Sala Thai Kitchen is one of the newest additions to the St Albans food and drink scene - but how does it fare among the rest?

The Thai eatery, which has a 5/5 rating on Facebook and is based at 5a High Street St Albans, boasts an extensive menu including Thai green curry, katsu curry, duck spring rolls and an abundance of stir fries.

Check out below what we made of it when we visited on opening day last week (Wednesday, October 9).

Sala Thai is based at 5a High Street not far from the Clock Tower.Sala Thai is based at 5a High Street not far from the Clock Tower. (Image: Newsquest)

Review:

I was greeted with a smile by co-owners, Thippawan, 44, and Charlie Rashleigh, 45, who have brought the business to St Albans from Welwyn. To my surprise the small frontage opens up into a large dining area with a bar. 

After being ushered to my seat, I felt in good hands as Thippawan spoke about the chef's experience while cooking in Northern Thailand and her own advice on what dishes to try.

I was served with two small plates and a generous helping of special fried rice.I was served with two small plates and a generous helping of special fried rice. (Image: Newsquest) Within, 10 minutes, a hefty portion of prawn crackers started my meal for a reasonable £3.95. Although hard to get wrong, they were crispy and flavourful, particularly when combined with the sweet chilli dip.

Following this, I was presented with three plates - vegetable spring rolls, Thai fish cakes and special fried rice.

The northern Thai cuisine was presented nicely.The northern Thai cuisine was presented nicely. (Image: Newsquest) The presentation was well-done with the crispy dishes accompanied by salad on each plate.

First up were the spring rolls,  a staple of Thai cuisine, and Sala Thai made no mistakes when it comes to the signature dish. They were crispy and packed with flavour including juicy cabbage, yam and slithers of carrot.

Their promise to cook everything "homemade" was swiftly imposed too, as each dish tasted fresh and full of ingredients.

Following this were the fish cakes, which were my least favourite of the three having an odd texture while, still adopting a good taste and refreshing lemon zing.

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It was time to take on the mountainous portion of special fried rice next. A hefty plate of rice, chicken, tomato and onions made for a fulfilling meal - safe to say I was taking home a doggy bag.

Sala Thai Kitchen's cosy interior.Sala Thai Kitchen's cosy interior. (Image: Newsquest)

Conclusion:

In a competitive High Street, Sala Thai Kitchen is a gem tucked away with a small exterior opening to a huge interior.

Thippawan and Charlie have created a welcoming atmosphere not just through their service but also through the cosy interior and heartwarming Thai food.

With the perfect accompaniment of sweet chilli sauce and their sweet but unamed "home-made dipping sauce" I enjoyed a satisfying meal taking me through the flavours of Northern Thai cuisine.

For price, the meal came in around £25 for three plates which may seem expensive - but their portions were definitely made to share.

Despite other Thai's starting up in St Albans, it certainly stakes its claim as one of the best in the city.

To check out the restaurant for yourself go to https://www.salathaikitchen.co.uk/reservations or via telephone on 01727 812683 - takeaway remains available on Deliveroo, JustEat and UberEats.