Contemporary industrial style blends with the tropical warmth of Thailand at the latest iteration of a beloved London eatery
In the heart of Shoreditch, a revived dining destination in London, Singburi, a renowned Thai restaurant, has moved from its humble beginnings in Leytonstone. The contemporary design and dining experience at Singburi 2.0 is a vibrant fusion of industrial-chic aesthetics and elevated Thai cuisine, marking a distinct evolution from its original roots.
### Design and Ambiance
The new Singburi is housed under a railway arch, with a bright, open, and airy atmosphere. The interior, designed by the Bangkok-based Physicalist studio, features a high 4-meter glass façade, circular steel beams on the ceiling, terracotta tiles, terrazzo flooring, and pastel-colored plates, creating a "utilitarian celebration" of the architecture while maintaining a warm, inviting feel.
The central open kitchen, highlighted by a custom-built live-fire grill forged by British Metal Craft, serves as the focal point, showcasing the chefs' culinary work in real-time, adding sensory excitement to the dining experience. This design balances a modern Shoreditch flair with nods to Singburi’s original identity, making it a "designery dream" in an emerging dining hotspot.
### Dining Experience and Food
The menu creatively combines authentic Thai street food flavors with refined techniques and presentation. Guests can expect dishes packed with bursting spices and complex layers of flavor, such as a spicy tiger prawn and cucumber curry with shells kept on to deepen the taste, and a raw beef larb featuring aromatic herbs.
The food team, led by chef Nick Molyviatis (formerly of Kiln) alongside co-founder Sirichai Kularbwong, has maintained some cult classics while elevating others with greater finesse. For instance, the fiery yet refreshing watermelon salad has been reimagined with peak-season strawberries and umami pork floss.
### A New Chapter
The shift from the original Singburi’s no-frills, BYO, cash-only neighborhood feel to a polished wine-list-accompanied experience in a stylish space marks a new chapter that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking. Singburi now directly competes with other high-profile Thai concepts in London but retains a reputation for pungent, lively, and elegant Thai cuisine in a thoughtfully designed contemporary setting.
Singburi's new location is at Unit 7, Montacute Yards, 185-186 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HU, UK. The restaurant now offers a selection of 14 wines, all available by the glass, and accepts card payments.
Overall, Singburi in Shoreditch offers a modern, vibrant Thai dining experience with a strong design identity that resonates with London's trendy East End crowd while paying homage to its East London roots. With the addition of Singburi, Shoreditch continues to establish itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking unique and exciting culinary experiences.
[1] Vassilos Kyritsis, known for his work at The Clumsies in Athens, is overseeing the cocktail list at the new Singburi. [2] Chef Sirichai Kularbwong, son of the founders, is part of the new team, having previously served as head chef of the original Singburi. [3] Nick Molyviatis and Alexander Gkikas are also part of the new Singburi team. [4] Singburi does not serve desserts. [5] The design of Singburi was inspired by local landmarks, including the London Overground viaduct. [6] Singburi's new location is in Shoreditch, which is home to recent openings such as One Club Row, Bar Valette, and Duchy.
Cooking at Singburi's open kitchen, a sensory delight, is a fusion of refined techniques and authentic Thai street food flavors, showcasing a lifestyle that harmoniously blends culinary artistry with a home-and-garden aesthetic. In the heart of Shoreditch, the food-and-drink scene flourishes, presenting Singburi as a standout destination that redefines what dining experience means, merged with a contemporary design lifestyle.
