Smoking Goat – Trendy chill-out Thai street food in Shoreditch, London

What is the food like?

Sharing Thai street food. Smoking Goat’s Thai street food is a vibrant culinary experience. Dishes are made with essential ingredients from the Far East like kra pao (holy basil), namh prik pao (chilli jam), tamarind and fish sauce and cooked to individual order over charcoal burning stoves. Choose from fragrant Thai curries to fried rice noodles and tangy mango salads from the menu.

How is the drinks selection?

Thai milk tea and the lot. A fun simple selection of every drink one will need. Start with one of the fun cocktails like “Most things haven’t worked out” or a Freedom lager. When the food dishes arrive, complement it with a must have Thai milk tea or a Pink Milk (kids’ favourite). Finish off with some wine or a Tray of Joy if you are after a happier end to the meal. We have to come back to try the Coconut liquer from Italy!

What is the place like?

Trendy chill-out. Like most places in Shoreditch, it is rough and ready with exposed bricks, simple wooden table and chairs. Staying true to Thai street food, dishes are served on pink or baby blue plastic plates as you will get in Bangkok or Phuket street stalls. Ceilings are high and seating are close to each other, community like.

Who are the patrons?

Eclectic. There was a broad and diverse range of customers when we were there. There was a good number of trendy creatives who have made Shoreditch their haunt. All mixed with regular Londoners as well as tourists of all ages enjoying the relaxing and chill atmosphere, sharing the joy of being alive.

How was the service?

Warm and prompt. Front of house staff are warm and will welcome you as if you are an old friend. Service was prompt. Orders were taken and churned out like clockwork.

Is it child friendly?

Yes. Sufficient spaces to manoeuvre prams. There are no Children Menu, but as dishes are for sharing, should be able to find something for adventurous little ones.

Is it dog friendly?

Very. There were at least 3 other dogs when we visited. They were all given dog bowls to quench their thirst and no one gave any death stares when Gracie decided to sit with us on the bench too.

Good value?

Decent. The restaurant charges a discretionary service charge of 12.5%.

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See below for what my dining companions and I indulged in for this review in June 2023 (prices quoted include VAT):

Snacks

Fish Sauce Chilli Wing (Recommend)

Fish sauce is salty, savoury with hints of umami and sweetness. It should be an interesting flavouring for grilled chicken wings. The dish seems to be more sweet chilli sauce rather than fish sauce. It is quite sweet and the flavour hasn’t fully infused into the wings. Could be better. £3.80++ each

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Fried Chicken (Recommend)

Probably the best dish of the afternoon. Crispy and crunchy outside, juicy and moist on the inside. It is just lacking any va va voom flavouring. £9.50++

BBQ Smoked Spare Ribs (Do not recommend)

Couldn’t quite get the Thai flavours in this, but was most disappointed that it was dry. Probably a couple of minutes too long on the grill. £17++

12hr Smoked Short Ribs (Recommend)

Looked amazing and well cooked. The meat fell off the bone as it should and just about melt in your mouth as it should. Lacking in flavours, could do with a heavier dose of Thai spices. The crunchy onions salvaged the dish. Can’t do wrong with that. £32++

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Mains

Green Mango Salad (Recommend)

There are hints of the sourness, sharpness and spiceness that makes this dish so irresistible on the beaches in Thai, but it just wasn’t enough. Good enough to satisfy any craving, but won’t be rushing back here to satisfy it. £8.60++

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