If, like me, you're tired of large, crowded and expensive restaurants that serve mini portions that doesn't really hit the spot, then you've come to the right place. Really, I mean it.
A couple of days ago, my group really wanted to go somewhere we could catch up as we hadn't met for a while *think a few months* and we wanted to try something/someplace new as well. But if you live or are a city-dweller then you will know how hard that is to find, especially if you're on foot. When one of my friends suggested to go to "this new Thai place, they do great green curry", I was a bit hesitant but I gave it a go anyway.
It wasn't really that hard to find as it was just off the Sussex entrance (the other side, not the Events Cinema side), but as dinner rush hadn't start yet so it was quite empty. But I have to give points to the quick customer service. We were actually greeted even before we stepped foot into the restaurant. Entering the restaurant was like entering into a true, authentic Thai home, decorated with homely ornaments on the walls, traditional displays of children's toys and warmly lit, although you might need sometime to adjust.
We were able to pick we wanted to sit and we chose to sit near the back of the shop, as we wanted some privacy. The shop is quite long and has tables that cater for couples/twos, fours and group table which could sit groups of more than 6, which is pretty nice if you travel in packs like we girls tend to do. Once seated, we were provided with four cups of water as refreshments. They were pretty big cups though. I really like their service because it wasn't too intrusive but also really nice, giving us that warm feeling but also plenty of privacy to catch up amongst ourselves.
The dinner menu had quite a selection ranging from duck dishes, beef, chicken, pork and seafood made as curries, salads or stir-fry. Being really hungry, we quickly scanned the menu and after deciding that we will be sharing, we settled on
Papaya Salad with soft shell crab, Duck Salad, Red Curry Duck and Beef Salad and a bowl of Jasmine Rice. Although one person from our group just cannot recommend the
Green Curry Chicken enough.
Duck Curry and Jasmine rice
Beef salad
Papaya Salad with Soft Shell Crab
Duck salad
Our dishes were brought out quickly and while still steaming hot, but we also had time to prep. our table and had a quick rest and chatted. I love how the shop is really quiet, allowing us to talk without having to yell or scream over each other, but on the other hand there was no echo so we weren't being extremely loud either. While there was music playing in the background, we found that it didn't affect our conversation at all.
It was actually quite a nice balance of sweet, savoury, tangy and spicy. With Thai food, most of the time I find the spicy dishes tend to be a little too overwhelming along side being too salty, but this was a refreshing spicy from the Papaya salad and the soft shell crab was very nicely done. I was actually able to eat every bit of the crab and I can't recommend it enough. The curry was a nice blend of sweetness from the pineapple and lychee, which I always like and the spicy flavour from chilli. The duck was immaculately smoked and was really tender. However, the beef a little let down as it was a little tough for me as I have very sensitive teeth.
We were pretty much filled from the four dishes between the four of us and it wasn't all that expensive. The bill came down to a total of $72 ($18 each) and to be honest, I think it was pretty good regarding customer service and ambience.
Overall, it was a good experience which I am dying to come back to and re-live it. Next time, I think I will definitely try the Green Curry.
