Popular Thai Restaurant Opens Veggie-Only Branch In Soho

Cramped or cosy? That's the question that strikes us when we enter Rosa's Thai Cafe's entirely vegetarian branch in Soho. In the narrow corridor of a restaurant, it's a tight squeeze between two tables just to sit down. Not that the intimate setting dampens the night. Instead, it provides the place with a buzzing atmosphere.

We settle in and order some cocktails — a Malt Banana Tree Old Fashioned and a Ginger and Lemongrass Fizz, both of which offer eastern twists on cocktail classics. The fizz hits the spot perfectly, the gin and lemongrass dance harmoniously around each other.

Rosa's recommends getting a few things and sharing so we do — a tapas spin on Thai, if you will. You might see some of these dishes in your standard Rosa's, but most are specially created for this branch. These new additions deliver the goods — the Stir Fried Aubergine is our favourite, making great use of the trendy vegetable. The Panang Curry goes down a treat too, spicy, but never oppressively so.

The biggest downside to Rosa's is the prices. Working on a sharing basis is all well and good, as long as the prices reflect that. Instead each dish costs about the same as your average main — meaning if you get the recommended three dishes to share, it turns into a pricey meal.

However, cost aren't exorbitant, and we clean our plates entirely. The restaurant adds to the growing collection of veggie and vegan options in London, and that's always a good thing.

Rosa's Soho Veggie, 48 Dean Street, W1D 5BF.