[London] Thai Groceries?

[DollyDagger]

This is probably totally obvious so apologies in advance...

Where can I get basic Thai groceries like palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves, etc?

My local Waitrose no longer stocks palm sugar - I asked and was told they only stock it at Christmas. (WTF?) I've also tried Morrisons and Tescos but had no luck there either.

Can anyone recommend anywhere North or Central where I can get basics like fresh tumeric, tamarind, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, holy basil, etc? Maybe even fresh coconut and pandan leaves too?

[limster]

I've seen some of these items stocked at the Chinese supermarkets on Gerrard St in Chinatown.

[zuriga1]

I've seen some of these things at super Sainsbury's and Tescos - also in Chinatown as limster mentioned. There are some good spice sites on the web, but that might mean a bit of searching and not finding everything in one spot.

[juneavrile]

There's a new-ish thai food shop in Camden high street and a couple around W2 / W11 (used to be a tiny one on queensway) I can't remember the streets. If the latter is any use, the details will more than likely be in Jenny Linford's Food Lovers London book, or maybe another chowhound can give the address. Otherwise the supermarket on the north side of gerrard street, sort of in the centre, has the best thai selection. All the fresh stuff is in the tiny room on the left after you walk in - there's holy basil, betel leaves and green mangoes. and all the other stuff you mention. The pastes / sugars are down the stairs at the back.

[pj26]

If anyone can find pandan leaves please let me know - I have been looking for these for a while now (I have tried Vietnamese supermarket on Mare St but they dont seem to have them). Though in all fairness I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for...!

[DollyDagger]

Thanks - looks like a trip to Gerrard St is the way forward.

Is the one in Camden next to the Taste of Siam restaurant?

[juneavrile]

I'm not sure if it's next to Taste of Siam , but it's on the west side of the road, quite south of the canal? It's bright and shiny with refridgerated stuff - quite promising on a quick trot round.

[Sharmila]

Not North, or Central unfortunately, but I have to put a word in for Sri Thai supermarket on Shepherds Bush Road. This is a true gem. They stock pandan leaves, and a host of thai ingredients. Moreover, the wife who runs the place with her husband cooks a set of different dishes for you to purchase and take away at lunch. Now, I honestly think this is the best thai food I have had in London (though I haven't been to 101 or other places often cited on here). It is stupidly spicy, but the balance of flavours is always spot on. Their minced chicken with aubergines, minced chicken salad with onion and ground rice, and their green curry are all utterly marvelous. Moreover, the couple who run this place are seriously nice. I even make the trek over from the other side of Hammersmith on the bus to get lunch here sometimes - it's that good.

[DollyDagger]

This place sounds awesome - I'll definitely pop in if I'm ever in the neighbourhood.

[Nii]

That sounds so good - definitely one to visit. Thanks for the rec!

[gtrekker2003]

Any suggestions of places for Thai ingredients more South, near or around Croydon? Willing to travel half an hour or so.

[Gourmet Chick]

In Bayswater (sorry more west than South but fairly central) there is a brilliant Thai grocery on Talbot road which apparently supplies a lot of London's top thai restaurants.

www.gourmet-chick.com

[JFores]

There's a place in Shepherds Bush that's the be all end all for me. They even have kaffir limes which are super rare in the UK. Do a search as I only know how to walk there but don't know the actual address.

[limster]

Is that Sri Thai that Sharmila suggested above or a different place?

[Sharmila]

Sounds like it might be, as Sri Thai is on the Shepherds Bush end of Shepherds Bush Road.

[Robin Joy]

There's an excellent oriental grocery on the east side of Chepstow Rd. just north of the junction with Westbourne Grove, but I'm afraid I can't recall its name. All the stuff you are seeking plus tons more. I bought a truly enormous (and superb) plain steel wok there a few years back for very little £.

Edit: It's called Tawana: http://www.londontown.com/LondonInfor...

[markl23]

Try www.raanthai.co.uk. These guys have got everything.

[helen b]

There is indeed one on Camden High St, next to Taste of Siam, actually closer to Mornington Crescent tube than Camden Town. I really like it, quite comprehensive, very helpful, and they're usually reasonably stocked for herbs and greens. Worth a shot.