Thai Orchid Whitstable — Restaurant in Canterbury

Birthday treat for our sister as she loves Thai food. It was quite busy as we booked for 4 people at 2 pm. Took them a little while to get the drink order of 2 pina colada (one a virgin) 2 cokes 1 diet 1 pint of house draft beer one water with ice. When they brought the drinks, we were ready to order. For starters, we ordered an Orchid platter for 3 Chicken satay, prawn tempura (these were breaded not battered), prawn on toast (the one i had was over fried had trouble cutting with a knife so I gave up) , Tung Thong chicken parcels (these were very crispy and the minced chicken was dry), duck spring rolls & spring rolls and one from the set lunch menu. Both exactly the same, but the one portion came out a few minutes before the platter for 3. For mains, as I'm not a big eater, I had two starters prawn dimsum steamed minced prawn dumplings served in soy sauce( the first couple were soft, but as they got cooler they hardened even with the lid on. And prawn tempura, king prawns deep-fried in batter served with sweet chilli sauce (again breaded not batter as the menu says) I picked out the prawns and left the over cooked bread shell see picture. I had an extra peanut sauce very tasty. The other 3 had a chicken pad Thai stir-fried noodles with chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, carrot, spring onion, and ground peanuts. Massaman beef curry made with a massaman curry paste with onions, potatoes & cashew nuts cooked in coconut milk. Prawn red curry made with a red curry paste with aubergine, bamboo shoot, pepper & basil leaves cooked in coconut milk. The one who had the set menu had a green chicken curry made with a green curry paste, aubergine & bamboo shoot cooked in coconut milk, pepper, and basil leaves. One had sticky rice, and two had steamed fragrant jasmine rice. I tried all the currys & dipping sauces, and they were a good quality tasting sauce. The only letdown was the fried goods. If I was by myself, it would have been 3 stars, but the others all reckoned a 4....

Welcomed by staff who were friendly and caring looking after my allergy needs, they was so reassuringly supportive asking about other ingredients similar.

The environment was lovely and warm. We arrived at 12 and was seated by a lovely server who let us sit where we asked for. There was music played less ambient but sort loud but did not spoilt the experience.

The seating was clean and well spaced out. This building used to be a pub but the space has been used well. Authentic feeling with decor.

We ordered from the set lunch time menu, which offers good value. The food arrived in good time fresh and hot straight from kitchen.

We started we with mixed starter which was enough to wet the appetite. The satay chicken on skewer was lovely succulent with flavour. Prawn on toast deep fried on baguette end covered with sesame seed tasted great. The spring roll was delicious.

Moving on to main course. I had PAD PRIK King Beef with Stir fried noodles. My partner decided upon Chicken with Cashew nuts. The food was brought in bowls and a separate plate to yourself.

The noodles were cooked perfectly not too dry or not too sticky, mixed with egg and seasonal vegetables. The Pad Prik King beef was well seasoned and true to street food in Thailand some may find too much salt but to me authenticity through making sure a good balance of flavour. The beef was cooked nice and although some bits was chewy they gave a fair portion.

My partner enjoyed his Chicken with Cashews.

Overall would I return, yes.

Why? Friendly staff, want to look after your safety. Nice food and I am a fussy duck hard to please so yes I will be...

At Thai Orchid in Whitstable, the Red Curry, Green Curry, and starter platter are among the standout offerings that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Thai flavors. The Red Curry is a beautifully balanced dish, offering a combination of spice and richness from the creamy coconut milk and red chili paste. It’s brimming with tender chicken or beef, bamboo shoots, and Thai herbs that blend seamlessly, creating a bold, comforting flavor that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. In contrast, the Green Curry offers a milder, more aromatic experience, with fresh green chilies and Thai basil providing a lighter yet deeply flavorful profile. The creamy coconut milk ties everything together, with soft vegetables and protein choices absorbing the delicate flavors. Both curries are served with a customizable spice level, allowing diners to adjust the heat to their preference.

The starter platter is the perfect way to begin the meal, offering a delightful variety of appetizers that capture the essence of Thai street food. The platter includes crispy spring rolls, flavorful chicken satay skewers with a rich peanut sauce, golden prawn toasts, and crunchy vegetable tempura. Each bite is packed with flavor, complemented by a variety of dipping sauces, from sweet chili to tangy tamarind, enhancing the already bold and savory elements of each dish. Together, these dishes form a satisfying introduction to Thai Orchid’s culinary offerings, providing a true taste of Thailand that feels both familiar and exciting...