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PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $19.00
CUISINES
Thai
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
features
Details
About
Phil and Pornthip welcome you to Isan Thai Restaurant and Take Away located in Park Gates, Poole. Great tasting freshly prepared home cooked Thai food. This family run business opened in July 2016. Pornthip has grown up cooking Thai food for friends and family. She is passionate about producing good old fashioned home cooked dishes of restaurant quality!
PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $19.00
CUISINES
Thai
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover
Contribute
4.5
398 reviews
Excellent
342
Very good
31
Average
12
Poor
6
Terrible
7
DJC travels
14 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I love Asia, I love Thai food! Isan Thai provides all I love about Thai cuisine when I am home in the UK. Nowadays, when I travel through Asia, I struggle to match the wonderful flavours of Isan Thai! I'm known for regularly ordering Pornhip's delicious and spicy Tom Yum soup & her unique flavoured Panang Curry, it is the best I have had anywhere. I do try other dishes, but these suit me very well. Dining is more than the food itself, we all have so much choice nowadays. For me, I love the comfortable surroundings and the genuine friendly staff. Most visits, (now virtually weekly) Phil the owner is found front of house. He is a friendly host and it is clear he is fully hands on. He knows his stuff having travelled Asia himself. He wants all to experience the best Thai cuisine, be treated as he himself would wish to be treated and genuinely enjoy the ambiance. He continually makes improvements to this well positioned restaurant with the decor, styling and drink choices. Most people like a cold beer with their spicy food, Phil has popular brands on draught, authentic Thai bottled beers and good wine and even specialty teas.
In my opinion, if you walked away disappointed, its because you are not a Thai food lover, not because of this establishment. Forget the chains in and around Poole and Bournemouth, this is the place to experience the REAL taste of Thailand.
Congratulations Phil, Pornhip & team.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Wow! 😊😊😊 Thank you so much for your kind words you don't know how much that is really appreciated!! We loved reading your review it makes all the blood sweat and tears we put into our business worth it to hear feedback like that. Thank you so so much for your loyalty and your support we look forward to seeing you soon!
😘😘😘
Written February 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eatinoreatout
Bournemouth33 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
We had really missed our visits here over lockdown , the food was delicious as always fresh and flavourful . My husband tried the fish cake starter today and he recommends it . The social distance measures in place ensured a comfortable safe environment and all the paper tablecloths and menus were disposed of as soon as people left and areas thoroughly cleaned we were really impressed with how organised everything was .
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Thank you very much for taking the time to review us and leaving us 5 Stars!
It is great to welcome you back and we are really happy that you enjoyed your meal with us we have been working hard to put safety measures in place. We hope to welcome you again soon.
Written August 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deputy Dawg
Orlando1 contribution
Feb 2020 • couples
Delicious, tasty food. Plenty of variety.
I don't like my food too spicy, so the chef offered to cook me another if the first one was too hot, the red thai curry was just right.
Restaurant was run by a husband & wife. The husband tended the bar/customers whilst his wife did the cooking.
We shall definitely visit again!
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Thanks Amanda, great to hear! We appreciate your comments and thanks for leaving us 5 stars!!
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Feda S
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • family
We ordered more than 50.pound worth of food that went straight to garbage. Ot was very cold. The chicken was off and coconut rice smelly disgusting. I called the manager to complaint and he said that food was not cold and checked was not off. I asked him of he wants to check the food and he said no. I will never eat there ever again and do not recommend the place ever.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IsanThai
Thank you for your review which is very disappointing. The food was delivered to your address hot as I took the order myself and bought it in an insulated bag I took it out of the bag from the car to carry out a contactless delivery, I did have a long wait at your door whilst you went to get some money, I left your premises at around 3.15 and had a 15 to 20 minute journey back to restaurant. I checked in at the restaurant and the went for my break. When I returned a member of staff informed me you had called at around 3.50 55 this was nearly an hour after the food was cooked. I think that due to the time it took you to start the serving your food it went cold in that time. In respect to the chicken being off. It most certainly was not we operate to strict hygiene measures, having looked at your order and you saying you do not eat chicken and relied on your children’s remarks I noticed you ordered the Isan Thai crispy chicken which is chicken pieces in batter and served with Thai spices which are mixed with a fish based sauce, perhaps it was this that made them think it was off. I’m sorry I could not confirm your comments whilst on the phone to you, although you did say that if I didn’t you would ruin my business in a month, thanks for that as it is a struggle with what’s going on anyway at the moment. I deal with genuine complaints that have occurred from any wrong doing from our side with compassion and a resolution however in this instance I felt that it was not our responsibility. I am the owner of this restaurant along with my wife we are a small independent restaurant struggling to survive in these conditions please be sensitive to that fact.
Written October 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian P
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • family
Had lunch yesterday at Isan Thai with my Brother and Sister-in-Law. I live in Spain, and when in the UK, they always like to take me there as it is one of their favourite restaurants.
Yet again, the food and ambience was first rate.
The owners and staff go out of their way to make you welcome, and the range and quality of their dishes are not only authentic, but flavoursome and well presented. Also, good value for money.
Certainly a venue I look forward to visiting when I am over.
I am sure that anyone who likes Thai food will not be disappointed.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Wow thanks Brian for taking the time to write such a lovely review and your kind words it it much appreciated! We hope to welcome you back soon.
Written March 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
479pinky
Poole26 contributions
Apr 2020 • couples
I will start with the only bad thing. I ordered the Suea Rong Hai (Crying Tiger) which was around £10. Very expensive for a starter. I was expecting some lovely tender steak with a sticky spicy sauce. Instead I got a box of dry steak which had the taste and texture of over cooked thin frying steak with a very tiny pot of watery sauce which didn't taste of much. Yes there was a lot of steak but it was so dry and overcooked that I didn't want to eat much. Very disappointed for that price!
prawns slightly overcooked in my penang curry as well. However amazing flavours on the currys. Lovely sticky rice and the duck starter was great. Definitely not "mini" duck rolls, they are massive but personally I prefer them that way. Nice sauce with them but could have done with a little more. I would order again but not the steak starter!
Written April 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice W
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I’ve been to Isan Thai a few times now , it’s my absolute favourite place to go out and eat.
The food is absolutely delicious, always fast service and the atmosphere is laid back.
It doesn’t matter if I’m going with my son and family or just my partner , they’re kid friendly and very welcoming.
Phil the owners a top guy and will come over and chat and help recommend what food you’re fancying.
Can’t rate it more then 5 stars otherwise I would. It’s a 10/10 place.
See you soon !!!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Wow thank you so so much Alice. We really loved reading your review appreciate your comments and your continuing loyalty. We hope to welcome you back soon xxx
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark J
Battle80 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Ate here with the family and the food is the best Thai food i have eaten. The staff were excellent and they have a great range of Asian draft and bottled beers.
We had starters of spring rolls, chicken satay and the Thai fish cakes. All were very nice but i have to mention the Fush cakes, they were really tasty with a nice hint of heat and very flavoursome.
For mains i had the beef Massuman curry and wow it was excellent with a great depth of flavour and heat. My wife had the yellow chicken curry which again was full of flavour. I must say the Massuman was my particular favourite. In this was a first class meal and my most enjoyable after spending a week in the area. If you love Thai food or just want to try something different then visit here. It wont dissapoint. We also had a very young child with us who did start to play up a bit si was unable to stay for sweets. Bit dissapointed as would liked another beer and a sweet here. The other good thing is you can order your meal to your pallet so you can order most things on the menu and have it mild, medium or hot. Ours were all medium and they were hot enough for us but still taste the great flavours of the dish.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Thanks Mark for taking the time to review us and leaving such a great in depth review. We loving reading feedback about our dishes and are so pleased you loved our flavours especially our curries! We hope to welcome you and your family back soon and thank you for your kind words.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terry W
Bracknell1355 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We are so often left wanting more, but not at Istan Thai.
Our very friendly server warned us that the starters were big and suggested that we consider ordering a main after we had finished the starter. Good job as we had the sharing platter for two - which was enough for four.
Stuffed a plenty is all I can say.
They did great with the social distancing and this did not distract from the experience.
When back in Poole next time, we will select just a few starters individually as we saw the mains coming out that were also ample.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Terry it was a pleasure welcoming you to Isan Thai! Thank you so much for leaving us 5 stars and your kind words. We look forward to seeing you both when your next in Poole.
Written August 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine m
9 contributions
Jan 2021 • family
I love this restaurant, the food is always very good!
The pad thai is beautiful, the sticky rice and green curry are always full of flavour!
The food is always hot and delivered with a smile too.
The price is a little higher than other local Thai restaurants, but I am happy to pay a bit extra to keep a family run business open, especially when the food is clearly cooked with care and passion.
I will of course continue to order regularly!😀
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Thanks Catherine for your lovely words and supporting our family business.
We are glad your meal is delivered with a smile and you enjoy our home cooked Thai food; we do put our hearts and passion into everything we do. Thank you for your continuing support 🙏
Written February 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen
2 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
Simply delicious. My husband and I enjoyed two starters and mains, all of which were freshly cooked, authentic, delicately spiced, and chilli strength cooked to our preference. Service wonderful too. Would highly recommend a visit to this great little restaurant.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Thank you Helen great to hear you and your husband had a lovely meal! Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review it is very much appreciated!
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leppard2016
Surrey45 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
Based on TA reviews, ordered online a takeaway to be delivered to our hotel in Poole. Excellent service, easy process - particularly liked that you could specify how chilli hot you wanted your food. Green curry fantastic and lots of fresh veggies in stir fry and veggie Pad Thai. Lovely stuff - finished it off for breakfast!
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Great to hear you enjoyed your takeaway and had a stress free delivery process to your hotel. We get quite a lot of customers ordering food to their hotel or the local hospital so nice to hear some feedback. Thank you for taking the time to review us and leaving us 5 stars it is much appreciated!
Written September 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BGirl79
Dorset132 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
So let's talk thai food!!
Isan Thai is a small, family run business that we absolutely love!
I am a little bit more careful these days so we only had several takeaways but seriously this is far the best Thai food I had in the UK.
My favourite is Massaman Curry with sticky rice. Even when the rest of my family is ordering chinese from next door I, very often, call in with an order just for me.
The service is always friendly and very attentive, always smiling regardless of what is happening "out there".
The food is very tasty and portions are quite large too.
We tried several different dishes and didn't find a single dish we didn't like. I read few reviews before writing mine and noticed a mention about food arriving cold. I am genuinely sorry if it happened to somebody but ours is always piping hot and on several occasions I was wondering how do they get it to us this hot!
If you are in the area or just want to try a super yummy food please give this establishment a go, I think you won't be disappointed!! :)
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Well thank you BGirl79 so much when times are difficult out there a review like this is priceless to us 🥰
We loved reading it and are delighted you love our food and appreciate you taking the time to review us and your lovely comments.
We are working terribly hard in this difficult world out there to bring fresh, home cooked, authentic Thai food to our customers full of flavour and spice and your recommendation means the world to us, so thankyou!!
Written November 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katieevans09
Swindon2 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
I came here a few weeks ago with my friends, the food was excellent so tasty and full of flavour. They ask you how much spice you want with your food which was good and also the portion sizes for the main were very generous. I will be coming back later this month :)
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Great thanks Katie 🙏 we are so glad you enjoyed your meal with your friends. We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review and can't wait to welcome you back again soon!
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BGirl79
Dorset132 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We order regularly from Isan Thai as our weekly treat but this was the first time we actually visited for a sit down meal.
The venue is small but nicely decorated with about 10 tables but it somehow gives it a very quirky feel.
It was quite busy when we arrived but the owner welcomed us as if were old friends and showed us to our table. You could tell how proud he was to have a full house.
We sat next to the bar and I think that was my most favourite table.
We ordered few starters and our mains. We both wanted to try something else than to what we normally order for takeaway. (A note here - we usually order Thai Green Curry and it is to die for!! ).
Our starters appeared shortly after ordering and the portions were very generous. My fish was light and fresh and the chicken in the other starter very juicy and nicely cooked.
The mains were equally delicious, my Pad Thai was very authentic and the Panang Curry is definitely my new favourite dish.
The staff was friendly, professional and making sure we had everything we need at all times. All staff were wearing masks and there is a plenty of sanitiser everywhere for you to use.
I would thoroughly recommend Isan Thai if you want to have a nice evening out with freshly cooked and authentic food.
Thank you!
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicckki
Wow 👌 thank you so much we feel proud to read your review and are so delighted we are you favourite restaurant 😊
Thank you for taking the time to review us and leaving us 5 stars. We hope to welcome you back soon 🙏
Written October 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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