It’s an exciting time for Thai restaurants in Australia, with a string of hot openings and a host of chefs who are willing to push the boundaries beyond the standard curry and Pad Thai offerings. Dive into this brave new world of Thai dining with our selection of Thai restaurants that should be on your radar.
Nora, Carlton VIC
Originally famed for their charcoal tarts, Jean Thamthanakorn and Sarin Rojanametin have segued from cute café to full-blown degustation restaurant at Nora in Carlton. The result is inventive, cutting-edge menus with a Thai accent, creating one of the most exciting dining experiences in Melbourne right now. There’s no use trying to guess what’s on the menu, with names such as “Sorry I’m crabby today” and “What goes up must come down”, so just surrender to the eleven courses and enjoy the ride.
Long Chim, Sydney NSW and Perth WA
The godfather of Thai cooking in Australia, David Thompson is returning to Sydney to open the third outpost of Long Chim restaurant. Slated to open at the end of August in Angel Place, Long Chim will showcase the street foods of Thailand in a modern, flavour-packed manner. Western Australians have been living the Long Chim dream since last November, dining on wok-tossed noodles, a rainbow of curries, and smoky grilled meats. And now there are whispers Thompson may be bringing the concept to Melbourne, with a Crown opening on the cards for next year. Victorians, cross your fingers!
Soi 38, Melbourne VIC
Once a pop-up, now a permanent fixture on the Melbourne dining scene, Soi 38 is pushing the boat out with its authentic boat noodles. Thai Boat Noodles, or Kway Teow Reua, are intensely flavoured bowlfuls of aromatic broth, tender braised beef, sliced rump and a pork meatball, vermicelli noodles and a flurry of coriander, spring onions and crunchy pork crackling.
Boon, Sydney NSW
This multitasking Sydney cafe offers Thai-inspired breakfasts by day and traditional Isaan fare by night. Visit Boon the evening for an authentic introduction to the flavours of Isaan, those punchy, spicy dishes from the northeast of Thailand. Order Gai Yang (grilled chicken) with a side of sticky rice, the slightly sour Sai Grog (fermented pork sausages), and fragrant Larb salads of chicken, duck, fish or, for the adventurous, red ant eggs—hint, they taste peppery and are packed with protein!
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