INVITED
21-09-2023
Visit & Vibes
Walking into Mekong was like stepping into a cosy haven for foodies. Seriously, this place gave off some major good vibes. The moment I strolled in, the warm and inviting atmosphere wrapped around me like a comforting hug. Trust me; the decor was on point – it screamed relaxation with every little detail.
As I settled into my seat, I couldn’t help but admire the place. At that moment, it was like my little secret hideaway – tranquil and peaceful. However, let me tell you, it didn’t stay that way for long. In just about 10 minutes, the restaurant was buzzing with people, and I couldn’t help but pat myself on the back for getting in early.
| Décor | ★★★★★ |
| Noise Level | ★★★★ |
| Restaurant Temperature | ★★★★ |
| Table Dressing | ★★★★★ |
| Restaurant Cleanliness | ★★★★★ |
Nibbles
While I was deciding what to order I was asked if I would like some Thai Crackers for the table, I love Thai crackers so it was an instant yes.
Khao Kriab Tod (n/a tonight normally £3.80)
Crispy Thai Crackers served with a sweet chilli dip
As they arrived at the table the portion size was amazing and they visually looked really good I couldn’t wait to dig right in.
With eager anticipation, I bit into one of these Thai crackers, and it was a glorious moment of culinary nostalgia. The crispiness was nothing short of perfection, providing that satisfying crunch with each bite.
I found myself contemplating a rather tempting idea: could I make a meal out of these Thai crackers alone? They were that good. It was a sweet reminder of my deep-seated affection for Thai crackers, and these ones had rekindled that love in the most delightful way. If you ever find yourself here, do yourself a favour and start with these Thai crackers – you won’t regret it. They’re a crispy, flavorful dream come true.
| Dish Flavour | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ |
| Serving Size | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| MY RATING: | ★★★★★ |
Starters
Thai Fish Cakes (n/a tonight normally £7.80)
Traditional Thai recipe of blended fish, red curry paste and lime leaves. Served with a sweet chilli relish and ground peanuts
Tonight’s meal led me to the Thai fish cakes, a dish that instantly captured my attention. As a devoted fan of fish cakes, I knew I had to experience this Thai twist, and if I’d ever tried them before, the memory had faded into the distant past.
When the plate of Thai fish cakes arrived, it was a visual delight. Their appearance promised a delicious journey ahead. However, it was the aroma that truly set the stage for what was about to unfold. The fragrant notes wafting from the plate were nothing short of enticing, and my anticipation soared.
With my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavour that left me utterly amazed. These Thai fish cakes had a texture, unlike the typical fish cakes I’d encountered before. It was a delightful departure from the norm. What truly stood out was the remarkable harmony of flavours. The bold presence of red curry paste made its mark, infusing the dish with a captivating intensity. Amidst this boldness, delicate hints of fish peeked through, creating a harmonious balance that was sheer perfection.
To elevate this culinary experience further, there was the dipping sauce. It added an extra layer of flavour that I couldn’t get enough of. Each dip was like a flavour explosion, enhancing the overall delight of each bite.
| Dish Flavour | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ |
| Serving Size | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| MY RATING: | ★★★★★ |
Satay Kai (n/a tonight normally £7.80)
Grilled Chicken Satay. Marinated chicken, grilled on skewers. Served with peanut sauce on the side
My culinary journey continued, and the next destination on my list was the tantalizing chicken satay. This dish has always been a bit hit-or-miss for me, depending on my mood, but tonight, I was feeling adventurous and thought, “Why not give their chicken satay a whirl?”
The moment it arrived at the table, I was utterly mesmerized by the presentation. It was a visual masterpiece, and my taste buds were already doing a happy dance in anticipation. But what truly set the stage for this dish was the enchanting aroma that wafted up from the plate, instantly igniting my senses.
Without hesitation, I dug into the succulent chicken skewers. Each piece was a testament to perfect cooking – tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour. The seasoning was impeccable, offering a symphony of tastes that left me craving more with every bite.
But the real game-changer was the peanut sauce. Let me tell you, it was a revelation. This sauce elevated the dish to a whole new level of culinary bliss. Creamy, rich, and with just the right balance of nuttiness and sweetness, it was hands down one of the best peanut sauces I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
It was nothing short of perfection, and I couldn’t help but imagine savouring it again and again. Without a doubt, for tonight’s starters, this dish was the clear winner, leaving my taste buds craving more of its delectable goodness.
| Dish Flavour | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ |
| Serving Size | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| MY RATING: | ★★★★★ |
Pik Gai (n/a tonight normally £7.00)
Chicken Wings Thai Style. Deep fried chicken wings served with a side of pickled vegetables and sweet chilli sauce
For my final starter, I couldn’t resist the allure of the Thai-style chicken wings. The name alone had me intrigued, and I was eager to see what this dish had in store for my taste buds.
When the plate arrived, it was an appetizing sight to behold. The presentation hinted at a promising culinary experience, and as I picked up a chicken wing, the aroma that greeted me was nothing short of delightful.
With my first bite, I’ll be honest – it tasted somewhat like your typical fried chicken wing. But let me assure you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It was undeniably delicious, with a perfectly crispy exterior giving way to juicy, flavorful meat. It may not have been a groundbreaking flavour revelation, but it was comfort food at its finest.
What truly elevated the experience was the side of sweet chilli sauce. This little condiment brought a delightful kick to the party, and it was a welcome addition. Whether you were in the mood for a spicy adventure or preferred to enjoy the wings on their own, the choice was yours. Versatility in a dish is always a plus.
In the end, I couldn’t fault the cooking of the chicken. It was expertly prepared, retaining its tenderness and bursting with flavour. For what it was – a delectable plate of fried chicken wings – it hit all the right notes. Sometimes, you just crave that familiar, comforting taste, and these Thai-style chicken wings deliver precisely that.
| Dish Flavour | ★★★★ |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ |
| Serving Size | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★ |
| MY RATING: | ★★★★ |
Main
Gaekng Keaw Wan (n/a tonight normally £14.80)
Thai Green Curry. The famous, fragrant Thai green curry cooked in coconut milk with bamboo shoots, courgette, green and red peppers, fresh basil and an aromatic selection of Thai herbs
Surveying the array of main course options, my heart yearned for the timeless classic – the Thai green curry. It had been ages since I indulged in this culinary delight, the last time being a homemade endeavour nearly four years ago. Fond memories of that meal lingered, and the desire to recreate that experience had always simmered in the back of my mind. Yet, tonight, destiny intervened as I spotted it on the menu; I simply couldn’t resist ordering it.
When the Thai green curry arrived, it was an olfactory symphony that played to my senses. The tantalizing aroma wafting from the dish was an enchanting prelude to the feast that awaited. Presentation-wise, it was a work of art, and my anticipation reached its peak.
I decided to pair it with coconut rice, drawn by my fondness for all things coconut, a perfect complement to the rich coconut milk within the curry. As my fork plunged into the dish, I knew I was in for a treat. The flavours danced harmoniously on my palate, with the bold curry notes gently giving way to a soothing, peppery coconut crescendo. It was a masterful balance of flavours that left a lasting impression.
The coconut rice, with its subtle sweetness, elevated the dish to a whole new level of satisfaction. The chicken, tender and succulent, was cooked to perfection, a testament to the chef’s skill.
There’s no hesitation in declaring this dish a resounding 10 out of 10. It was an impeccable rendition of a beloved classic, a culinary masterpiece that reignited my love affair with Thai green curry. If you find yourself here, don’t miss the opportunity to savour this exceptional dish – it’s a journey of flavours that you won’t soon forget.
| Dish Flavour | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ |
| Serving Size | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| MY RATING: | ★★★★★ |
Glutinous Black Rice Pudding £7.80
Traditional Thai dessert made with glutinous black rice and coconut milk. Served with vanilla ice cream and sweet coconut cream.
I was very full by this part of the night, but I couldn’t resist trying one more dish from the dessert menu – Glutinous Black Rice Pudding.
As the dish arrived at my table, its appearance alone piqued my curiosity. The presentation was intriguing, and I couldn’t even begin to guess its flavour.
The sweet coconut cream that enveloped the black rice was amazing!. Its richness and creaminess paired perfectly with the cool vanilla ice cream, which provided a familiar but flawless contrast. However, it was the black rice itself that stole the spotlight. Its unique flavour profile was both earthy and slightly nutty, adding an unexpected twist to the dessert.
What struck me the most was how surprisingly light the dessert was, considering its seemingly decadent components. It was a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that left me craving more, even though I was already quite full.
| Dish Flavour | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ |
| Serving Size | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| MY RATING: | ★★★★★ |
Final Thoughts…
Firstly a big thanks to the guys at Mekong for tonight’s invite, and the wonderful food.
The chicken satay was 100% the winning starter and the Green Thai Curry was amazing, both these dishes I highly recommend these if you visit here.
| Service / Staff | ★★★★ |
| Ambience | ★★★★★ |
| Time between Courses | ★★★★★ |
| Overall Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| MY OVERALL RATING | ★★★★ |
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.