Thai Orchid in Exeter

Have eaten at the Thai Orchid many times, the food and service has always been excellent. However, today was very different! We booked a table for lunch and had an emailed confirmation several days ago. After a 40 mile drive, we arrived at the restaurant at the agreed time to find the door locked and lights off. Knocking the door brought a man who said they wern't open despite our booking. He closed and locked the door - not very professional! Some minutes later, we managed to attract the attention of a lady who turned out to be the chef. She was far more polite than the previous man, contacted the owner, who, from the conversation didn't seem to care. The chef said we could go inside, but she said she didn't know how to turn on the lights and said several times she couldn't serve food. Needless to say, we walked away. A real pity to be treated in such an unprofessional way by the restaurant; you have to do better. We will not be returning!

Nice, though clearly over-stretched staff, and the place needs new carpets or hard flooring, and a luck of paint. Looks very tired. And very crowded, with all the tables to close together considering we're in the middle of a pandemic. Food was ok but not the best Thai. Sorry, but I wouldn't go back.

*Incredible Thai Restaurant*Upon arrival, we were greeted in an extremely welcoming manner even though we got there almost towards their closing time. The staff were extremely friendly, sociable, and kind in their delivery of words and we had many sweet conversations with them. The atmosphere felt extremely homely and authentic with beautiful patterned windows and decorations. As well as this, the sweet, spectacular aroma which filled the restaurant particularly blew my mind!The food was incredibly delicious and brought back memories of the authenticity of Thailand. I would particularly recommend their soups as they are filled with enticing, delicious and rich flavours which could not be experienced satisfactorily in any other Thai food places. Ultimately, I would highly recommend attending this restaurant and I am definitely willing to eat there on a daily basis!

What an amazing meal we had. The staff were amazing on arrival. As for the food I have never tasted Thai food like it. And to finish it off the banana fritters were just out of this world. Can’t wait to go again.

Good thai food. Big selection of main meals with many versions of each meat. Have veg options as well for non meat eaters. Food very well cooked and presented. Staff very good and able to explain different dishes. A little out of the way but well worth hunting down.

We dined in the restaurant. The foods were fine, but the service was really bad. We had been waiting for almost two hours to get our foods. The waitress was rolling her eyes whilst explaining that they had too many Deliveroo orders. One of my friends have allergy, so we informed the waiter that one meal should be gluten-free. The waiter then mocked our ignorance toward the ingredients of the meal.I will never go to this restaurant again.

Excellent food and service. I was very pleased with the starter, the presentation was beautiful and I particularly loved the fishcakes, which were made from scratch and tasted exactly like it would in Thailand, I can't say the same about many other Thai restaurants I've been to. I asked for guaydiel, which is noodle in clear soup (there's different types) but it's a very popular soup among the Thai's in Thailand, I felt like I was in Thailand again and that's what it should be about! The food was authentic (by the way, it really depends on the chef) there's nothing worse than when dishes are westernised, thank you chef/s for keeping it authentic!

Great local restaurant! We will definitely come back

Wow! I’ve just ordered a delivery through deliveroo, and it is probably the nicest meal I have ever had! I’ve now got a new favourite place to eat! Highly recommend this place, not to be missed- especially the satay hed mushroom starter kebabs!! Will order again very soon- thanks.

If you want truly authentic Thai food for a reasonable price look no further.The Thai and husband ("farang")who own and run this little Thai restaurant are both welcoming and hospitable.I've lived in Thailand for two years and this by far the best Thai food I've had in the UK for a long time.Wish it was closer to where I live!