Why Rosa’s Thai Reading is fire! 

Liz Nicholls

Rosa’s Thai is the new kid on the block at Jackson’s Corner in Reading…. We popped by to sample the sizzling menu and hear from the inspiring founder, Saiphin Moore. 

February oozes the usual grey gloom. But the good news is that Rosa’s Thai has landed in Reading to provide some welcome helpings of colour and flavour! 

So… what’s on the menu? Dorothy Geteloma visited the new branch to find out more about the team’s viral 56 Chilli Challenge (they put 56 chillies in their papaya salad, one for each of Saiphin’s birthdays) and tuck into must-try favourites, including the incredible pad thai and (Saiphin’s favourite) Pad Kra Pow. 

Rosa’s Thai was co-founded by Saiphin and Alex Moore, who brought dishes from Saiphin’s native Thailand to London when they opened a market stall in Brick Lane in 2007.  A year later, they took over Rosa’s Cafe in Spitalfields and opened the first Rosa’s Thai restaurant—keeping the Rosa’s sign on the building’s façade as testament to what stood before. Now, more than 17 years later, Rosa’s Thai is celebrated for bringing signature Thai hospitality and fresh, vibrant cooking to neighbourhoods across the UK. 

“When I first saw the Jackson’s Corner site, I was immediately taken with the history of the building,” says Saiphin. “It reminded me of when we opened our first restaurant and kept the sign to honour the previous owners. To have the opportunity to open a Rosa’s Thai in such a historic Reading landmark is truly an honour. We are excited to bring our authentic Thai flavours and warm hospitality to this vibrant community and become a part of its ongoing story.” 

While settling in to enjoy a spicy chili cocktail (the thirst-quenching Thai-inspired cocktails menu also includes the Kopiko Espresso Martini and Chilli Lageritas, as well as bubble teas, wine, Singha on tap, house “Thai-PA”, Mai Mao beers, and Thai iced teas) we loved hearing about. Saiphin’s passion for her motherland. 

Spice fans are sure to love the four Hot Right Now dishes, including Guaytiew Kee Mao Drunken Noodles, packed with Thai basil, krachai, and fresh chillies; Gaeng Kiew Wan Green Curry’ (thick, creamy, spicy and aromatic, made with Rosa’s own curry paste – not for the faint-hearted!) and Som Tum’ Green Papaya Salad and Pad Kra Prow Chilli & Basil Stir Fry. 

Other highlights include Crispy Pork Bites, a classic beer snack, served with homemade Sriracha chilli sauce; Tod Mun Goong Prawn Doughnuts, and Rosa’s Pad Thai noodles which utilises a special recipe for the sauce, using tamarind grown from Saiphin’s hometown (trust us, this sauce takes things to another level!). The Rosa’s Thai menu also features an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, with spice levels ranging from “a bit of a kick” to “Thai spicy”, allowing guests to customise their meals. Families will love the Little Rosa’s children’s menu, and food will be available for delivery, click-and-collect, and takeaway.  

As impossible as it sounds, make sure to leave some room for pudding! Rosa’s Thai’s brownie and coconut ice cream is divine – their homemade tamarind sauce took it to another level.  

This open-plan restaurant is a welcome addition to reading’s foodie scene, with its duck-egg blue exterior, large windows flooding the space with natural light and offering a view of the bustling town centre, while neon lighting and wall art add touches of Bangkok café culture.