Review of the new Rosa's Thai restaurant in Norwich

It has launched in the former home of burger joint Byron on Chantry Square, part of Chantry Place, and there are more than 40 branches across the UK.

Rosa's Thai is located on Chantry Square, part of Chantry Place (Image: Newsquest)

The city already boasts plenty of independent Thai restaurants and it also has a chain competitor with Giggling Squid in Tombland. 

So is Rosa's Thai worth visiting? I headed along to find out.

READ MORE: Norwich restaurant offering Chocoholics afternoon tea

Food 

Rosa's Thai promises "fresh, fragrant, feel-good food" on its website and, for the most part, I agree.

My boyfriend has a milk allergy so we scanned the QR code on the menu and it was easy to use the filter and see the dishes he could eat.

From the snacks and small plates sections, we ordered Thai fried chicken (TFC), prawn summer rolls and calamari.

Calamari, Thai fried chicken and prawn summer rolls from Rosa's Thai (Image: Newsquest)

The crispy wings had plenty of meat on them and were encased in a light and aromatic batter.

The other two dishes were disappointing - the calamari was a little soggy and across the three summer rolls there was one prawn.

We mentioned the fishy faux pas at the end of the meal and the member of staff apologised and took the rolls off the bill.

The chicken Pad Thai from Rosa's Thai (Image: Newsquest)

The main courses were a different story, particularly the chicken Pad Thai which was superb.

They have done Thailand's national dish justice and the tamarind sauce, which co-founder Saiphin spent years perfecting, made it very moreish. 

Finished off with a squeeze of lime and a heap of peanuts it was top-notch.

The Gaeng Panang curry with pork belly and sticky rice (Image: Newsquest)

We also ordered the Gaeng Panang Curry with pork belly and it was well-balanced with soft meat and vegetables.

However, the amount of pork felt a little stingy and there were about four or five chunks.

The accompanying sticky rice was okay but it felt a little too mushy. 

Homemade lemonade and a beer from Rosa's Thai (Image: Newsquest)

Drinks

I ordered the Nam Manao homemade Thai lemonade which was refreshing.

My boyfriend got the Mad Cat IPA, a Thai-inspired craft pale ale blended with lemongrass and lime.

It tasted a bit odd on its own but worked better when sipped while eating the mains. 

Inside Rosa's Thai in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Service

The members of staff who served us were all friendly and attentive, they were also good at dealing with the complaint about the summer rolls. 

I would have preferred if the dishes came out staggered rather than getting six dishes at once.

READ MORE: Deli in Norwich Lanes is now supplied by its own farm

Artwork at Rosa's Thai in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Atmosphere

I love the decor and it feels modern with bright red furniture, plants, stylish booth seating and vibrant artwork - including a large neon sign. 

READ MORE: 8 of the best places to pick pumpkins in Norfolk

Price

I felt that a few of the dishes were a pound or two overpriced, particularly the Gaeng Panang Curry for £15.50 with not much pork belly and you have to purchase rice separately. 

Overall thoughts

A great atmosphere and lovely staff - I would come back to try more of the menu.

If they get every dish to the standard of the Pad Thai then they are on to a winner.

I will definitely continue to support the city's independent Thai eateries too.

This review is independent and was paid for by this newspaper.