I tried Clacton's 'top-rated' Thai restaurant - but did it live up to the hype?

Intrigued by the glowing reviews of Thai Vintage in Clacton, I decided to visit and see if it lived up to expectations. Located on St John’s Road, this is one of Clacton’s top-rated restaurants on TripAdvisor, often praised as “ one of the best in Clacton”. The i nterior immediately impresses — ornate Thai décor, warm lighting, and a subtle, sweet fragrance that sets the tone for an authentic dining experience.

The interior of Thai Vintage (Image: Newsquest Reporter) The ornate décor (Image: Newsquest Reporter) The staff, dressed in traditional Thai attire, offer a friendly welcome, adding to the inviting atmosphere. Browsing the menu, I was drawn to the set lunch menu, which offers two courses for £12.95 — a great deal considering portion sizes.



I opted for the chicken satay as a starter and the spicy beef curry with egg fried rice for my main course. When the food arrived, it was hot and fresh. The chicken satay was juicy and tender, with a light char that added a smoky depth.

The star of the meal, however, was the spicy peanut sauce — rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and spice. The starter (Image: NQ Reporter) It tied the dish together beautifully and was my favourite part of the entire lunch. Moving on to the spicy beef curry, I had mixed feelings.

The beef was soft and well-cooked, and the portion was generous. However, I felt the curry itself was a little underwhelming. The mains (Image: NQ Reporter) Instead of deep, layered spice, it relied on red chilli peppers for heat, which gave a sharp kick but lacked depth of flavour.

I was expecting something more aromatic, perhaps with hints of lemongrass or Thai basil. The egg fried rice, while decent, was nothing remarkable and I’ve probably had better. To drink, I had a glass of Coke, which paired well with the meal.

Final thoughts? Thai Vintage is aesthetic and welcoming, with attentive service and a menu that offers good value. However, while the starter impressed, I did feel the main course fell a little short of my expectations on this occasion..