It’s hard to miss Thai Square by Putney Bridge. Designed to resemble a ship with metal beams and large wrap around windows overlooking the river Thames, it is one of Putney’s iconic landmark buildings, voted to have some of the best dining views in the city.
Thai Square Putney Bridge may seem contemporary from the outside but inside it’s undeniably traditional and having been open over six years, the hospitality is relaxed and confident. The floor staff instantly greet us in Thai, before we are guided upstairs and to our river view white clothed table. We order lychee martinis whilst we scan a notably alternative menu.
Eastern culinary skills that have taken her around the world, from Galeries Lafayette in Paris to the Mövenpick Hotel Zurich, Thai Square Putney Bridge’s menu has been designed by Executive Chef Parichat Sanguthai Oula. Known for her skills in blending western and eastern culinary styles to create twists on classic Thai dishes, her signature standouts include grilled scallops with garlic butter & peppercorn and duck salad with Longan (a sweet tropical fruit that contrasts with the richness of meat).
One of the most indulgent touches on the menu here is the Royal Green Curry which is presented with a succulent lobster tail. A representation of Chef Parichat Sanguthai Oula’s global influence, another we shared was the noodles with sliced truffles and crispy fried prawns. This unusual amalgamation of flavours strongly incorporates European signature flavours with eastern ones, a bold move which stand out from other Thai menus.
Whilst truffles make an unusual complement to a dish of noodles and prawns other dishes on this eccentric Thai listing include a lamb rack with basil served with garlic rice, grilled black cod with chilli jam and a lychee mousse. As with everything here, these unique creations combine locally sourced produce with authentic ingredients flown over from Thailand each week.
Adorned with antique Thai artefacts including eight Buddha statues, Thai Square Putney Bridge balances details of customary Thai with the strikingly modernistic. Sweepingly glamorous although admittedly with an aesthetic that is tired in areas, almost every table commands river views and offers a different dining and drinking experience at any time of the year. In summer the restaurant’s huge windows open to the river below and the 40-cover riverside terrace offers a sought-after spot for al fresco dining.
From its modern exterior to the curious meeting of eastern and western flavours, Thai Square Putney Bridge is distinctively offbeat from that of its competitors. Spacious and tangibly charismatic, this restaurant will continue to serve Chef Parichat Sanguthai Oula’s new style dishes that ooze global influence, served against English river views.
Thai Square Putney Bridge: 2-4 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, London SW15 1JN, 020 8780 1811, thaisq.com/restaurants/putney-bridge
