Seemor
Thai Express Kitchen EdinburghB+Worth Trying
Leith St, Edinburgh EH1 3AD
· Thai restaurant, Asian restaurant, Halal restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (3200 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fast, customizable Thai with big flavors and quick service inside St James Quarter, good for casual meals but expect inconsistency and some service hiccups.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Thai Express Kitchen delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by praised dishes like Massaman and Chilli Chilli Bangkok, plus notably fast service. However, inconsistent execution—cold food, oversalting, and uneven service during quiet periods—prevents higher performance. The St James Quarter location offers convenient, comfortable casual dining rather than destination appeal, making this a reliable choice for Thai cravings without the polish of grade A establishments.
Restaurant Summary
Set inside St James Quarter, the room feels warm and bustling with comfy booths, quick turns, and the scent of lemongrass in the air. Servers often guide spice levels and protein choices, and one guest noted, "our waiter dialed the heat just right and the dish still sang with lime." It is a casual stop where groups can settle in before a film, though a few diners report uneven service during quiet spells. The cooking leans elevated traditional Thai with customization: core classics like Pad Thai, Massaman, and Pad See Ew sit alongside playful options such as Thai fish and chips and a fully loaded Pad Thai. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: familiar Thai flavors with flexible proteins and choose-your-heat rather than chef theatrics. Most plates arrive fast and flavorful; occasional off-days show up as oversalt or temperature slips. Families are typically comfortable here. There is no formal kids menu, but dishes like fried rice, sweet-sour "General Thai," and sides such as prawn crackers and Thairacha fries suit younger palates, and spice can be kept mild. One review criticized a no-outside-food stance for specific needs; plan accordingly and ask about simpler preparations if you have picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Fast service with customizable spice levels and protein choices
- Central location inside St James Quarter with comfy booths
- Massaman curry and Chilli Chilli Bangkok earn frequent praise
- Inconsistent execution on busy or late shifts (cold or oversalted dishes reported)
- Occasional service lapses and confusion during quiet periods
- Some reports of automatic service charge and extra fees for condiments
What Sets It Apart
- custom_spice_levels
- central_shopping_location
- playful_thai_fusion_dishes
What People Love
- Choosing the spice level that fits
- Arriving hungry and being served quickly
- Comfy booths and lively but manageable vibe
- Friendly servers who suggest smart add-ons
Points of Concern
- Service can be inattentive at times, with some reports of long waits before first contact
- Quality swings: a few diners reported cold dishes or aggressive salt on off-days
- Potential extra charges for condiments and automatic service charge surprised some guests
- If you want ultra-authentic regional Thai, the flavor profile may feel simplified
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£30-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For mild palates: General Thai with chicken and a side of Thairacha fries (ask for low heat).
- For spice lovers: Chilli Chilli Bangkok with your preferred protein, medium-high heat, add a fried egg (£2).
- Gluten-free focused: Green Curry or Pad See Ew marked gluten-free with tofu or vegetables.
Perfect For
- Pre-theater or post-shopping meal under an hour
- Casual dinner with friends who like some heat
- Solo diners who want quick, tasty noodles
- Families seeking mild-to-medium Thai without a formal kids menu
Location Insights
Area: Modern retail and dining hub geared to shoppers, theatergoers, and visitors seeking quick, casual meals.
Safety: High foot traffic, well-lit and managed mall environment; perceived as safe and busy most hours.
Nearby: Inside/adjacent to St James Quarter with shops, cinema, hotels, and transit links; near Edinburgh Bus Station and short walk to Princes Street.
Leith Street AreaLeith Street is a bustling part of Edinburgh's Old Town, featuring a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The dining scene here is diverse, ranging from casual eateries and pubs to upscale restaurants, attracting a varied crowd including visitors exploring the city and locals seeking quality food and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–20:00
Tuesday12:00–20:00
Wednesday12:00–20:00
Thursday12:00–20:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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