Popular new Isle of Wight Thai restaurant reviewed

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We started with ocean soup — so full of assorted seafood, the contents rose out of the broth like a Kraken. 

With its hot spicy liquor, it was all happening, right from that first glorious mouthful. 

Each scoopful delivered a decent mixed portion — soft squid, alongside meaty king prawns, with fishy bits to tempt the palate. 

Mussels in their shells, sharing space with creamy button mushrooms. 

Bobbing alongside were sundry vegetables, pak choi and red peppers — all infused with that invigorating herby fusion.

Our other starter was tofu and cashews. Tofu is a test of any chef's mettle and, at Thai Journey, this sometimes bland and inconsequential ingredient, turned out to be quite the opposite. 

It was nicely smoked and its spongy texture absorbed the dish's tasty gravy — releasing a complicated umami flavour. 

Flash-fried nutty cashews, fresh peppers and spring onions added to the texture pleasure. 

But it was that incredible sauce, which kept us coming back for more — and we ate the lot.

The first taste of sweet and sour battered chicken, elicited a distinct 'wow' for the sauce's tangible honey note, although, as the meal went on, the honey dominated — even when moderated with the accompanying coconut rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Thai massaman chicken curry is a firm favourite with us. 

Here, the southern Thai curry was mild, yet supremely aromatic, with those scorched cashews again. It was utterly delicious.

Who's not going to try a dessert called 'wonder ball'? 

With its crispy filo pastry, it was an enjoyable indulgence. Green pancake was a strange unsweet dessert, yet not savoury either. 

The soft rolled pancakes were served with shredded coconut ice cream. 

The greenness came from the fragrant pandan leaf. This stock Asian ingredient had been used not only in the yielding pancake, but also its velvety custard centre. 

The overall texture was melt-your-mouth. An unusual yet delectable end to the meal.

We enjoyed Thai Journey's extremely slick and charming service, in its attractive and homely environment. 

The food was really above par, with familiar dishes given a considerable edge with creative flavours and no scrimping on ingredients. 

We even liked the sexy black dessert spoons!