Authentic, tasty Thai food in the leafy suburbs of Chorlton - Thai Spice is well worth a visit if you’re in the neighbourhood.

The Venue
Located on the ever-popular Beech Road, Thai Spice can be found down the far end towards Chorlton Green and The Horse and Jockey pub. It’s a fairly small restaurant with simple decor and lots of mahogany tables. Red chilli lights hang from the walls alongside more traditional Asian-style tapestries. Lighting comes in the form of simple square light panels and the glass window front means you can peer out and watch the world go by whilst enjoying your grub.

The Atmosphere
Thai Spice can be pretty quiet on weekday evenings (it opens at 5pm everyday but is closed on Mondays) but can get really busy over the weekend with lots of Chorlton folk heading down for a bite to eat. Laid back music plays in the background and the staff are friendly and helpful which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

The Food
Expect fragrant and delicious Thai food, that’s fairly priced. For starters you’ve got the likes of spring rolls, fish cakes and chicken satay amongst others. For the main event you’ve got a selection of curries, stir-fries, salads and noodle dishes and then you can choose what meat or veggie option you’d prefer. The gaeng penang (£9.95) is particularly delicious and is their best selling curry. It’s a thick, aromatic curry with creamy coconut milk, lots of veg, lime and sweet basil leaves. It’s so moreish you could eat it all night and it’s just perfect with a good mound of sticky rice.

For those that can take the heat, the phad kraprow (£6.95) is a great option. Lots of Bird’s Eye chilli and garlic is stir fried in the wok with long beans, peppers, onions, holy basil and your choice of meat of tofu. It is full of flavour but really does have an intense kick to it so it’s not for the faint hearted. Other dishes include the classic phad thai and spicy beef salad (£7.50) and the more unusual gaeng phed ped yang (£9.95) which combines roast duck, lychee, cherry tomatoes, pineapple and sweet basil leaves in a coconut milk based curry. They also do an early dinner special menu between 5pm-6.30pm where you can grab a starter and a main from a selected menu for just £10.95. So if you’re looking for really good value that’s when you want to head down.

The Drink
To wash down your food, why not tuck into a Thai beer? Singha and Chang are available for £3.25 a bottle. Or if you prefer a glass of wine, there is a good selection of both red and while. The Chilean Merlot (£3.50 a glass) is particularly smooth and easy to drink. Then there’s the usual selection of spirits and soft drinks, or you can grab a coffee or a pot of green tea for £2.50.

The Last Word
Thai Spice is an easygoing place serving very respectable Thai food and is a great addition to the Beech Road restaurant scene.

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