A tiny Chinatown takeaway best known for highly praised mango sticky rice, with occasional freshness and cramped-space issues; choose the full portion rather than the novelty bites.
Imm-Aroy delivers strong food quality and attentive service that keep customers returning, but inconsistent ingredient freshness and the cramped counter setting prevent a higher grade. As a grab-and-go Thai dessert stop in Chinatown, it excels at what it is, though perishable mango and variable topping portions occasionally disappoint.
Imm-Aroy is a tiny Thai takeaway tucked inside SeeWoo supermarket on Lisle Street, more hidden counter than restaurant. The mood is informal and bustling, with reviewers describing a place where “a little search through Chinatown pays off,” while friendly staff and an owner-led welcome make the stop feel personal. Expect a quick purchase rather than a leisurely visit: the space is frequently described as cramped and sometimes shared with a neighbouring dessert stall. The cooking is focused on familiar Thai street-food flavours, led by mango sticky rice rather than a broad restaurant menu. Fresh, sweet mango, coconut-scented sticky rice, and a nostalgic taste of Thailand inspire most of the praise, while the £1 mini-bites add a playful way to sample the signature. Quality is not perfectly uniform: several diners encountered hard rice, sour or bruised mango, excessive salt, or underfilled toppings. The full £7.95 dessert is best treated as a shareable Chinatown specialty; the mini format is fun but deliberately tiny. Families can find approachable choices such as mango sticky rice, mini-bites, coconut and green-tea ice creams, and colourful drinks, so children who enjoy sweet fruit and rice should have options. However, there is no clear children's menu and almost no comfortable seating, making this better for a quick family snack than a sit-down meal. Picky eaters may prefer the ice cream or a simple mini-bite, while the durian and coconut-heavy flavours are more adventurous.
Area vibe: Theatre-and-tourist-focused central district with bustling pedestrian streets and many eateries.
Safety: Busy and well-lit with strong evening footfall around main streets; quieter backstreets can be calmer after midnight.
What's nearby: Near Covent Garden Piazza, Leicester Square, Chinatown, multiple Tube stations and a dense restaurant/theatre cluster.