As the sun shone over Oxford and my collections drew ever closer, I decided I needed a change of scenery from the panicked atmosphere of my college hall. So, I headed to Rincha Café to sample some Thai specialities and catch up on reading. I was excited to try this casual, sunlit spot, open continuously from 10:30am-8pm, so I could enjoy delicious food while watching the sun set over Oxford.
I often approach solo dining with a bit of apprehension. I always worry that I will be the only solo diner in the restaurant, or that everyone else is judging my attempt at reading while slurping down noodles. Fortunately, Rincha Café appeased these fears immediately. As I walked in, armed with my Plato and performative wired earbuds, I was greeted by smooth jazz, a wealth of individual seating, and many students with open laptops and noise cancelling headphones. I had found the perfect place for my solo dinner.
My fears abated, I took my seat across from another reader, and set out to decide on my meal. This was no easy feat, considering the sheer number of options on the menu. In the end, I decided to try the Thai pork meatballs as a starter, the chicken mixed dry noodles as a main, and the mango sticky rice (obviously) as a dessert. I placed my order at the counter, and the food arrived only minutes later, served by friendly and welcoming staff.
The skewers were a lovely balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury, with the tamarind sauce providing a tangy contrast to the pork meatballs. I will say that the flavour of the pork is quite pronounced, so I would skip the dish if strong meat flavours are not to your taste. The portion was generous, with three skewers that had four meatballs each, but not so large that I did not want to eat my main.
While I had set out to have a semi productive dinner, this task was made tricky by the delicious chicken noodles I was served next. This dish commanded my full attention. The moment it was set down at my table (almost as soon as I had finished my starter), the peppery smell of the sauce had me salivating. The bowl was loaded, to say the least. Thin rice noodles coated in a sweet and peppery sauce, a pile of minced chicken, three generous chicken meatballs, a handful of soybean sprouts, and coriander to top it off made me question whether I had over ordered. My book lay forgotten beside me as I focused on constructing the perfect bite. The different elements provided a satisfying balance of chewy, spicy, savoury, and fresh. I must admit that I was almost defeated by the sheer amount of ground chicken in my bowl, which might not be a problem for protein-lovers.
Next came the star of the show, the love of my life: mango sticky rice. This mini dish came in a small plastic cup, the perfect portion size after my previous two courses. There was definitely more mango than sticky rice, but when the mango is perfectly ripe, that can never be a complaint. The sticky rice itself was warm with a pleasant coconut flavour, yet not overly sweet. The perfect end to the meal.
While the prices certainly do not make it an everyday treat, considering its location and the fact that it is an independent business, I felt they were fair. In a city where everything can feel rushed and overwhelming, the calm setting and friendly service at Rincha Café are a welcome addition to the hustle and bustle of Broad Street
