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Thailander RestaurantB+Worth Trying

Name: Thailander Restaurant
Address: 13 Newington Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1QR, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7

13 Newington Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1QR · Thai restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (143 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Lively Thai spot in Newington delivering flavorful curries and popular pineapple fried rice with warm service; expect occasional service hiccups and authenticity debates but strong overall value for the area.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Thailander delivers solid neighborhood Thai dining with strong food quality anchored by fragrant curries and generous portions that earn consistent praise. Warm, attentive service and owner engagement create a welcoming experience, but inconsistent execution during peak hours—including service delays and occasional dish availability issues—prevents the restaurant from reaching higher performance tiers. Worth visiting for reliable, well-executed Thai comfort food in a casual neighborhood setting.

Restaurant Summary

On Newington Road, this spot draws a steady mix of locals and travelers with warm, welcoming service and a chill soundtrack. Diners call out fragrant curries and a generous pineapple fried rice, with one guest sharing, "The green curry was rich and vibrant, the kind that lingers in a good way." Peak hours can stretch waits and cause the odd missed course, but most leave feeling well looked after and full. The cooking leans classic Thai with a few crossovers rather than theatrics: a produce-forward curry focus and wok-fired noodles sit alongside seafood showpieces like Fish in the Garden. Innovation level feels elevated traditional: comforting profiles with bright herbs and spice, plus occasional Hong Kong-inspired touches. If you are a noodle purist, know a few reviews debate authenticity on Pad Kee Mao or Pad See Eww, while curries and rice dishes win the loudest applause. For families, it is relaxed and kid-manageable without a formal kids menu. Mild Pad Thai, egg fried rice, coconut rice, and sweet desserts like mango pudding or banana fritter are easy wins, and staff often dial back spice on request. Portions run generous, but if your crew prefers very plain flavors, consider sticking to the simpler rice or noodle dishes.

At a Glance

Fragrant, crowd-pleasing curries with generous portions
Friendly, welcoming staff and owner engagement
Service pacing can slip during busy periods and large delivery waves
Authenticity debates on some noodle dishes
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

seafood_showpieces_like_fish_in_the_garden
generous_pineapple_fried_rice
welcoming_owner_led_hospitality

What People Love

Rich, aromatic curries that feel crafted not canned
Pineapple fried rice piled with seafood and nuts
Staff who guide choices and check in kindly
A relaxed room with music that lets you chat

Points of Concern

Occasional long waits and course timing mix-ups at peak times
A few dishes, especially noodles, draw authenticity criticism
Item unavailability on busy nights can force reordering
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (templated owner replies, some marketing-style language) which may not reflect every diner experience

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£28-38 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose a curry (£14.98-£16.50) plus coconut or sticky rice (£4.50) for best value and consistency.
Finish with mango pudding (£5.00) if you want a lighter dessert option.
Nut-sensitive diners should avoid Pad Med Mamuang and Massaman which contain nuts.

Perfect For

Casual weeknight curry cravings
Group catch-ups where sharing rice and curries shines
Takeaway nights with reliably hot mains
Value-seekers wanting generous portions

Location Insights

Area: Student-heavy and residential quarter near the University of Edinburgh with a steady flow of locals and visitors; casual dining and takeaway focused.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked main road with evening footfall; typical city vigilance advised.

Nearby: Close to other Asian eateries, cafes, and small bars along Newington Road; convenient to university buildings and attractions south of Old Town.

NewingtonNewington is a diverse and dynamic neighborhood characterized by its proximity to the University of Edinburgh and several student residences. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring casual cafes, traditional pubs, and international eateries that cater to a youthful and intellectually engaged crowd. The area maintains a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with good accessibility and a safe environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday16:00–22:00 Thursday16:00–22:00 Friday12:00–22:00 Saturday12:00–22:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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