Pla Sam Rod – Whole Sea Bass with Signature Thai Three-Flavour Sauce

At Thaispice London, we celebrate the art of Thai cuisine with bold, vibrant dishes made from the freshest ingredients. One of our standout specialties is Pla Sam Rod – a classic Thai dish that delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Served at our popular halal Thai restaurant in London, this dish features a fresh whole sea bass, expertly cooked and topped with the iconic three-flavour sauce. If you’re in search of the best Thai restaurant in London for authentic seafood experiences, Pla Sam Rod is a must-try.

🐟 What is Pla Sam Rod?

Pla Sam Rod translates to “Three-Flavour Fish” in Thai and is a much-loved dish in traditional Thai cuisine. It’s a beautifully presented whole sea bass, fried until crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky inside, then generously topped with a specially crafted sauce that brings together sweetness, sourness, and spice — the three key pillars of Thai flavor.

This dish not only showcases the culinary depth of Thai food but also reflects the finesse and care put into every plate served at Thaispice London.

🧄 Key Ingredients & Preparation

1. Whole Sea Bass

The star of this dish is a fresh whole sea bass, selected daily for its quality and flavor. It’s cleaned and lightly scored before being deep-fried, achieving a golden crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy, tender center.

2. Three-Flavour Sauce (Sam Rod Sauce)

The magic lies in the sauce — a signature Thai creation that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. Our version is made with:

• Tamarind paste – for its signature sour tang

• Palm sugar – adding natural sweetness and depth

• Thai red chilies – bringing a moderate heat that lingers pleasantly

• Garlic and shallots – sautéed to enhance aroma and savory notes

• Fish sauce – delivering that classic Thai umami

The sauce is simmered until thick and glossy, then poured generously over the crispy fish, coating it in bold, complex layers of flavor.

3. Fresh Garnishes

To enhance both the look and taste, Pla Sam Rod is topped with fresh herbs like Thai basil or coriander, and sometimes julienned vegetables like red chili and green onions for a bit of crunch and color.

🌶️ Flavor Profile

This dish is a perfect example of the balance and harmony central to Thai cuisine. Each bite of Pla Sam Rod delivers:

• A crispy texture from the fried fish skin

• A tender, mild fish flavor from the sea bass

• A bold and complex sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once

The contrast of textures and layered flavors makes this dish both exciting and comforting — a perfect choice for seafood lovers and anyone new to exploring authentic Thai food.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

At Thaispice London, we recommend enjoying Pla Sam Rod with:
✔️ Steamed Jasmine Rice – to absorb and balance the bold flavors of the sauce
✔️ Stir-Fried Morning Glory or Mixed Vegetables – to add freshness and texture to your meal
✔️ Thai Iced Tea or Coconut Water – perfect for cooling the palate between bites

This dish is also ideal for sharing — making it a great centerpiece for family meals or special gatherings.

📍 Try Pla Sam Rod at the Best Thai Restaurant in London

When you’re looking for the best Thai restaurant in London that offers authentic flavor, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming halal dining experience, Thaispice London is your go-to destination.

Our Pla Sam Rod is prepared with precision and passion, showcasing the very best of Thai cuisine — right here in the heart of London. Whether you’re dining in, celebrating with friends, or ordering a special takeaway meal, this dish brings a taste of Thailand to your table.

👉 Visit Thaispice London or place your order online today to discover why we’re a top-rated halal Thai restaurant in London — and don’t miss the chance to enjoy the unforgettable flavors of Pla Sam Rod!

🌟 Why Pla Sam Rod Is a Customer Favorite

Pla Sam Rod isn’t just a dish — it’s an experience. It’s perfect for those who love complexity in flavor and authenticity in presentation. At Thaispice London, we craft this dish with care and intention, ensuring that every element — from the crisp fish to the perfectly balanced sauce — represents the heart of Thai food culture.

What makes it such a guest favorite?

• 🔥 Authentic Thai Flavor – We don’t take shortcuts. Our Sam Rod sauce is house-made using traditional Thai ingredients that deliver genuine taste.

• 🐟 Fresh, Quality Ingredients – Our fish is sourced daily to ensure that you’re always getting the freshest sea bass available.

• ✅ Halal-Friendly – As a fully certified halal Thai restaurant in London, we offer peace of mind for customers who follow halal dietary practices.

• 📸 Instagram-Worthy Presentation – Whole fish dishes are always show-stoppers. Pla Sam Rod looks just as good as it tastes — making it ideal for both foodies and social diners.

👨‍🍳 A Glimpse Into Our Kitchen

Our chefs at Thaispice London are deeply experienced in traditional Thai cooking. When preparing Pla Sam Rod, the process involves multiple thoughtful steps — from delicately scoring the fish to help it cook evenly and absorb the sauce, to carefully balancing the flavors in the Sam Rod sauce to get just the right harmony of spicy, sweet, and tangy.

They also ensure the plating is elegant yet rustic — true to the roots of Thai cuisine.

💬 What Our Guests Say

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“I had never tried Pla Sam Rod before, but I’m so glad I did! The fish was fresh and crispy, and the sauce was out of this world. Easily the best Thai food I’ve had in London.”
— A Google Review from one of our regular customers

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“It’s hard to find a halal Thai restaurant in London that does seafood so well. Thaispice nailed it. This dish had everything — crunch, spice, tang — and the portion size was perfect for sharing.”
— Feedback via UberEats

📦 Available for Dine-in, Takeaway & Delivery

Whether you’re planning a casual dinner, a celebratory meal, or a cozy night in, you can enjoy Pla Sam Rod your way:

• 🪑 Dine-In: Join us at our warm and welcoming restaurant in Hackney Road for an authentic Thai meal.

• 📦 Takeaway: Order through our website and pick up freshly prepared dishes.

• 🚚 Delivery: Get Pla Sam Rod delivered hot to your doorstep via our trusted delivery partners.

We also offer catering for events and private bookings — and this dish is a stunning centerpiece for special occasions.

📍 Visit Us Today

📍 Thaispice London
292 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ
🌐 www.thaispice.co.uk

Come and discover why we’re consistently rated as one of the best Thai restaurants in London. From classic curries to seafood sensations like Pla Sam Rod, we offer a culinary escape to Thailand without ever leaving the city.

👉 Ready to try it?
Book your table now or order Pla Sam Rod online and treat yourself to one of Thailand’s most celebrated seafood dishes — right here at your favorite halal Thai restaurant in London.