Finding delicious, authentic Thai food in the UK can be a bit of a mission.
As someone who used to live in Bangkok — and who has spent many late nights tucking into blow-your-guts-out som tam on plastic stools — my expectations when it comes to Thai food are high. And sadly, I’ve had my heart broken by one too many watered-down curries and cloyingly sweet Pad Thais since moving back home.
But I’m thrilled to report that Eat Nua, the new(ish) restaurant that took over from Eat Thai last year on Easton Street, is the real deal.
This isn’t your typical Westernised Thai spot where everything’s been dialled down to please cautious palates. Here, the food is bold, balanced, and beautifully authentic – and they’re not afraid to bring the spice.
Walking into Eat Nua, the vibe is warm and relaxed. The space is modern without being clinical, with dark wood, leafy touches and a calm, low-key buzz. And, of course, more than a few Buddha statues to show you exactly what their heritage is. It’s perfect for date night or a casual dinner with friends. And the staff? Friendly, attentive, and clearly proud of what’s on offer.
The menu is incredibly broad, pulling from the different culinary regions of Thailand – from the creamy, comforting curries of the South to the punchy, herb-forward dishes of the North East (Isaan) and even some northern specialties like Khao Soi.
There’s plenty here that will be familiar to most – your pad thais, green curries, and massaman – but look a little closer and you’ll spot the hidden gems too as well as all the street food darlings.
We decided to hit a few of our favourites:
To start, Sai Oua — a northern Thai sausage stuffed with herbs and spices and accompanied by peanuts, chilli, ginger and garlic so you can really load up on the flavour — and Laab Crisy Calamari — perfectly tender squid rings laden with that amazing umami laab taste of minced squid, coriander and chili.
On to the mains, I decided to go for the Nam Tok Kho Moo Yang — a spicy salad comprised of chargrilled pork neck with mint, onion, herbs and chilli — and with no consideration for my future digestion, asked for it to be Thai spicy. Translation: pretty damn spicy. And all mopped up with some sticky rice on the recommendation of our waiter.
Feeling in more of a stir-fried mood, my dining partner opted for a personal favourite of his: Pad Kratium Prik Thai — chicken wok fried with garlic and ground pepper plus a serving of Jasmine rice. No spice but still plenty of punch and aromatics for good measure.
Even the drinks were on point — we washed it down with a couple of Singhas and a pretty good French Chardonnay from their very reasonable and well considered wine list.
Eat Nua is exactly what High Wycombe needs: a proper Thai restaurant that’s not afraid to keep things authentic.
Whether you’re a Thai food purist or just dipping your toe into the cuisine, you’ll find something here to love – and likely come back for more.
📍 Eat Nua | Easton Street, High Wycombe
🧡 Dine in and book online at eatnua.com/wycombe
Do yourself a favour – go hungry, and don’t fear the spice 🌶️
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