presented with a little carrot carved in the shape of a flower, we were touched by this tasty number. For our main, we had the par Thai. Wow oh wow. Ample, steaming, hearty, lovely. We’ll be sure to do that again! Londonist can only imagine that if you grew up in the UK with a Thai grandma, this was the kind of food she made for you. Simply because she loved you. In closing, we’d be hard pressed to think of a more delightful environment for a quick and satisfying lunch coupled with a moment’s peace from the daily grind.

For more reviews of Paolina’s Thai Café, as well as thousands of other London restaurants, take a look at Qype.co.uk.

Last Updated 23 December 2008