The Thai Bar & Restaurant, a treat in the Southside of Glasgow

For my first Thai meal of 2024, this friendly, modern place came to us by word of mouth. Nestled by Pollokshaws East station, The Thai Bar and Restaurant is making a name for itself in the southside of Glasgow.

It was a wet January evening and leaving the house, weather permitting, was a treat. My partner had heard from a friend that this place, while relatively new, was worth braving the rain for. Walking into the glass-fronted establishment, we were hit with warm air, matched by the warm welcome. It was early in the evening, so not yet too busy, but like a lot of restaurants it has online orders and delivery drivers coming and going. 

The first taste is of the decor - modern wood-panelling on two levels with an open kitchen where you can see chefs at work creating the smell that surrounds you as you choose your meals. The scent seems designed to make us salivate ahead of our meal, and it works.

The wood on the walls and the IKEA-like seating echo the eco-sensibilities espoused by the owners. They speak of ‘sustainably sourced’ ingredients from ‘suppliers who practise environmentally friendly farming… allowing you to savour the delicious flavours of Thailand without compromising on your commitment to the environment’ - a noble sentiment that I welcome and wonder if this ethos makes this place more attractive to the average modern diner. 

Delving into the menu, the options are straightforward and reasonably priced. To start, some vegetable wontons and chicken spring rolls - they came fresh and hot. The wontons were packed with flavour, crisped to perfection and had a pleasing filling-to-crust ratio, making them a great all-round experience. Similarly the spring rolls, once cooled, were a treat.  

For my main I went for the Pad Thai as it’s a great barometer of quality; done well it can impress, and it did. Chicken Pad Thai, served with fried egg and the usual garnish (bean sprouts, nuts, garlic, spring onion, lime wedge etc.) as well as pots on the side, one containing their own blend of chilli flakes, one with sugar and the last with more crushed peanuts. This arrangement lets you customise your own flavour profile on top of their own very well balanced and pleasing dish. 

The other main dish at the table was from the rice mains, the Pad kra paow with beef. A crowd pleasing dish that packed a spicy punch without overshadowing flavour. Rich Thai basil and peppers open up the spice leaving you satisfied with your choice. 

The Thai is absolutely worth your time and I recommend visiting the restaurant and sitting in rather than getting your food to go. You get the added benefits of the friendly vibe, modern surrounding and succulent aroma in this charming southside spot.