Samai Thai Restaurant Birmingham

You'll find Samai tucked away on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, which is saying something—this neighbourhood's packed with decent spots, but this one holds its own. Walk in and you're met with the kind of warmth that makes you feel like a regular immediately, even on your first visit. The kitchen takes its time getting things right rather than rushing plates out, and it shows in every dish. This isn't the watered-down Thai you'd expect from a high street spot; they understand that a proper curry needs depth, that fish sauce should be balanced, not apologised for.