Tajska Knajpa Gibbsa — Review by WOJEK
Warsaw, Poland — Thai
A Thai restaurant owned by Polish artist Gibs offers authentic Thai cuisine with notable dishes including crispy pork spring rolls, pad thai with chicken, and pad krapao. The reviewer appreciated the quality of ingredients and flavors, though noted the pad thai leans toward a Polish interpretation with a wetter consistency and milder fish sauce presence than typical Thai versions.
What was great: Pork spring rolls that are crispy and not greasy with good meat-to-noodle ratio, pad thai with tender chicken that is moist and flavorful, pad krapao with smoky flavor from searing, ground meat with good texture, well-cooked egg, ideal level of spice and saltiness
What could improve: Pad thai sauce is somewhat ketchup-like and could use more fish sauce for saltiness compared to traditional Thai versions
The Dishes
The meal began with pork spring rolls priced at 18 zloty for three pieces. These were exceptional - crispy, not greasy, and packed with meat alongside visible carrots and soy noodles. The reviewer was immediately impressed by the meat content and pleasant texture upon first bite.
The main course started with pad thai featuring chicken. The presentation was appealing with bean sprouts, herbs, mint, and cilantro garnished on top. While the sauce had a pleasant appearance and flavor balance, the reviewer noted it tasted somewhat ketchup-like or tamarind-forward, preferring versions with more fish sauce for saltiness. The chicken itself was tender and not dry, though the dish overall represented a Polish interpretation of pad thai due to its wetter consistency where the noodles practically swim in sauce - quite different from typical Thai versions.
The standout dish was pad krapao, marked as Gibbs' favorite on the menu. Made with ground meat, this dish showcased a pronounced smoky flavor from proper searing. The accompanying green beans complemented the dish well. The egg was perfectly cooked with a runny yolk, adding richness to each bite. The overall seasoning was ideal with appropriate spice levels and saltiness, though the reviewer noted this style requires appreciation for ground meat not submerged deeply in sauce.
The Experience
The restaurant staff provided attentive service, promptly bringing dishes and clearing plates. The atmosphere and dining experience were pleasant, creating an inviting Thai restaurant setting.
Value & Pricing
Spring rolls cost 18 zloty for three pieces, the pad thai was 38 zloty, and pad krapao pricing was mentioned as reasonable. The pricing appears moderate for the quality of ingredients and preparation offered.
Notable Moments
When biting into the spring roll, I could immediately feel how much meat is inside it. They are truly crispy, nice, and very pleasant to eat.
The pad krapao is marked as Gibbs' favorite on the menu, and it truly shows in the execution with that smoky flavor from searing that really stands out.
The Verdict
Tajska Knajpa Gibbsa delivers solid Thai cuisine with authentic flavors and quality ingredients. The pad krapao emerges as the best dish of the visit, while spring rolls offer excellent value and quality. While the pad thai leans toward a Polish-adapted version, it remains enjoyable. This restaurant is best for those seeking genuine Thai flavors in Warsaw, particularly fans of the restaurant owner Gibbs or those wanting to explore Central European interpretations of Thai classics.