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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London's Spitalfields, Som Saa offers an authentic Thai culinary experience that transports diners straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. This eclectic restaurant combines traditional flavors with a modern, hipster twist, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking bold, exciting dishes in a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The aroma of spices and herbs fills the air as you step inside, promising a memorable dining adventure.

One of the standout dishes at Som Saa is their whole deep-fried sea bass, which is renowned for its crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh that melts in your mouth. Paired with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce, it offers a true taste of Thailand’s coastal cuisine. Another highlight is the banana-flavored ice cream dessert, a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that provides a delightful end to your meal. The restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors and innovative presentation makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Som Saa’s journey began with a passionate chef inspired by authentic Thai recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant’s kitchen is a hive of activity, where chefs meticulously prepare each dish to ensure every flavor is balanced and true to tradition. A fun fact is that the chef often experiments with new spice blends and presentation styles, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair to surprise diners. This dedication to authenticity and innovation is what keeps Som Saa at the forefront of London's Thai dining scene.

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We came for dinner on a Sunday night, and the place was packed! My friend essentially ordered the whole menu, and before I knew it, our table was overflowing with dishes. I absolutely loved the nang gai thort, gaeng khiao waan jay, and nahm dtok pla thort. For rice, both the khao nieo and khao hom mali were fantastic! And we couldn't resist getting the mango sticky rice for dessert--it was a must! ENJOY! 

PS: Make sure you get a reservation!

b4f814cb-fb68-4368-bbae-001233b14596

OMG, this food is to die for!!! I have been going here since before I can remember, and they never failed to impress me with their food. Although it is not as good as it used to be, it is still amazing. The atmosphere of the restaurant is peaceful, but it's never too loud even when it's crowded. The whole restaurant smells amazing as well! All the waiters and the greeting staff are so polite and are always open to give great recommendations for the food, I haven't been for a little bit because I live in the US, but if they still have the green curry on the menu 10 out of 10 and I recommend. I'm also not sure if they still have the mangoes and sticky rice for dessert but you should get that!

d121a2fa-ddc9-46d5-b8cf-8840c6e01a13

Lovely food, service and cool cocktails.  We were a large party and all served in good time. Trust them when they say that the food is hot...on par with what you find in Thailand. 

Authentic and delicious food

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Cadence of the service was a bit awkward. The pork was seasoned well, but wish there was naan or roti to scoop up the sauce. The fish was bland. Ice cream was the best part and a good end seeing that the cocktails were lackluster.

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Overall som saa is 4.5 out of 5 stars, but I rounded up because their whole fried fish is spectacular and is the star of the show. Prices are a little steep (especially since they charge rice per person) so not your everyday dinner spot, but great for date night or that special night out.

6c16a688-bb4c-4d87-aa09-82aa20f7e712

Delicious. Amazing flavors. One of my fave Thai meals of all time.

We got the set (tem toh) menu: 35 pounds for a bunch of food (hard to say exactly how many courses, but we were stuffed at the end). Started with crab and mango in a lemongrass-flavored sauce, with rice cakes for dipping. 

Then chicken skewers, accompanied by duck in a hot sauce and sticky rice. Then garlic-flavored pak Choi and and prawn curry with a fish sauce. Then a coconut cream sauce with (maybe?) ground pork. It was hard to keep track because of all the deliciousness....aaaand because we had multiple Muay Thai kick cocktails. Yum!

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Eclectic restaurant with interesting flavors  . I enjoyed it . Try the fried Sea Bass

2b488f44-160c-4e47-b74f-6bde74f7fc59

Authentic yet hipster, Som Saa is famous for its whole deep fried sea bass and its banana-flavored ice cream dessert. Both of them are definitely worth trying, assuming you're okay with the saltiness and spiciness that come with Thai food. The menu is a little bit pricey for what you get though.

// nahm dtok pla thort (£17.50) - 5 stars
// som tam thai (£9.50) - 3 stars
// kluey yaang 'ice cream' (£5) - 4 stars

4342854e-736a-48a2-bb66-040f557988ae

The WORST experience we had in London.

The hostess sat us right next to the toilets and kitchen prep so the food was directly above our heads. We asked to be moved as we did not want to be next to the restroom.

The staff was being really difficult with our request even though the restaurant was 90% empty and their excuses were extremely bizarre.

First, they said there were reservations for the booths so I gave them the benefit of the doubt and thought maybe those were requested beforehand. Then she claimed the booths were for bigger parties. And then again, she said the other tables had reservations as well so she wouldn't move us. I brought up the fact that we also had reservations, but she just kept saying no.

Since she mentioned the other table had a reservation in 2 1/2 hours, I asked if we could eat within an hour and leave. She had to ask her manager again and finally they obliged.

I was a hostess before so I understand how seating arrangements work. It was odd the hostess kept saying she needed to check with her manager if it was ok to move us. Why does she need permission to do her own job?

The whole situation was off-putting so I went to speak with the manager who immediately had an arrogant attitude. He said he already created a rotation of the seats so I left it at that.

The food itself was nothing special. Salty and overpriced. The only decent item on the menu was the fried fish.

During our meal, we saw another party of 3 (white) that was seated then requested to be moved to the booth. The hostess immediately moved them to the booth when she previously told us the booth was for bigger parties. At this point I realized the manager and hostess discriminated against us for whatever reason. I had to say something to the manager on my way out and again, instead of apologizing he tried to give more excuses with his arrogant attitude. Not sure how he is in the hospitality industry, but he needs a lesson in customer service and restaurant etiquette.

I've never been treated this way over such a simple request and am disgusted by how the manager handled the situation especially in front of my family including my mother who is a senior citizen. My mom was the one who was most upset in the beginning and I tried to calm her down, but as I saw how they gave preferential treatment to other guests I could not stay silent. And fyi, by the time we left, the restaurant was still 70% empty. Shame on you.

There are SO many good restaurants in London with great food and service to match. Definitely do NOT recommend this place.

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Wonderful meal. Beautiful flavors, service, and ambiance/decor. We will be back and certainly pass on the good word.

Som Saa: Authentic Thai Dining in Spitalfields, London

Discover the authentic flavors of Thailand at Som Saa, a vibrant Thai restaurant located in Londonderry's historic Commercial Street. Known for its lively atmosphere and exquisite dishes, Som Saa offers a culinary journey that delights both traditional and adventurous palates.

Explore the authentic Thai menu at Som Saa, featuring a variety of dishes that showcase the rich flavors of Thailand.

Read what diners are saying about Som Saa

Reserve your spot at Som Saa for an unforgettable Thai dining experience in Londonderry.

Browse the full menu of authentic Thai dishes at Som Saa to plan your perfect meal.

See photos of the vibrant dishes and cozy ambiance at Som Saa

Get in touch with Som Saa for reservations and inquiries

Savor authentic Thai flavors at Som Saa in London’s vibrant Spitalfields. Experience bold spices and aromatic dishes—your flavorful escape awaits. Book now!

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