Review of Thai Lanna in Bridewell Alley, Norwich

I’ve been gradually working my way around all of Norfolk’s Thai restaurants and takeaways, inspired by fond memories of holidays past.

The special fried rice at Thai Lanna (Image: Stuart Anderson)

My latest visit was to Thai Lanna in the Norwich Lanes.

My partner, Bec and I were greeted warmly and shown to a table upstairs in a cosy room amid wood-panelled decor.

To start our meal, Bec chose the fish cakes (£6.95) which were cod fillets combined with aromatic Thai spices and a touch of egg.

The result was a delightful burst of flavours. Served with a refreshing cucumber salad, tangy sweet chilli sauce and topped with crushed peanuts, the dish was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The mock duck at Thail Lanna (Image: Stuart Anderson)

We then moved on to the mains and it was the crispy duck (£14.95) that stole the show. 

The duck breast was roasted to perfection with a tantalizing blend of honey and spice. It was served on a bed of vegetables with a specially prepared soy and hoisin sauce, garnished with sesame seeds.

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We also savoured the special fried rice (£5.75), a comforting and satisfying dish that combined prawns, eggs, peas, spring onions, tomatoes, carrots, and a delicate touch of soy sauce. The flavours melded together beautifully.

Thai Lanna in Bridewell Alley, Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

For those seeking a lighter option, the kao plow (£3.95) was a simple yet delightful choice. The plain steamed Thai fragrant rice provided a canvas for the flavours of the other dishes to shine.

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The Panang tofu (£9.95) showcased the restaurant’s ability to cater to vegetarian palates without compromising on taste. 

The crispy duck at Thai Lanna, Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Slices of crisp tofu were stir-fried with Panang curry paste, coconut milk, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, red peppers, and basil. The combination of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables resulted in a mouthwatering creation that delighted both the eyes and the palate. 

The mock duck (£10.95) was an intriguing meat substitute that managed to capture the essence of the traditional dish.

The Panang tofu at Thai Lanna, Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Made from wheat gluten, oil, sugar, soy sauce, and salt, it offered a unique texture and flavour that left us pleasantly surprised.

To conclude we indulged in two delectable desserts.

The pineapple fritters, priced at £4.25, featured golden pineapple coated in a light and crispy batter and deep-fried to perfection. Served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, it provided a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavours.

The nun banana (Image: Stuart Anderson)

The nun banana (£4.95) was a heavenly treat that showcased the delicate balance of coconut milk and palm sugar. The banana, cooked to perfection and sprinkled with sesame seeds, added a delightful touch of crunch to the velvety dessert.

We were impressed by the attentive and friendly service provided by the staff at Thai Lanna. They were knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was both memorable and enjoyable.

Bec couldn’t find a fault with the meal or the menu and went so far as to say it was the best place we’ve ever visited for a food review, and we’ve done a few dozen over the years. 

I was happy with everything, but just felt it lacked a ‘wow’ factor.

Either way, anyone who loves Thai food will find it certainly worth a visit. 

Disclaimer  

Our food reviews are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited. The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review and bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications.