Leytonstone News

Shock and sadness as iconic Thai spot Singburi leaves Leytonstone

The much-loved restaurant will move to a larger venue in Shoreditch in the Spring, reports Marco Marcelline

Singburi, 593 High Road Leytonstone, Credit: Google Streetview

The popular Leytonstone Thai spot Singburi has announced it is closing its High Road business and moving to Shoreditch.

The much-loved eatery, which was voted TimeOut’s best Thai restaurant in London, has been shut since November when head chef and owner Sirichai Kularbwong announced an “sabbatical”. 

Originally a fish and chip shop opened by Sirchai’s parents Tony and Thelma in 1999, Sirichai later transformed the space into Singburi which he ran alongside them. 

With its delectable moo krob (crispy pork belly with chilli and basil) and chef specials scribbled on a blackboard menu, Singburi became one of the most in-demand restaurants in East London. It was recently ranked as the 71st best restaurant in the UK, with critics loving its family-run charm, cash only simplicity, and “bracingly-authentic Thai cooking“.

The Echo understands that Tony and Thelma will now retire while Sirichai will run the Shoreditch location with friends Nick Molyviatis, a founding chef of Soho’s Kiln, and Alexander Gkikas from coffee shop London Catalyst.

An announcement by the restaurant reveals that the new Singburi will “remain rooted in the spirit of the original while embracing a broader, distinctly London perspective”. 

One of the biggest confirmed changes will be the addition of a drinks menu, with Singburi having previously asked guests to bring their own alcohol with them.

The news has been met with shock and sadness by long-time fans of the restaurant. Locals took to Facebook to lament its departure from Leytonstone, with one writing: “Gutted they are leaving us, Singburi is a Leytonstone institution – it won’t be the same in Shoreditch.”

Another saw a silver lining in the move to a larger venue, stating: “It’s very annoying and sad they’re leaving for the bright lights of Shoreditch. But then, maybe we can manage to book a table!?”

E11 resident Pallavi Singh, who says Singburi is her favourite restaurant in Leytonstone, told the Echo the news of its move came as a “shock”.

She said: “My partner showed me the news on his phone and I’m not sure if our neighbours heard me scream but it wouldn’t surprise me if they did. I kept re-reading the headline, desperately clinging to a foregone past mere moments ago, where I once lived in Leytonstone, home of Singburi, alas no more.”

The new spot will open in the Spring in Montacute Yards, just a one-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street Station.

Anyone still wanting Thai food in Leytonstone should be reminded of Mum Likes Thai Food, which Echo reviewer Selin Azimkar praised for its “intensely flavourful” dishes and “plentiful portions”.

Find out the latest by following Singburi on Instagram: Singburi_e1

Do you have fond memories of Singburi Leytonstone? Get in touch [email protected]


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