We were heading to Borough Market to buy some ingredients and decided to pop into Kolae on a whim. This Michelin-starred Thai restaurant has been on our list for a while and, as it was a Wednesday after 1.30 pm, we managed to get a table. It turned out to be an amazing meal because they have a vegan set menu for £38 per person, which was outstanding, leaving me wishing I’d made more of an effort to eat there before. If you’re looking for one of the best Thai restaurants in London or a Michelin-starred dinner in Borough or London Bridge, Kolae is superb.
You’ll really enjoy the vibrant flavours of Thailand’s southern provinces, known for their bold, fiery heat, tangy sourness, and rich saltiness. The restaurant’s name pays homage to a unique Southern Thai cooking style, making it even more special!
Kolae Restaurant Borough Vegan Set Menu
If you’re a fish or meat eater, you can expect small plates such as crispy prawn heads with red chilli nahm jim, Kolae grilled mussel skewers with calamansi lime, or marinated pork skewers. You can then follow with Kolae chicken bamboo skewers, Phuket-style soy-braised pork belly and ribs, or deep-fried turbot with southern red curry paste. We, on the other hand, went all out on the vegan set menu, which was reasonably priced at £38 per person. My top tip is to chat to the staff about spice levels from the get-go!
First up were the biryani rice crackers with pickled ginger and green nahm jim. OMG, these were so moreish. The crackers had a great crunch and the little dots of green nahm jim, a punchy, vibrant Thai dipping sauce that’s spicy, sour and salty all at the same time, packed a real punch.
Personally, I find aubergines challenging to cook. Sometimes, even in restaurants, I’m not that keen on the end result if they’re too mushy. There were no such worries with the Kolae grilled long aubergine with crispy shallots because they were perhaps the best we’ve ever tasted and I was left wanting more.
The green mango and cucumber salad with toasted coconut and lemongrass resembles a som tum salad. It was fabulously refreshing and gave the meal a lovely light lift. Then came a pile of delicately fried kale and herb fritters, a bit like tempura, served with fermented chilli and cashew nuts.
The southern gati curry of summer courgettes, tofu and samphire arrived and, as agreed, my partner took on the job of removing all the tofu. I loved what was left, courgettes and samphire in a creamy sauce, which I poured over my half of the rice.
Our last dish was the stir-fry of Flourish Farm greens with Thai garlic and fermented soybeans. It was a humble-looking plate, yet so impressive because the greens were perfectly cooked and incredibly flavoursome. There was the option to add Kolae crown prince squash with ajaad relish (£7 per person), which was tempting, but I don’t think I could have managed another mouthful as I was filled to the brim. As for dessert, again I was too full, but it’s nice to know you can finish with mango custard sticky rice if you have room.
We had a couple of non-alcoholic drinks, including a Thai iced tea, or you could try a Thai-flavoured cocktail such as the pickled mango dirty martini. There are also a few beers, a thoughtful wine selection and the usual spirits.
Helpful Information About Kolae Borough
As you approach Kolae, you’ll notice a couple of tables and stools outside, ideal for a spot of people-watching. Step inside and you’ll see the grill and bar with counter stools, so you can watch all the action. The fire did get a bit lively at times though, so keep an eye out! The interior is relaxed and rustic, with painted brick walls and an understated feel. If you need the loos, they’re right at the top, and it’s a bit of a climb. On the way up, you’ll notice there are another two dining floors.
The address is 6 Park Street, London SE1 9AB, a short walk from both London Bridge and Borough stations. It’s open from 12 pm to 10.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 pm to 9 pm on Sundays. From Monday to Wednesday, lunch is served from 12 pm to 3 pm and dinner from 5 pm to 10 pm, while on Thursdays it’s open from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10.30 pm. For full information, you can check out the Kolae website.
You can dress casually, yay! The staff are friendly and helpful. Go with a friend, your partner or for a business lunch, and you’ll have a great time. I love Michelin-starred restaurants like this, where the food is exceptional but there’s none of the faff. Enjoy!
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit Borough Yards
Ten Things To Try At Borough Market
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please verify that the establishment is still in business and check its opening times before visiting.