Saengarun Thai Restaurant

I visited here this Evening for a Friends Birthday Dinner and was not impressed I am afraid and would not go again or recommend it to anyone (
Couldn’t help feeling the place is confused in some strange way, there is just something very amiss.
The Service was far from cheery and although the food came fairly quickly, it was quite poor. The Chef was too heavy on the fish sauce, my usual dish was spolied by this. I am very fond of my usual dish, which is thai green chicken curry and I have enjoyed enough of them to know when I am served a poor one.
The portions were decent we all agreed and no-​one sent any food back, but the bill was quite steep for food of this quality.
There was that embarassing silence around our table, you know the one where no one is pleased but just enduring the Dinner…
I would have voted 1.5 had I the choice and that is a very poor score from such a generous soul!
Totally soul less and lacking in character or warmth of any kind.

When my Dad’s in town it’s an occasion to celebrate, and often our main way of doing this is to treat ourselves to some fine dining. It doesn’t have to be posh, hearty is the key, and having not been to Saengarun (but wandered past on many a time) I decided we should nip in for some late lunch. Thai food is perfect for something filling but light, and being as it was around 4.30pm we were bang in the middle of lunch and dinner so not quite ready for a bigger event.
Although the restaurant certainly isn’t flashy, and it was empty as we wandered in, that shouldn’t put you off. We were greeted in a friendly and down to earth manner by the manager (I assume!) and offered the lunch deal menu; a starter and a main for £8.95. Not a bad price! There are a number of options to choose from and being spoiled for choice we ordered drinks first to help mull over the decision.
In the end we chose to share deep fried tofu and mixed vegetables in batter, both of which were delicious and freshly cooked. With a generous helping of Thai Sweet Chili sauce they went down in no time. For our mains we went for a Pad Thai and Gang Keiw Wan. Whilst I didn’t try the Pad Thai my green curry was lovely — complete with bamboo shoots and sweet basil, it was a touch spicier (and I’m sure a little fishier) than usual but addictive as anything!
The atmosphere is really pleasant; it’s a great little escape from the buzz of Briggate, and in spite of the strange Thai karaōke being projected on the wall it is just quirky and down-​to-​earth enough to really be relaxing. I can imagine in full flow the atmosphere would retain its laid back vibe for those wanting a hidey hole, and the food itself is certainly worth checking out. With lovely staff, freshly cooked tasty meals and a range of delightful Thai beers you couldn’t ask for much more in an unpretentious eatery.