The Salutation

The Salutation on King Street is a pub offering Thai food. This is quite a common combination in London, but the cooking here is of a much higher standard than most such places.

Tom yum goong soup was very good, with the soup full of Thai spices and flavours, the prawns nicely cooked (13/20). Som tam had raw papaya strands as well as slices of cherry tomatoes, long beans, garlic peanuts and a spicy dressing with a good kick of chilli (13/20). I particularly enjoyed minced pork, served with rice and a fried egg. The pork had excellent flavour and again had lively spicing (14/20).

Green curry with prawns had the usual authentic Thai spices and ingredients such as kaffir lines and galangal, lemongrass and Thai aubergines, with prawns that were again carefully cooked, and bamboo shoots offering an extra texture (13/20). Pad Thai noodles had reasonable texture but were perhaps less interesting than some other versions I have tried (just about 13/20).

Service was fairly basic but friendly. Dishes arrive when they feel like it so we ended up with a solitary soup and no starter, which arrived later on. It was noticeable that virtually every diner on this busy evening appeared to be of Thai origin. Tables were being turned around us so this restaurant has clearly found its audience. The bill was just £36 a head, though that does not include drinks, which you order separately at the bar. Realistically, a dinner for two with beer might come to £45 a head or so. This is still very good value.

Further reviews: 21st May 2024