Speedboat Bar Chinatown London: Authentic Thai Street Food Worth the Hype

With a 4.7-star rating on Google and over 4.9K reviews, I knew I had to see what Speedboat Bar is all about. Thai food in central London is nothing new, but Speedboat Bar promised something different, bold, authentic flavours and dishes you don’t usually see on your standard Thai takeaway menu.

So I booked a table (trust me, you need to) and headed there on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and even midweek, it was packed.

About Speedboat Bar

Speedboat Bar is located at 30 Rupert Street, right in the heart of Chinatown (W1D 6DL), which makes it incredibly easy to get to. There’s also another venue in Notting Hill, but the Chinatown location feels extra convenient if you’re already central or planning a Soho night out.

Opening hours are generous too, Monday to Thursday from 12pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday until 1am, and Sundays until 11pm. It’s very much a place that works for both dinner plans and late-night cravings.

Inside, the vibe leans heavily into Thai street culture. Think plastic plates, bright colours, a casual, energetic atmosphere, and a slightly chaotic charm that somehow just works. There are two floors, and both were buzzing when I visited. It doesn’t feel overly polished, it feels alive. You can tell it’s meant to be fun.

What is Speedboat Bar known for?

Speedboat Bar is known for bold, authentic Thai flavours that go way beyond the typical “Pad Thai and green curry”. In fact, there’s no Pad Thai on the menu and honestly, good so we can try other unique Thai dishes. By removing the usual crowd-pleasers, it gently pushes you to explore dishes you might normally overlook, and that’s exactly where the magic happens.

The menu is packed with punchy, spicy dishes that don’t hold back. This isn’t toned-down Thai food made to play it safe. The flavours are intense, layered, and authentic. If a dish is meant to be fiery, it arrives properly fiery. If it’s rich and funky, it leans all the way in. That commitment to authenticity is a big reason why the restaurant has built such a loyal following.

What is the Experience like at Speedboat Bar?

I visited on a Tuesday night at 7pm and it was honestly busy. Every table was full, conversations were loud, plates were flying out of the kitchen, and there was this constant hum of energy. It felt exciting.

The space is casual and slightly chaotic in the best way. Plastic plates, colourful interiors, Thai-style décor, it gives you that street food energy without actually being on a street corner in Bangkok.

One thing I will say, book in advance. I cannot stress this enough. Slots get snapped up quickly, and you’d be very lucky to walk in and get a table during peak hours. Even midweek, it’s busy. That 4.7-star rating clearly means something.

What is the Food like at Speedboat Bar?

Here’s everything we ordered.

Chicken Skins with Zaep Seasoning (£5)

I rarely see chicken skins on a menu in London, so when I spotted this, I got genuinely excited. And they did not disappoint. Super crunchy, intensely savoury, and coated in that addictive zaep seasoning.

Crispy Pork with Prik Nam Som (£10)

This was perfection. The pork itself was juicy and tender, but the skin, wow. It wasn’t rock-hard like some crispy pork can be. It was crispy and crunchy, but soft enough that when you bite into it, it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting it. Just pure texture heaven. The Prik Nam Som added that sharp, punchy edge that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Prawn Ceviche with Seafood Dressing (£13.50)

Fair warning, this is spicy. Properly spicy. If you’re not good with heat, prepare yourself. I personally enjoyed it, the raw prawn had such a smooth, delicate texture, and the seafood dressing was bold and vibrant. But yes, it has a kick.

Stir-fried Morning Glory with Soy Bean Sauce (£10)

Hands down one of the best vegetable dishes you could order at any Thai restaurant and honestly, even compared to some I’ve had in Thailand. It’s simple, but done so well. If you’ve ordered anything spicy (which you probably will), this is the dish that will calm your tongue and balance everything out.

Crispy Egg Noodles, Gravy, Pork, Prawns & Squid (£17)

This dish is pure comfort. The crispy noodles soaked up the gravy just enough while still holding texture. With pork, prawns, and squid all in one, it felt generous and satisfying. It’s the kind of plate you want to sit with and slowly enjoy.

Curry Beef Tongue & Tendon (£15)

This might not be everyone’s first pick, but trust me. It reminded me a little of a Massaman-style curry. The beef tongue and tendon were so tender they practically melted in your mouth. The meat just fell apart effortlessly. Rich, warming, and deeply flavourful.

Jasmine Rice (£4)

If you’re ordering any curry (which you should), this is a must. It soaks up all that sauce and completes the dish.

Drinks

Cha Yen (£6.50) Iced Thai tea with condensed milk and milk foam. This was my favourite drink of the night. It had that classic Thai milk tea flavour, creamy, sweet, nostalgic. I preferred this over the standard iced Thai tea.

Cha Som Jeed (£6.50) Iced Thai tea with calamansi and lime. It was nice, but sweeter than I expected. Strangely, the flavour reminded me of a cinnamon doughnut. I can’t fully explain why, but that’s what my brain went with.

Overall, the food felt authentic, bold, and intentionally different from your typical Thai menu in London.

What is the Price like at Speedboat Bar?

On average, you’re looking at £20–£30 per person, depending on how much you order (and you will want to order a lot).

For central London, especially Chinatown, I actually think it’s reasonable. Portions are solid, flavours are strong, and the quality feels worth it. If you share dishes between a group, it becomes even better value.

It’s not cheap eats, but it’s definitely not overpriced for what you’re getting.

Final Thoughts of Speedboat Bar

Speedboat Bar lives up to its reputation. It’s busy, bold, and full of personality. The flavours are authentically Thai, the menu encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, and the atmosphere makes it perfect for group dinners or lively date nights.

It’s not somewhere you go for a quiet, intimate meal. It’s somewhere you go to eat well, talk loudly, and leave feeling satisfied.

The fact that it was completely packed on a random Tuesday evening says everything you need to know.

Would I go back? Absolutely.

Speedboat Bar feels like one of those places that reminds you why London’s food scene is so exciting. It takes authentic Thai flavours seriously but packages them in a fun, energetic space that doesn’t feel intimidating.

If you’re bored of ordering the same old Thai dishes, this is your sign to try something different. Be brave with the menu. Order the beef tongue. Get the chicken skins. Don’t skip the morning glory. And please, book in advance.

Chinatown has no shortage of places to eat, but Speedboat Bar has carved out its own lane and it’s doing it really well.

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Highlights and Tips of Speedboat Bar

• Authentic Thai flavours that go beyond the usual menu staples
• Known for bold, spicy Thai street-style dishes
• Lively, energetic atmosphere
• Highly rated (4.7 stars with over 4.9K reviews) lives up to the hype
• Great for group dining
• Favourites: I actually loved every single dish we ordered (listed in this blog)
• Book online in advance since it does get quite packed

Speedboat Bar Details

• Location: 30 Rupert St, London W1D 6DL (Chinatown London)
• Opening Hours: Mon – Thu (12 pm–12 am); Fri – Sat (12 pm–1 am); Sun (12–11 pm)
• Price: average £20 – £30 per person

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