Rabieng Thai restaurant, Islington, London

Rabieng Thai restaurant, Islington, London

What a surprise to come across the ‘mother’ of our favourite Thai restaurant, the Thai Garden Cafe, right under our noses in Islington. We wanted to have some som tum but was having one of those days where we wanted to go somewhere nearby. Hence we decided to give the Thai place that we had walked past a few times a go, unaware of its connection to our som tum heaven.

Our suspicions were raised when we noticed that the decor and menu were very similar to Thai Garden Cafe.

Our suspicions were confirmed by the very friendly waitresses who informed us that Rabieng was run by the mother of the Thai Garden Cafe’s owner. We were delighted at the prospect of being able to enjoy a similar menu and perhaps another source of great som tum. Surprises are always welcome especially when it comes to food.

The common link with the Thai Garden Cafe is seen in the window display at the front with cute traditional Thai toys.

 

The dining area is nicely arranged with wood flooring and traditional furniture giving a formal yet comfortable feel. The only downside was that it smelt a little bit stuffy and our table was a bit dusty.

We ordered the som tum goong sod (£8.50) and kao neaw (£3.00) with glee and in a break from tradition the pad kee mau with prawns (£7.50) instead of our usual pla salmon ma kham.

The pad kee mau was warming although a little bit oily and lacked a little seasoning. It was spicy which some might not like but we both enjoyed this dish.

The star of the show was the som tum which came in an attractive bowl piled high. Our first taste was perplexing but after we mixed it with the sticky rice, although it was lacking heat, the sauce was very good. By the end we were licking the bowl clean although Mrs NMFS was having to position herself strategically in front of me so that the other diners could not see her enjoying it so much!

On this occasion though, I have to say that mother does not do it better since the food served up at Thai Garden Cafe is better. Rabieng is close though and certainly amongst the best that we have been to in London. The staff have to get a special mention also for being so very friendly.

Rabieng is a good option for those visiting Angel as it offers up good food at reasonable prices. It is located across the road from Ottalenghi but has the advantage of offering hot food! A bit bitchy I know but when you pay so much and queue up for so long the least the food could be is warm (especially given the cold climate here)!

So, have you unexpectedly found a restaurant related to one of your favourites before?