The ambiance of the place is really nice, being able to see the chef cooking right in front of you was a big plus. The staffs were all super friendly and the food was really good.
My favourite would be the glass noodle.
The train ride to London from Birmingham is pretty, but nothing is as pretty as the kitchen at Kiln! I didn't take a picture because I didn't want to creep on the chefs, but I love it. The open kitchen is small, but it's warm and intimate with the scent of burners boiling and clay pots sizzling. The earthenware gives it a traditional feel, and it's amazing.
Visited this restaurant during our trip up to London in October. Came highly recommended by a friend.
Service was excellent, we were early but our party wasn't complete so we were allowed in for a drink at the bar tables, with the waiter keeping an eye out for the rest of our group!
Food was amazing! It was fun sitting on bar tables watching our food prepared in the kitchen! Everything was made to order, and the flavours were amazing!
We had the Isaan style Plaice Laap, Southern Style Dry Pork Curry, Curry of Cod, Jungle Curry of Pork, Claypot Baked Glass Noodles, Stir Fried Banana Peppers.
Our last few dishes were so spicy!
Mindblasting flavours, Spice level astounding!! I'll definitely be back here the next time I'm in London!
The outlet is cosy. Friendly atmosphere. Welcoming staff. The menu has mainly Thai, grills and seafood. Food presentation is nice. We ordered many different plates. All were tasty. Good service.
Kiln is not for the faint hearted. It is a restaurant with fire at it’s core. Heat blazes from the clay kiln pots that are used to cook with here, and pop up from the dishes studded with chilli. From the raised seating around the food counter it whacks you direct to face like the first steps off the plane on a summer holiday abroad. It is the remover of clothing, the bead of sweat inducing exhilarating reason that we love obsess over fire. A meal here is not only an insight into the food of North Thailand, it is a celebration of heat and the results it brings with control and skill.
Kiln has been on my radar since I arrived. It's one of those places that I have to make the special trek to get to knowing that there will be a queue. The first and only other time I tried was a Saturday night with a 2 hour wait. I was surprised to find that Friday early evening was only 30mins quoted (actually about 50 in the end). Maybe the summer and daylight means noone is interested at 615pm.
After hearing this was related to the Smoking Goat I wasn't really looking forward to going. I needn't have worried as it was completely different in both atmosphere and food flavourings! Great sharing dishes full of flavour. Service was swift and helpful. And it was pretty inexpensive. Really enjoyed it.
I could nitpick about the relatively cramped bar seating on the ground floor or about the fact that the basement dining room only takes reservations for groups of four or more, but the bar stools are well-padded and the interior as a whole manages to escape the somewhat grungy feel of The Smoking Goat.
Plus, the almost flawless menu trumps all of these niggly problems. I can’t think of a single dish that I wouldn’t want to have again and again.
Loved it! Nice "hidden room" vibe in the downstairs dining room.....with great service and top qualify Thai food - genuinely first class! The soup was amazing (how they get those zingy flavours is unbelievable). Other stand out dish for me was the mutton tartare - wow! Not as spicy/ hot as Speedboat, but perhaps a classier vibe. Both great.
A Taste of Authentic Thai Grill in the Heart of London
Nestled in the bustling heart of Soho, Kiln is a remarkable Thai grill restaurant that offers an authentic culinary experience reminiscent of the vibrant street food culture in Thailand. It's one of London's hidden gems, catering to those with a penchant for Thai cuisine that transcends the usual offerings. Kiln sets itself apart as a small, unassuming venue with a unique twist on dining, offering a memorable experience that is a delightful alternative to traditional restaurants.
Atmosphere and Ambiance:
Kiln's cozy interior is characterized by its compact size, making it an ideal choice for an intimate dining experience. However, it's worth noting that booking a table for a group is limited to the downstairs area. For those who prefer a more spontaneous dining experience, there's a walk-in option. The popularity of Kiln often results in a queue, but the wait is absolutely worth it. The counter seating provides a front-row view of the bar and the bustling kitchen, allowing you to witness the chefs skillfully preparing your dishes. The use of hot coals in clay pots and flaming woks is a captivating sight that adds a layer of authenticity to the dining experience.
Menu and Food:
Kiln's menu, though not extensive, is a testament to the culinary creativity of the team. The offerings are constantly evolving, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience every time you visit. This commitment to variety and innovation reflects the dynamic nature of Thai cuisine. The wine selection mirrors this ethos, with an ever-changing list that complements the dishes perfectly.
The food at Kiln is a true celebration of flavor. The dishes are characterized by a delicate balance of spices and an array of high-quality ingredients, some of which are sourced locally in the UK. While the menu might not be vast, each dish tells a unique story, and you can instantly sense the thought and care that have gone into their preparation. The noodles and the chicken and sausage dish were standouts, showcasing the chef's dedication to delivering dishes that are both tasty and authentic. It's worth noting that the cuisine at Kiln leans towards the spicier end of the spectrum, so be prepared for a flavorful adventure.
Ambiance and Service:
The restaurant is bathed in low lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the culinary experience. The slight haze from the grill and the background soundtrack transport you to a different world, enhancing the feeling of escaping to the bustling streets of Thailand. The attentive and friendly staff make the experience even more enjoyable. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than willing to help with any questions you may have. The prices are fairly reasonable, considering the quality of the food and the unique experience Kiln offers.
In conclusion, Kiln is a hidden gem in the heart of London, offering an extraordinary Thai dining experience that transcends the ordinary. It's a place for those who appreciate authenticity, flavor, and a bit of spice in their life. With its small size, constantly changing menu, and commitment to quality, Kiln provides a culinary journey that's worth every moment of your time. So, if you're looking to "fly outside Europe" through your taste buds, Kiln is the perfect destination. Just be prepared to wait in line – the experience that awaits is well worth it.
Absolutely love the chilled out service and vibes in here. You simply pick a spot at the bar and feel well looked after as the waiter plays vinyl tracks in the background.
The food was top notch and they’re not afraid to use authentic spice levels here. Tried unusual food that you can’t find anywhere else in addition to high quality takes on the usual stuff. Something as simple as chicken skewers is another level here.
Also the bar is walk in only so saves you having to try and book weeks in advance. They do reservations too downstairs.
What a spot! I’ve been keen on visiting here for a while and finally popped in.
The service was impeccable and the staff were superb at helping out in terms of menu choice and recommendations.
I’ll be honest - every item I had was outstanding and I’m sure that everything else on the menu is equally fantastic - I’ll be back to try the rest.
As expected with Thai-inspired food, there’s a decent spice level, but it’s managed beautifully. There’s a heat to the dishes that approach you heartily but don’t knock your socks off and ruin the dishes. A must try.
Everything about this place is simply great! Had dinner on Friday evening, had to wait long for a table but worth it! Creative menu, delish food, especially the mackerel - just wow! Best fish I’ve had in a while. Super friendly staff, seems they love their job. Fun atmosphere and very cool electronic music! I’ll be back!
Amazing food! Some of the best dishes I’ve ever had in London. The noodles were a stand out and full of flavor. Chicken was also some of the best cooked chicken I’ve ever had. We both love spice but be warned, the spicy soup (that they warned us about) was indeed very spicy but just soo tasty. The food was 5 stars. Unfortunately a waiter just wasn’t very nice to us and he kind of ruined the experience. The rest of the staff were lovely and the food was incredible. Sometimes people can have an off day so I wouldn’t let it stop me from going back, but I couldn’t give the overall experience 5 stars.
Sat at the bench in front of the chefs, great vibes. It’s always an experience to watch chefs cooking in front of you. It would have been great if they interacted more with us; although understand it can be difficult when the restaurant is busy. The crew here are very focused and have sound knowledge of Thai cuisine. All the food was fantastic and a large amount was cooked on the charcoal in front of us; clay pot noodles and sausage were highlights. It was not overly spicy, likely catering to the local customers. Overall it was great and we will return.
Incredible!! Great atmosphere upstairs sitting at the bar watching them cook or downstairs in the cozy room. The food was phenomenal! Vibrant flavours that some have serious heat to which was delicious. Fantastic staff! Highly highly recommend!
On our visit from the US we randomly stumbled on Kiln while looking for Thai food in London. We LOVED it!
We love a vibey and lively place which is exactly what Kiln is, you literally feel like you’re in the kitchen, watching the chefs prepare your food. The drinks were delicious as was the food! The slowly grilled chicken was to die for and the Braised Beef Shin was incredible albeit very spicy!
If you’re into lively places like us you definitely need to try. It’s not going to be your place if you want stuffy, fluffy, quiet and fancy. But if you want an exciting atmosphere and daring dishes you won’t be disappointed!
Note, it’s a small restaurant and was packed when we arrived. After a 15 minute wait we were sat at the bar which was perfect for us. The plates are meant to be shared too, think Tapas, everyone can share multiple dishes. Enjoy! 10/10 would recommend!
This food was phenomenal. I discovered this place watching Action Bronson via YouTube. The service was great and prompt as well. Sat at the bar, and a young bartender (John?) was attentive, polite, and sharp. Would recommend to any Londoner or Traveler stopping in SoHo to eat.
Delicious Thai food! Very unusual dishes, not the typical Thai dishes you see in UK restaurants, more regional. Staff are friendly and approachable, even when they were clearly very busy. A bit pricy though, came up to £50 for one person for me (though it doesn't have to, i did choose slightly on the higher end of the options). Definitely need a reservation, wait time for dinner on a Thursday night for walk in was 1 to 2 hours at 7pm.
It’s a very good guest experience with high food quality and high customer service standard.
From the small detail, you could feel the beauty of the Thai food !!!
I would definitely recommend trying and come again!!!
It’s not easy to reserve a table but luckily we could still get a seat by walk in during weekend lunch. 😁
The food is great but the expectation was greater than the taste. Apart from that all went smooth to a good experience. I believe it may be all about choosing the right dishes… so have to try again to award the 5 stars. So far it’s not there yet! Music though is great!
Probably the most flavorful food I’ve had in the world (not just in London). It was really good, just extremely flavorful bursts of salty, umami, spicy. (And I’ve been all over Burma, Thailand etc 🤭 I really never had strong flavors quite like this) I was looking forward to the soy chicken but they ran out. The glass noodles were fire. Also - ask them about vegetarian options that are off-menu. They offered us two vegetarian curries. What won me over the most was the intimacy - chefs cooking right in front of us with woks on top of coals and serving us food directly from the heat.
My visit to Kiln Soho was nothing short of amazing. Fanny's service was outstanding, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience. The culinary journey began with the succulent cockles, a tantalizing teaser for what was to come.
The glass noodles were a delightful follow-up, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken dish was cooked to perfection, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen.
However, the highlight of the evening had to be the jungle curry. It was nothing short of a flavor explosion, leaving us in awe of the chef's creativity and mastery. The combination of ingredients in this dish was truly insane in the best way possible.
In conclusion, Kiln Soho is a culinary gem that hits all the right notes. With Fanny's exceptional service and a menu that promises unforgettable flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit.
Extremely spicy as well as good! The service is excellent, the portions are not very large but are ideal for sharing as a couple. Make sure you ask which dishes are the spiciest in case you are not able to tolerate it. Highly recommended!
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes