Grubby pub meets Bangkok street food magic
Tucked inside The Brown Bear — one of those slightly sticky, seen-better-days pubs near Tower Hill — you’ll find something truly unexpected: Teparos Thai Street Food, serving up dishes so good they’ll make you forget where you are (until you look down and see your shoes sticking slightly to the floor)!
I picked this spot for my monthly dinner event because I’d heard whispers about a young chef from Bangkok doing something special here. And wow, what a find.
The chef himself was an absolute star — warm, humble, and genuinely passionate about his food. He even came out to serve the dishes himself, setting down shared plates with a smile that said it all. None of that flashy PR showmanship you get at Speedboat Bar (what a disappointment that was — check my last post if you missed it). This guy doesn’t need marketing; his cooking does all the talking.
Atmosphere:
The pub itself… let’s just say it’s not exactly where you’d take a first date. Sticky tables, random football commentary in the background, and a faint whiff of lager in the air. But honestly? It adds a bit of chaotic charm. You’re there for the food, not the décor — and Teparos delivers big time.
Price:££
It’s what you’d expect for good Thai food in London — not exactly “street” prices, but totally fair. Considering the quality, the care behind each dish, and the fact that, well, this is London, it feels more than justified.
What I Ordered:
Yum Fried Pork Belly
Crispy, golden perfection. The kind of crunch that makes you close your eyes and nod approvingly, yet the pork belly was juicy.
Sweet Corn Som Tum
Bright, punchy, and just the right kick of chilli. Sweet, tangy, addictive.
Minced Beef Pad Kaprow
Deep, saucy flavours — pure joy on rice. I had the same dish at Speedboat Bar, but this one easily won. It wasn’t just spicy; it actually had flavour — rich, layered, and deeply satisfying. Even the fried egg was perfection: edges crisped just right, yolk slightly set but still creamy.
Cabbage with Soy Sauce
Simple, comforting, and strangely satisfying. I don’t know what it is about wok-tossed veggies, but they just hit the spot every single time.
*Chicken Panang Curry
Oh. My. God. Honestly, this curry deserves its own fan club. The sauce was thick and velvety, clinging lovingly to every bite of tender chicken and perfectly steamed rice. It had that unmistakable Panang depth — a balance of coconut cream richness and gentle heat that makes you pause after each spoonful. Every mouthful was pure harmony: sweet, savoury, nutty, and fragrant all at once.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop talking mid-sentence and just sigh. I’ve had my fair share of Panang curries — even in Bangkok — but this one honestly tops them all. If he ever bottles that sauce, I’d stock up for life. It’s comfort, craftsmanship, and culinary soul in one plate.
Conclusion:
Teparos is the definition of a hidden gem — serving proper, soulful Thai food in the most unglamorous setting imaginable. This young Bangkok chef is cooking with passion, not marketing hype, and it shows.
Forget the influencer spots; this is the real deal. Come hungry, bring an open mind, and don’t wear your nicest clothes!
