I’ve always been game for trying dishes from Thai restaurants—there’s just something about Thai food that speaks to the soul. Its unique, bold flavours have an undeniable charm, making it impossible not to crave it again and again. Once you’ve had a taste, there’s simply no going back. Cardiff boasts a variety of Thai restaurants, but if I were to rank my top five, Rosa’s Thai would definitely make the cut. Nestled on the lively Church Street—a hub where every corner is a vibe—Rosa’s Thai is a cozy little gem you can’t afford to miss.
With Rosa’s Thai on my mind and Thai tea in my heart, my friends and I decided to visit this popular spot. The festive buzz of the Christmas season was palpable, with busy streets hinting at how packed the restaurant might be. And packed it was! Despite having a reservation, we had to wait a bit before being seated. Our waitress welcomed us warmly, walked us through the menu, and pointed out the Christmas specials, adding her recommendations along the way.
The Drinks That Set the Mood
Drinks were the obvious first step. The evening began with drinks. My friends decided to try something adventurous: the Dragon Star Martini (£10.50), a Thai twist on the classic pornstar martini, and the Passion Fruit Bubble Tea (£5.75), complete with fun strawberry bubbles. As for me, I stayed loyal to my love for caffeine and ordered the Kopiko Espresso Martini (£10). The first sip was perfection—a rich, bold kick with a hint of sweetness. It felt like the perfect way to warm up and set the tone for what was to come.
Starters That Set the Bar High
Rosa’s menu has so many enticing options that deciding what to order wasn’t easy. Eventually, we settled on a mix of dishes, starting with the Thai Fried Chicken (£5.00) and Tod Mun Goong Prawn Doughnuts (£9.00). The chicken was crispy and full of flavour, while the prawn cakes coated in panko breadcrumbs paired beautifully with the sticky plum sauce—a must-try in my book.
The Krajieb Tempura Okra (£5.00) turned out to be my personal favourite. The batter was perfectly crisp, and the sweet chili dipping sauce was the ideal accompaniment. And then there were the Por Pia Sod Fresh Summer Rolls – Prawns (£7.00)—a dish unlike anything I’d tried before. Wrapped in delicate rice paper, the rolls were stuffed with crisp veggies, vermicelli noodles, and herbs, all tied together with a peanut dressing. My friend adored them, but I found myself torn, unsure if I liked them or not.
The Long-Awaited Mains
After a bit of a wait, our mains arrived, and the table fell silent as we tucked into our plates, completely immersed in the flavours. First up was the classic Pad Thai (£13.50)—Thailand’s national dish, served with a sprinkle of crunchy crushed peanuts on top. Always a winner in my book! We also tried the Khao Mun Gai Chicken Rice (£15.25), a Hainanese-style dish featuring tender steamed chicken thigh on garlic-fried rice, accompanied by a spicy soybean dipping sauce and a side of fragrant chicken broth (though the broth leaned a little too salty for our liking).
An impulsive order of Tom Ka Noodle Soup (£12.50) turned out to be a gamble. The spicy and sour coconut soup, while intriguing, wasn’t to my taste. My friends agreed—it’s a dish that might not appeal to everyone.
The highlight of the meal was the Gaeng Dang Supparod Ped Duck & Pineapple Red Curry (£17.50). The slow-cooked duck leg in creamy red curry was rich, indulgent, and packed with flavour. The pineapple added a subtle sweetness that balanced the heat beautifully. Pair it with coconut rice, and you’ve got a dish worth coming back for.
A Sweet Finish
No meal feels complete without dessert, and we didn’t hold back. The Somtum Brownie (£6.00) was served with coconut-flavoured ice cream, which was the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey brownie. The tamarind sauce on the side, though innovative, wasn’t for me. The Thai Churros Pa Tong Ko (£6.00), on the other hand, was an absolute winner. These cinnamon-dusted churros, paired with sweet, condensed milk, were addictive and perfect for sharing—or not. To cap off the meal, I tried the Rosa Thai Coffee with Condensed Milk. Smooth and mildly sweet, it was the ideal end to an otherwise indulgent meal.
As we walked back down Church Street, the festive lights twinkling above us, we were already planning our next visit. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Thai cuisine or someone looking to dip their toes into it, Rosa’s Thai has something to offer. Yes, the wait times can be long, and not every dish will suit every palate, but there’s something undeniably satisfying about the food that will keep you coming back for more. This Christmas, if you’re craving food that hits all the right notes, this is the place to be.
Reviewed by P R Gayathri
