Rabieng Thai Restaurant

Rabieng Thai sits on leafy Upper Street in Islington and keeps things nice and simple with a menu of classic Thai dishes in a laid-back, neighbourhood setting. The room is cosy and the overall pace feels unhurried, plus the BYOB setup adds to the relaxed vibe and keeps dining affordable, which is just one of the many reasons why it stays busy on weekends.

The food covers the essentials you expect in a local Thai spot, from zingy tom yum and creamy coconut curries to wok-fried noodles and proper pad Thai. Of course, the kitchen uses fresh herbs and adequate heat to elevate Thailand's favourite dishes, and portions are on the generous side, which is always nice.

Alongside the classic curries and noodle dishes, the menu also includes the staples that always hit the spot, such as chicken satay served with proper peanut sauce, crispy Thai prawn cakes and breaded torpedo prawns, plus a fresh papaya salad if you want something lighter. There are also plenty of stir-fries featuring chicken, beef, prawn, or duck, as well as heartier options like Massaman curry or a rich beef rendang for those craving deeper, richer dishes.

On a more practical note, reservations help at peak times, and the vibe is a little more laid-back and unpretentious rather than overly fancy, so you don't need to dress to the nines for this one. If you want a simple, value-for-money Thai meal in N1 with the freedom to bring your own bottle, Rabieng Thai fits that bill perfectly.