Pailin in Lewes

Fabulous! If you want to eat real Thai food, with a flavor full of good taste, a warm and friendly atmosphere, this is the right place. We were impressed by this small family restaurant. Friendly and welcoming hosts. Delicious food and very good prices. Typical Thai decor. We will love to come back for sure. Thank you Pailin Thai Restaurant

We were initially excited to visit this restaurant as the reviews are mostly good and many people rave about this restaurant. We booked before visiting and were promptly seated by the window at the front of the restaurant. The woman who seated us was very friendly and made us feel no rush whilst deciding. The one thing that stood out was the lack of any sort of ambiance music and as such you felt very out there just sat in an empty room. The menu was very exciting to read with lots of options that were varied and different from the standard dishes served at all Thai restaurants. Unfortunately this is where the excitement ended with the food. Once ordered food was delivered promptly and was hot and well cooked however the starters were nothing special. The fried squid I had was well cooked and crispy but didn't have much flavour in the seasoning and the sweet chilli dip was the only flavour. The sauce was meant to be mixed with a peanut sauce but instead just had crushed peanuts on top of the sauce pot. The other members of my party had the spring rolls which were your bulk standard wholesaler ones and was very thin and lacking filling. The spare ribs were tasty and well cooked but again were just standard wholesaler ones. The mains came shortly after our starters were cleared and were very hot. I had the Pad bai kra pao and what arrived was nothing like I was expecting I did question with the staff but they were adamant this was the right order. My job involves me working all over the world with various nationalities and the Thai chefs like to cook this dish which is why I was excited to have it in the UK. The dish that arrived was very wet and was in a greasy soup mixture this was a dish that was meant to be stir fried according to the menu however the veg was very undercooked and the pork was very tough and dry. I have attached a picture below of what the dish was meant to look like and couldn't find any that matched what I had. The dish did have a alright taste but was very salty and oily. The Thai green curry another member of the party had was very weak on flavour and seemed to be watery. There was also a lot of oil floating on the surface. I had also tried some of this dish and found it to be nothing special. The coconut rice suffered a similar fate there was a very and I mean very mild coconut taste nothing special but the rice was nice and soft. The food here is fair priced for a main course and sides. Starters were extremely overpriced for what was served, as mentioned the spring rolls were the thin ones you get from a Chinese and pay half the price for. The calamari had little flavour other than the dip and was a pretty small portion for nearly £9. We didn't attempt desserts as we were all disappointed by the meal so cannot comment on that. In regards to drinks I only noted the price on beer and coke which were the two drinks the table got. A small beer was nearly £5 and a large nearly £9 which is disgraceful for a bottle of Singha I would expect no more than £6 for a large. I totally get that prices are higher in Lewes and due to current market climate but these prices are way above the average price you'd expect. We went to the pub down the road and a pint was £5.8 to give some proof to my above comment. The "Coca Cola" we had I am almost certain was not Coca Cola as advertised on the menu and was a knockoff or cheaper brand. I cannot remember the price of this item but I think it was around £3.20 for a small glass. Overall a disappointing meal given the amount of reviews raving about this place, maybe we got unlucky this time and had a bad meal. However plenty of other locations around for Thai which is a lot better tasting and better quality and portions.

Delicious, had a great lunch here today with husband and kids. Whole family agreed it was a lovely meal. Very reasonably priced, friendly service. Do visit!

Truly delicious food, full of flavour and crunch veg, tasty meat and perfect noodles. Very authentic. The family who run it are lovely and we enjoyed talking to them about Thailand too. Highly recommended, we will be back.

This was the perfect venue for our family reunion. The food was outstanding, the service unobtrusive yet attentive, the perfect combination. Just up from the station, this restaurant is a Lewes institution. I would highly recommend Pailin for any occasion. To be clear, this restaurant is fully operational and is not closed.

An authentic little gem. Two minutes from Lewes station. Lovely ambience, fantastic authentic Thai food, hosted by a very friendly and welcoming Thai family from north Eastern Thailand. We'll be back. Recommend the chicken larb to anyone who likes a spicy aromatic dish.

Small little thai restaurant in Lewes. Didn't expect to find authentic Thai food in Lewes ! It was very nice. We had the pad see eew. Huge portion! 2 person can share if not too hungry. The tom yum soup was very good, too ! Most importantly the service, served by lovely Thai lady who is very nice and friendly.

I had the #41 and it was like eating actual magic.

We just picked up a takeout and to say we wished we could ask for our £29 back is an understatement…as people who don’t get takeout often and make sure it’s a treat this was a lot of money and we couldn’t be more disappointed. We got a side of chicken wings (cold and lacking any taste), a pork dish for £13 which is so small and basically heated up pork slices with no taste, egg fried rice (again seemed microwaves and no taste) and then my partner got a curry which was watery and lacking taste. I’m not someone who writes reviews or wants to bash a place but this is awful and I can’t believe for £30…

Best Thai restaurant I have ever been to. We have since returned to Lewes purely to go back here.

Nice Thai restaurant with friendly owners and delicious food.

Delicious food, lovely place, great hosts and reasonable prices. My favourite restaurant in Lewes.

Always enjoying going here to catch up with friends. Some good vegan options, and maybe can be altered to be vegan or vegetarian. The chef is always very accommodating.

Wonderful! I live in Thailand but on my travels home to see my family I was missing Thai food - I popped in here for a quick lunch and was not disappointed. Highly recommend the tom yum gung and laab moo!

Worth it. Quick stop here right before they closed for the afternoon. She was kind enough to seat us and serve us even though she was closing! Spacious. Clean. Food was very good. We had Penang curry and Pad-se- ew. Curry was moderately spicy and flavorful. Padseew had lots of fresh veggies and was made with thin rice noodles like traditional Pad-Thai.

Ordered Tofu Pad med ma muang. Full points for the taste of food. Really loved every bite of it. Service was also good. Although found the plate and food portion small for a main dish.

Excellent atmosphere relaxed. Other diners quiet

Cannot be faulted, feels like genuine Thai food (not catering to western tastes). Friendly with a quiet easy atmosphere. Lovely 👍

The thai couple was friendly and took the time to explain our order. The tom yum soup was tangy delicious. The Malaysian salad was o.k missing a few ingredients, usually not presented like that. I had the crispy noodle with tofu, a northern Thai dish, was good.

Takeaway, nice food, little on the small side for what you're paying. Not sure I would order from there again but would like to eat in to see if that's better as the restaurant looks lovely.

Great food and nice wine, and friendly staff who took time to talk to us and reminiscing about travels 👍

Great food, lovely people, nothing to complain about! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

My husband and I eat here semi-regularly. The food is tasty, the portions good, and the service friendly and efficient. Excellent value for money. The restaurant is small but cosy and always busy - best to book to avoid disappointment. Handy location just up from the station and car park.

Really wonderful food and even better service. The service was impeccable and very attentive. 10/10, all round fantastic meal. Thank you :)

I've had alot of Thai food and this was by far the best. Very humble little restaurant great friendly staff very welcoming, will be back soon.

This is by far the best Thai restaurant I’ve been to in the UK. Not only was the atmosphere and the staff fantastic and so so kind but the food was amazing. My friend ordered the Singaporean noodles while I had the sticky rice as a side. I highly recommend both, the noodles were perfectly cooked and seasoned with just the right amount of spice. The rice was exactly the same as my mom makes (who is also Thai). If you’re in Lewes or just craving some Thai food, definitely come here!

As soon as arrived was made not to feel welcome, staff were not helpful, was sat in the corner and next to loudest bunch of people possible, they were so loud I could give a run down of there life and what there future held, if I want to hear your conversation I will join your table, it was like all sitting on top of each other and there was no respect for others around to having such a loud mouth ruinig your visiting and making you want to get out of there as soon as possible, will not visit again as put off by this experience and how made to feel.

We ordered a takeaway for 3 people. We have always found this restaurant to be very good however our takeaway was poorly packaged and leaked everywhere in the car then we unpacked the food the sauces were extremely watery, the meat quantity in 2 of the dishes was very little. The rice was grey in colour and very starchy.

Nice family run restaurant Good food and just the right amount We shall come back again for an evening meal

Cannot rate this Thai restaurant enough. We went back to Lewes after 15 years away and the owner still remembered us. The food if anything had improved on its earlier greatness. Wish it was my local still would be there regularly

This was really a lovely experience, so much so that I returned on the last evening of my mini-break in Lewes. The decor is bright without being gaudy, and the furnishings comfortable and non-ricketty. The staff team were friendly but not intrusive, and there was a relaxing atmosphere. The food itself was excellent and arrived in a timely manner. The rice and meat portions were of a modest size, whilst the vegetable side-order was generous and delicious. Exactly what is required for a healthy meal in my view!

Very good food friendly service we be go back

Easily accessible. Nice indoor environment. Tasty food. Helpful staff. Reasonable price. The best restaurant in Lewes! Highly recommend anyone going there 👍

Amazing Thai food for a good price and fast welcoming service with a nice aesthetic to the restaurant, people we’re waiting for it to open so it seems the local love it and so did me and my friends z

Always the best Thai food, cooked by an incredibly nice and happy Lewes family.

not the best Thai restaurant I have been in room dark and dismal like sitting in a old garage with painted walls. food not good below average will not be coming back. staff very friendly but this old restaurant needs re fitting and painting tables to close you could eat of other peoples plate if you want to that close in these covid times. owners need to have a big think on how to improve this place.

Didn’t take any pictures, but would really like to leave a positive review for this small but very authentic Thai restaurant. The food here is better than many restaurants I have tried in Thailand. The operators are Thai and they are extremely helpful and cheerful. Thank you for the wonderful dining experience.

Really nice Thai food, I looked at the menu and judged the dishes as average but …….. when they arrived the flavours were rich and the food tastes great. Very nice servers too. Lovely little place. Great atmosphere

Really enjoy going to this place. This is my choice, even with the other Thai option in Lewes, I recommend the Pailin.

What I really like about Pailin, is that they will do their best to serve you and make you feel comfortable. Their cuisine is delicious and will transport you back to Thailand, for those who have stayed there in this magnificent country. Great atmosphere!!!!🤗✌🏽😊😊😊😊

Best Thai I have had for ages I wish I could take this restaurant to Chelmsford Essex - we have nothing as good. We had Tom yum soup, pad Thai , Thai green curry all lovely. Would highly recommend definitely coming back in our visit to watch the football In Brighton. We are West Ham fans

Not great. We eat out a lot and this ranks as one of the more disappointing experiences. Had mixed starters for two, which was quite greasy and tasted of old oil. My wife didn't eat her main course, being the pig that I am I attempted to do both, but I have to say, I couldn't eat her main either. Will not be venturing back, anytime soon

My husband took me here for my birthday as I love Thai. It was so disappointing - the starters were tiny and overpriced and the main meal was cold and tasteless - never again!

Best Thai food we have tasted & the people there are very friendly

Lovely little restaurant with great food, service and good prices.

Absolutely brilliant meal, really really close to what you get in 🇹🇭 , beautifully seasoned and spiced as we liked. Also owners really nice people had time to chat, very friendly ,thumbs up. Will be back 👌😉

Very welcoming atmosphere, great food and comfortable surroundings. This is a great place to meet friends for a very good choice of Thai meals.

Delicious food and excellent service

Really delicious, authentic Thai place. Highly recommend!

Unlike recent reviews, service was very attentive, friendly and very accommodating. We only had one main but service was quick and courteous. We went for curry Masalam. Quantity is good, quality average. Place is small but cosy and it is in a good location.

Menu has been updated since my last visit (and possibly my tastes) but wow, totally amazing. Loads of veg and tofu options now. There is even vegan ice cream.

I've been going to Pailin's for three years - all the excellent reviews on here are right, the food is delicious, it's a great place in Lewes to keep going back to and it's one of my favourite restaurants. However, we went there on the Sunday of the Bank Holiday and had a very different experience that has completely ruined the place for me. Palin's are slow by comparison to other restaurants - you can wait 40 mins for food to come at times...but there's usually a quick flow between starters and mains once they get going. On my last visit things were very different - while our starters turned up by ten-past 8 (after getting there at half 7pm and ordering pretty promptly), we then waited 65 mins for the mains...When we asked at 8:50pm where the mains were, we were told they were 'coming soon' - to make up for this delay we asked if we could have another round of drinks on the house (by this time we had finished our first). The waitress said yes...then followed 20 mins of staff doing their best not to come near us or catch us in the eye. When our food eventually came around 9:15pm - by which time we were all very hungry (but it's also far too late to really be enjoying a meal) we asked about the drinks again, the owner immediately said 'No, that's not how this works. It's been very busy in the kitchen tonight, everyone has had to wait - you can't get free drinks. It's busy everywhere, this is to be expected'. When we explained that we had discussed this with one of his waitresses, that she had told us the food was coming 'soon' (over 20mins before) and that she had said yes to the free drinks, he then proceeded to argue with us - and drew the attention of other people in the restaurant. We pointed out that others around us had come in after us and been served before us - he said 'we couldn't jump the queue'...We actually think that they had forgotten to process our mains in the kitchen until we prompted the waitress to ask about the mains, as I have never had to wait OVER AN HOUR between courses. The owner was aggressive - he refused to offer a discount instead, a second round of drinks never came (so we were thirsty too), all enjoyment of eating the food went as we were left shaking with anger and very upset at the owner/manager's behaviour. Other people didn't wait as long as us - though it was observed that three customers who came to pick up takeaways were left waiting for a good 20-30 mins for their orders to come too. Delays at Palin's I have expected and witnessed before - but never such a long wait between meals, and never the attitude of the staff and the owner who, while acknowledging we were loyal customers, refused to offer simple requests to rectify what was bad service on their part. His manner was aggressive - not to mention misogynistic and upsetting to everyone around the table (some lessons in treating customers kindly and calmly wouldn't go a miss - I would definitely advise anyone with hidden disabilities not to go here as the staff won't notice or care). I am never going back here - the whole event ruined the meal, the food lost all its lovely taste and I am still deeply upset about this two days on. We got out of there as soon as we could - I'm still furious no discount and NO APOLOGY was ever given. Having worked in customer service before, rule 1 is never argue with the customer - and the fact the owner/manager did this to deliberately try to get us to back down and not make a scene was a belittling and threatening experience. Total shame ... And one final point about how he said 'everywhere is like this', we then went to another restaurant for pudding and the food came within 10 mins (if that). So no, not everywhere cooks meals from total scratch, forgets about them, then serves customers an hour later - that has nothing to do with 'being busy'. It's due to the sheer incompetence and poor service that Palin's delivered.

While things went well for our starter we then had an hour and a half wait for our main. We asked where our food was and received an aggressive reply saying the kitchen was busy and we would need to wait. When we asked for a discount on the meal due to the wait time the wait staff got very aggressive with us. While I understand that kitchens get busy I would normally expect a warning of this and an apology, neither were offered once. We will never be going back.

Everything was going well with the meal until we questioned why it had been a 1.5 hour wait for our food. At that point it turned nasty and we were treated so poorly by the wait staff we felt threatened and one of our table started to cry. Will never be going back.

Everything was going well with the meal until we questioned where I food was after 1.5 hours. At that point it took a nasty turn and we were treated so terribly by the wait staff that we felt threatened. One of our table was made to cry and we were too nervous to do anything except pay our bill and go given the behaviour exhibited.

We went to the Palin last night and the food served to us was excellent. The four of us found the service excellent and the food positively delicious. They even catered for a friend of mine who was dairy free and could not onions. A lovely evening. Thank you so much

Great food and great location. The restaurant is cosy and the owner very lovely.

We had a lovely meal really good quality and Lewes is worth a visit as well

A very varied menu of really delicious Thai food. Helpful friendly staff. Highly recommended. You won't find better in Lewes.

Found this restaurant by chance and was not disappointed. Friendly welcome and outstanding food. If in the area do not miss.

The two of us were looking for an early dinner and the good reviews led us here. We were not disappointed. Each and every dish that we had was delicious; not a single morsel of food disappointed. We shared a Num Tok Nue salad as a starter followed by Pork Pad King, Rainbow Trout Chu Chi Pla with Kao Krati rice, with Jasmine Tea to accompany the meal. Flavours were fresh and fragrant. It has been a loooong time since I enjoyed a meal so much.

The two of us were looking for an early dinner and the good reviews led us here. We were not disappointed. Each and every dish that we had was delicious; not a single morsel of food disappointed. We shared a Num Tok Nue salad as a starter followed by Pork Pad King, Rainbow Trout Chu Chi Pla with Kao Krati rice, with Jasmine Tea to accompany the meal. Flavours were fresh and fragrant. It has been a loooong time since I enjoyed a meal so much.

Wonderful, authentic Thai food delicious , what a wonderful evening. Top gun maverick at the Depot then to walk into this amazing Thai restaurant. Thankyou so much x

Excellent Tom yum soup, flavourful and satisfying. Great service. Eating there has restored my faith in Thai food.

The service was great, very friendly and helpful staff - and the food was decent, the spring rolls were tasty!

Good food, good value, great service

Cosy, tasty food, no music, fairly busy on a Wednesday night

One of our regular take away options. Prefer the main courses to the starters. Lovely friendly service.

High quality food and excellent service. Cannot be faulted.

The food was freshly cooked and tasted divine. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was fantastic. We can't wait to visit Lewes again just so that we have an excuse to come here. Such friendly and welcoming owners who are clearly very talented in the kitchen and at hospitality.

Fantastic food and friendly service. Our children was pleased with service and food. Calm environment.

We ordered from the specials. Everything was so delicious! It was one of those meals where you're so full, but you keep eating because it tastes so good! The restaurant was clean and had a nice ambience. The staff were great! Will definitely dine here again.

Great menu; very, VERY tasty food; lovely staff - this is our second visit: an quite certain it'll not be our last!

Love this place! Tasty food & kind, discreet staff. Been there twice and hope to return regularly and try other things from their menu too!

Another delicious dinner at Pailin. Absolutely tasty food and great atmosphere

Super delicious.... Defo go again.

Delicious thai food, little prices, lovely staff. Recommended.

Best authentic Thai food around

V good standard of Thai for the price. A step up flavour wise from alot of Thai restaurant IV been to. On the repeat list

As I'm not a huge fan of Thai cuisine, I may not be the best judge. However they offer some dishes that are a little different and they all seem pretty good (I was particularly fond of the spring rolls, which we had as part of the mixed starter)

Had a lovely meal here. Food was delicious and the staff very friendly. Would definitely go again!

A wonderful restaurant. Beautiful food, full of flavour. Superb service. Highly recommend.

Amazingly delicious food. Was so flavourful and great hospitality. The place is very clean and warm as well and very affordable.

Absolutely loved the food here. So tasty.

The last time I visited was over 40 years ago and called in when passing last week. For our visit food was excellent and the staff very friendly and helpful. The menu was very comprehensive and we were spoilt for choice. Shame with all the...

Delicious food, great service and reasonable prices. I'd go back just for the after dinner coffee.

Very friendly staffs. Authentic Thai cuisine. Surprised to find Larb on the menu and very happy with the dish. Stuffed chicken wings are delicious. Suggest people make reservation as this restaurant is very popular. I was very lucky to be able to get a table without reservation.

Lovely find tucked away in lewes. All the food is fresh and the owners very welcoming and talkative. Me and my partner love this place and will be returning in the years to come. Highlights are the dim sum and satay skewers to start. Massaman curry for the main is unreal. Would give more stars if I could as the prices are so affordable as well!

Awesome! I love the coconut infused curry AND the cocconut rice…

We have used this restaurant occasionally over the years and then found the staff and food to be excellent. Unfortunately things have declined in our recent visit. Food is bland, obviously frozen and prepared without much care. The portions are small, uninteresting (so are the...

Went based on the reviews but Dissapoiningly average take-away. Vegy tempura had heaviest batter I have ever eaten, veg noodles consisted of shredded cabbage and a lump of bland, dark unattractive noodles. Beef massaman average - five small cubes of beef and overly sweet sauce.

A flavoursome menu we were spoilt for choice. Our second time visiting; three years since a stay-cation near Lewes. Our first time dining out since Covid measures relaxed and a superb meal to enjoy such freedoms. The restaurant opened 17/05/21. A petite dining area in keeping with the personal atmosphere enjoyed. Highly recommended.

Love Pailin Thai restaurant, just went with friends after the lockdown. Foods are brilliant and the owners always so friendly. COVID rules are in place at the check in area.

Wonderfully tasty and very kind and friendly service, thank you

Great food and fantastic service every time we come here. Just brilliant! Already looking forward to coming back.

Wonderful welcome fabulous food mixed starters plus crispy battered prawns tender roast duck and ginger prawns in red Thai curry sauce and delicious deep fried trout topped with fabulous house sauce all homemade freshly cooked and served hot and attractive. .very good service and passing...

Exceptional, you will not be disappointed well worth a visit 😊

This is the second time we have visited and we really loved it. The food is incredible and cooked from scratch every time. The house wines by the glass are lovely. I highly recommend the Salmon with curry paste, coconut milk, basil and lime leaves. Delicious!

Amazing food and very nice and friendly staff

I love authentic Thai food. Pretty good, first visit