FOOD+DRINK
A PASSION FOR AUTHENTIC THAI DISHES, SEASONAL LOCAL
INGREDIENTS AND A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY, ANNA LOCKYER
DISCOVERS THAI FOOD WITH A DISTINCTLY BRITISH EDGE AT
ROSA’S THAI CAFE,
Bluewater
YOU COULD LITERALLY SMELL THE THAI SPICES WALKING TOWARDS ROSA’S IN BLUEWATER, SETTING
EXPECTATIONS PRETTY HIGH BEFORE EVEN TASTING THE FOOD. AND WE WEREN’T DISAPPOINTED!
Founder Saiphin was born in Thailand and raised
in the East End, and her journey from her mountain
farm in Khao Kho, Northern Thailand to the UK,
has been one of foodie adventure. Learning to cook
with ingredients brought straight from the field to
the wok, it is no surprise that underpinning the
Rosa’s Thai Cafe ethos is a dedicated commitment
to seasonal, fresh, local ingredients. Living in the
UK meant access to authentic Thai ingredients was
tricky, but undeterred, Salphin instead rose to the
challenge of cooking authentic dishes with seasonal
British ingredients; a journey that incorporated wild
mushroom picking to the discovery of the Jersey
Royal (which is now a vital ingredient in the beef
massaman curry!), to a permanent market stall in
Brick Lane and eventually a chain of Rosa’s Thai
Cafes spanning across London and beyond, including
this venture in Bluewater.
The restaurant had a warm and relaxed feel to it
and we were quickly shown to our table by smiling
faces. The beautiful crockery was hard to miss as we
sat down and started with a traditional Thai lemon
iced tea (there is a Rosa’s boozy iced tea option with
a shot of spiced rum if you have that Friday feeling!).
80
The staff were fantastic at helping my guest and I
with the menu, complimenting dishes we were keen
on trying with some we may not have initially thought
of. Their passion for food did not go unnoticed. We
started off with Thai calamari, a definite personal
favourite, honey marinated pork skewers and Rosa’s
homemade spring rolls. Although probably enough
food for a main course for the two of us, it wasn’t
long before the plates were empty. The portions
were plentiful and simply delicious.
Our next dish of drunken noodles certainly got pulses
racing with the chilli taking a dominance in the
flavour, however being a huge fan of spicy food they
were possibly the best noodles I have had! They
claim they are the best hangover cure in the world,
and I can certainly see why. Our next choice, Rosa’s
fried rice can be served as chicken, beef, prawn or
vegetable and tofu, and I was pleasantly surprised
with our flavoursome beef dish (which came as a
huge portion!) which we paired with a side of mixed
vegetables soaked in soy sauce, which can compliment
any of the dishes on the menu.
Although we could barely squeeze in dessert, the
menu was too tempting with options such as sticky
rice and mango and a selection of ice creams. We
opted for the mango sorbet, and found it the perfect
choice to cool down after all the Thai spices!
There are plenty of meaty or veggie options on the
menu, as well as choices for spice or no spice. With
very generous portions as well as perfect-for-sharing
smaller, picky dishes, Rosa’s has a great sociable feel
to it. A first time for me at Rosa’s, but certainly won’t
be the last!
Rosa's Thai Cafe
Bluewater
The Plaza Upper Gallery
Greenhithe
DA9 9SG
01322 515 269
www.rosasthaicafe.com
RosasThaiCafe
rosasthaicafe