Piya Piya is located just off the busy Old Street round about. It looks like a cross between a bar, a restaurant and dare I say it, a strip joint. The décor is a little worn in areas but I think that probably has something to do with the busy club nights it hosts on a weekend. But I wasn’t there for the décor nor the club nights I was there to eat and eat I did.
We started with two cocktails The Piya Piya and the Afterwork special. Both of which were made with fresh ingredients and bursting with fruity flavours. The Piya Piya served with two lychees was mixed to perfection and although you could taste the alcohol it wasn’t overly strong and left a pleasant taste.
For starters we ordered the Vegetable Tempura and Papaya salad. Prawn crackers £2.50 were placed on every table, even the empty ones. This was a little off putting as it made you wonder how fresh they were. The Vegetable Tempura £5.75 was fine, very light and not greasy in the slightest, but in my opinion the vegetables could have done with a bit more crunch. The Papaya salad £7.95 was a good choice. The grated papaya was crunchy and juicy and it had just the right mix of spices.
For mains the Prawn Green Curry £10.75, contained a fair amount of juicy prawns and the curry sauce was creamy without being overly thick. The steamed sea bass £12.95 with chilli and lime was perfectly cooked. The sauce was light and zesty with a spicy kick and all of the ingredients were fresh. The coconut rice was as coconut rice should be, I am not sure what more I can say about coconut rice.
For desert we opted for the Thai Coconut roll £4.50, two small pancakes rolled around a mixture of sticky coconut and served with ice cream. A pleasant end to a pleasant meal, I really couldn’t complain about the meal or the service which was first class. The Thai chef worked in a hotel in Thailand before coming to England so he knows his stuff.
The only gripe I had was with the prices. I think if Piya Piya were to reduced the prices they would attract more of a trade, especially with the young fashion’east’ers who love a cheap meal.
Would I go back? I am not sure I would. I personally think there are cheaper Thai restaurants where the food is just as good. For example Busaba Eathai – yip I am still loving that place!
G
