The Perfect Imperfect Budget Thai Relaxation Combo
It could all just be a result of the recent weather, but my experience at the Parázs Presszó, run by a Thai-Hungarian couple in District VI (click for contact details and user feedback) was comparable to seeing familiar landmarks through a window distorted by rain. As much as my first experience with Thai in Budapest was obviously good, this time around everything was familiar, if not quite how I expected it to be.
Before I go any further, let me preface this review by saying that my first Thai experience in Budapest was unexpectedly great. And this second round of Thai taste testing was by no means bad. So why go on and on about things not being as I expected? Mostly because, while I enjoyed the experience, the atmosphere and the food, it's hard to praise a place too much when every dish I tried was a little off.
I'll begin as my meal began, with the Tom Kai soup (Ft 680). While the coconut-milk soup was bursting with mushrooms, it wasn't with flavor. The water-to-coconut-milk ratio favored the former and consequently each spoonful had a thin, metallic flavor.
Next up came the Pad Thai with tofu (Ft 1,450, above). The Pad Thai, usually my marker of quality, held all of the necessary ingredients - with the exception of lime, which was substituted with lemon - but was not prepared exactly as it should be. The tofu was also rock hard, while the bean sprouts were soggy. There was, however, a healthy sprinkling of peanuts on top and a spicy tang with each bite.
Meanwhile, the red curry with chicken (Ft 1,580, below), ordered with medium spice and an extra side of rice (Ft 390), arrived with a promising aroma. Whist offering ample helpings of chicken and bamboo, any whiff of greatness was quickly extinguished with the first bite. This was but a boring rendition of a once exciting dish. The mildness would have been tolerable were it not for the inconsistent spices. You'd be munching along when all of a sudden a big, unexpected chili burst in your mouth thus leaving you gasping for air and possibly a napkin.
"Given a taste test of both," my companion mused diplomatically after nearly choking on a big chili, "then asked to order one on the basis of that bite, there's no question I'd go for the Pad Thai."
With all of these black marks on the table, I will admit that such culinary shortcomings are still preferable to either undercooked food or service so terrible you're indubitably left with a bad taste in your mouth.
Yes, the food was cooked thoroughly and the service and atmosphere were really pleasant. We sat for a long while after our meal, enjoying a second beer (Ft 400 for a big Dreher) and reclining in cushy triangle-shaped chairs (top photo) situated on platforms in the warm, brightly painted basement enclave. The music was a fast-paced, but it wasn't too crowded or smoky, although I could see how this might not always be the case if the place fills up. At any rate, their staff checked on us regularly.
The meal cost us each Ft 3,000 (including 10% tip) and we stayed for nearly two hours. Indeed, while the imperfections do add up to a vague feeling of dissatisfaction regarding the food, one thing is clear: we ate a lot and had a relaxing experience for less money than many places in the city, and that in itself is hard to beat.
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Actually eaten here. Yes it was slow service but very friendly and all fresh food so worth the wait. Will eat there again, great value, great stmosphere.
I told Erik about this place a month ago. I think its quite good and they are willing to spice it up for you.
@Rusty. The service wasn't slow for us, but it was pretty empty. How busy was it when you were there? I'm curious if the place fills up on weekends.
This place works best if you experience it as a pub that happens to serve Thai food, rather than a proper Thai restaurant. I, for one, am glad it opened.
Went there last night. Heartily recommend it. Price is nice, good food too. Staff very helpful and friendly. And it's a bar/etterem cross so it's a good place for a afternoon bite and beer. I'm already looking forward to my Tuesday Staropramen and Tom Yum Plaa. Memories of long ago days bumming around in Banglamphu and Ko Chang come flooding back...
Note about Thai flavour in Europe: I've never found a Thai restaurant in Europe that can replicate the true Thai style. This is mainly down to availability of certain ingredients (I've found fresh holy basil and pea aubergines only twice in Europe) so this place does a reasonably good compromise with what is available and affordable.
@Chew. Please link Monika's first Thai experience in BP. I've got the Thai taste back and I need more...
Was looking forward to a reasonably decent Thai experience. Started promisingly - nice vibe to the place; lots of people hanging out, playing cards (?)
We sat down, perused the menu, and waited. And waited. The bar staff had shots, chatted with friends, and totally ignored us. I mean, if you're busy, the least you can do is say "I'll be with you in a minute". They didn't so much as glance at us.
So we left, because we were hungry. Really disappointing.
Each time I go here the food gets better, and the service gets worse. Floor staff should not have time to hand roll cigarettes and smoke them at the bar with a half-full room. The source of the problem might actually be the super polite and soft spoken Thai co-owner, who can't seem to crack the whip. Still, will return, but with low expectations.
Well why not say something to the owner or be bold and call the waiter over.
Because I was there to enjoy my evening, not pick a fight with the staff.
Service is so bad that after a while it becomes funny (if you are not hungry or can go without drinks for a wile) At one point the waiter got tired (apperantly drunk too) and sat down at our table while taking the orders. That was hilarious. All staff looked pretty drugged. I kind of felt sorry for the young girl waitress. She looked totally trashed. I don't know much about the food, I only had some soup which had no taste, no texture. All in all it is a place for guests with no expectations at all.
Thought I'd write a postscript. I did write to them, and they apologised, but I didn't go for the longest time because I was still miffed.
But I've started going again and it's become a favourite of sorts. The service is fine (alright, it's basically functional) but the food has really come on. I always get the same things and they're consistently good. The pad thai, though, is not one of them - too soggy and too much reliance on soy and fish sauce.