Thai restaurant Platapian opens on former Patara site in Soho

Taking its name from a traditional woven barb fish made from palm leaves and which symbolises abundance, prosperity and the passing of good fortune from one generation on to the next in Thai culture, Platapian has been created by Nam and head chef Phayom Phimkrua with a menu that draws on recipes passed down by her aunts, mother, and grandmother. The platapian is also said to represent a connection to the family’s London restaurant group Patara, founded over 35 years ago by Khun Patara Sila-On. With the restaurant, Nam will continue the legacy of her family updated for a modern audience. As well as featuring traditional family recipes, the menu reflects the diverse regional influences of both northern and southern Thailand. It kicks off with gub glaem, small snacks designed to be shared, that include crispy chicken skin with garlic; and kaffir lime and okra fritters, and is followed by signature mains including tiger prawn with ‘pla’ chilli sauce and lemongrass; beef short ribs in five spice ‘paloh’ and salted egg yolk; and claypot rice including jumbo crab with crispy lard. Desserts include pandan crème brûlée with coconut milk ice cream and crispy Thai roll crêpe; and southern style roti with banana and petchaburi coconut caramel. The drinks menu uses Thai fruits, herbs and spices in a cocktail list that includes the Tom Yum-tini, made using Finlandia vodka, lime and bird’s eye chilli; the Pak Praew Margarita featuring tequila, pak praew, mint, lime, palm sugar; and the Mango Sticky Rice with coconut sticky rice, Finlandia vodka and mango puree. “At Platapian, the food is that which my family and I have enjoyed for generations - what we have shared at home, gathered around the table, telling stories,” says Nam. “Through creating Platapian, I have had the privilege of working with my family, diving into our culinary history and rediscovering recipes that have been passed down over the generations, and with my husband, bringing our shared vision to life through a space that feels truly like home - warm, welcoming and full of soul.” The first Patara restaurant opened in South Kensington in 1990 and the group currently operates four sites, including in Oxford Circus, Knightsbridge and Wimbledon. Patara Soho opened in 2005. Platapian is located at 15 Greek Street.

Thai restaurant Platapian opens on former Patara site in Soho

Soho-based Thai restaurant Patara has reopened as Platapian, with restaurateur Nam Parama Raiva taking over the site from her aunt Khun Patara Sila-On.

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