Soi 1268

The story

Soi 1268 in Birmingham: Thai Street Food from the Good Food Guide's Local Gem

A Family Legacy on a Plate

Soi 1268 in Birmingham delivers authentic Thai street food rooted in a family legacy that spans decades. Sai Deethwa and James Fitzgibbons operate this Stirchley venue, which The Good Food Guide named a Local Gem for its exceptional cooking and relaxed hospitality.

Sai learned cooking at age five alongside her mother Niang in Surin, Thailand, absorbing secret recipes passed down through generations. She developed her signature green curry with a unique family twist before moving to England. Her culinary journey led her to the MasterChef final in 2012, fueling a career that began with the popular Buddha Belly food van and evolved into this brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Bold Flavours and Small Plates

The menu focuses on small plates and the street food famous bowls that built the restaurant's cult following. Diners can expect vibrant dishes like the incomparable beef massaman or spicy chicken panang, prepared with unmistakable warmth. The kitchen maintains a nut-free environment, though it cannot accommodate sesame allergies. Craft beers and well-executed cocktail twists complement the Thai cooking style.

Relaxed Dining in Stirchley

Located on Pershore Road, Soi 1268 offers a compromise between street food energy and restaurant comfort. The space encourages diners to taste Thailand as it appears in the owners' home, fostering genuine hospitality among locals. Walk-in guests may find stool seating available when tables are fully booked. The restaurant remains a focal point in a suburb known for thriving independent eateries.