Given how ubiquitous they are today, it’s hard to believe Sydney’s first Thai restaurants only opened in the late ‘70s.
Now suburbs are awash with cheap-and-cheerful spots churning out repetitive menus of fish cakes, red and green curries, and pad Thai. However, thanks to legends like Amy Chanta and David Thompson who pioneered authentic Thai flavours in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and a wave of bright young chefs following in their footsteps, we also have some of the finest Thai food this side of Bangkok. Here are five of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney to get your sweet, sour, salty, chilli hit!
Viand Woolloomooloo
As a young chef enchanted by Thai food, Annita Potter flew to London and told David Thompson she needed a job at Nahm. Ten years later, after being his righthand through numerous restaurant openings, she struck out on her own with Viand, a narrow 30-seater, wrapped around a dynamic open kitchen. It is simply one of Sydney’s best dining experiences, the full package of superb ambience, service, food and beverage.
Long Chim Sydney
With this moody, almost subterranean, Angel Place restaurant, David Thompson has transported the taste, aroma and vibe of modern Bangkok to Sydney. Produce is the best available and flavours are uncompromising (see video below). Put yourself in the master’s hands with a maa long chim (‘come try and taste’) shared menu for a harmonious balance of flavours, texture and dishes. The concise wine list is spot on too!
Joe’s Table Darlinghurst
In his bigger, brighter spot on the corner of William & Bourke, Thai dynamo Joe Kitsana still cooks, serves and clears some of the tastiest dishes in town, with a little more help from friends and family (including Greek desserts inspired by Janni Kyritsis). The largely Thai menu has a sprinkling of Vietnamese influence, including killer duck & prawn rice paper rolls. There’s a short, approachable list of wines by bottle and glass too.
Chat Thai (various locations)
The late Amy Chanta, a pioneer of Thai food in Australia, opened her first Chat Thai in 1989. Today her daughter Palisa Anderson uses organic produce from her Boon Luck Farm to continue her mother’s legacy of traditional, flavour-filled dishes. Seek out the the authentic Chat Thai restaurants under Palisa’s stewardship, with city venues in Westfield, Circular Quay and The Galeries, plus Chatswood and Neutral Bay.
Paste Mittagong
If you find yourself in the Southern Highlands for lunch or dinner, look no further than this minimalist space where Michelin-starred Bangkok chef Bee Satongun creates pretty plates of Thai flavours with a sprinkling of Aussie ingredients (think warrigal greens and sea blight). The set menu is the best way to experience a balanced meal; and take time to peruse the extensive wine list including some good Southern Highlands drops.
Updated 10 May 2024
