Holy Krapow!

Thai is hugely popular in the UK, probably right up there with Indian as the national food. Our tried and tested favourite, just down the road from us, is Manee Thai. Recently, we have ventured out of our comfort zone and given a few others a go.

Amaranth is a Thai Noodle Restaurant and Market in Earslfield. It's a popular venue, so it was fortunate that we had reserved a table. The food was top quality, and I can honestly say that I have never eaten anything as spicy as my dish, called Chicken Pad Krapow and Holy Basil. That is, until last night, and our first outing to the Churchill Arms, in Notting Hill. It's a cosy place, full of World War II memorabilia and a couple of wood-burning fires. The Thai restaurant that is hidden in the back has service that is worse than pathetic (we left a 55p tip), but who cares when you're getting cheap and tasty meals. I was drawn to the Jungle Chicken Curry and what arrived had more intensity of heat and spice than anything I have ever experienced, making the Holy Krapow from Amaranth look tame. Take an extra-hot Nando's and times that by 5. It was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but this morning I was really struggling. On the way to work I had to make an urgent pit-stop (and spend 20p) at Clapham Junction (train station), and only now (3 hours into the day) am I starting to feel normal again.