LOCATION
King Street Wharf, walk from the CBD down King Street.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Raised on Thai takeaway, Australians have grown to love their Thai food cheap and cheerful, and are uncomfortable with restaurants disrupting this stereotype. Note: don’t go to I Thai expecting the food to be quick or cheap. You won’t be served curried prawns from a bain-marie here – this is restaurant quality Thai with a setting to match. The owners aim to serve “up-market Thai cuisine in designer surroundings with sensational views”. The sharp monochrome interiors are tempered by the water and greenery outside, and with its warm balcony overlooking King Street Wharf, I Thai’s scenery is a good introduction to our fair city.
The kai kra pao pops with spice: the tender chicken and fresh basil leaves expertly stir-fried with chilli – the result lip-numbing, but good. The kitchen can accommodate requests for more or less spice, and there are gentle options for children such as pad seafood in mild sauce. The a la carte menu is only available for groups of less than eight, any more than that and you are forced to order from the banquet menus (not bad value, but I hate being cornered into a set menu). The service can be vague at times, but the food is expert and the location superb.
Jennifer Miller, April 2007
DETAILS
I Thai Restaurant and Bar is the brainchild of master chef Nelson Ng. Nelson and his wife, Joan, have a long and distinguished history in the restaurant business, previously having restaurants in Kirribilli and North Sydney. In fact Nelson counts two prime ministers among his past restaurant guests. Nelson insists on only the freshest of foods. Thus, market conditions often dictate seasonal changes to the menu ensuring the best quality for the diner.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The restaurant serves up-market Thai cuisine in designer surroundings with sensational views. The menu is surprisingly affordable given the unique combination of cuisine and location. With an extensive menu and wines by the glass, there is something here for everyone. Meat and seafood lovers will love dishes such as Lamb Kra Pao (lamb pieces stir fried w/ chilli, basil, capsicum & shallots) and Nam Salmon (marinated salmon cutlet w/ ginger, garlic, soy sauce and wine served on a bed of bok choy), whilst the restaurant is also vegetarian friendly.
FUNCTIONS
I Thai is fabulous venue for functions, whether it be a corporate or private event. Numerous beautiful weddings have been held here capitalising on the gorgeous outlook over the harbour. The restaurant caters for up to 200 seated guests. Upstairs seats 140 guests and private dining can be accommodated for those wanting an intimate dining experience. Both upstairs and downstairs have their own bar.
PRIVATE ROOM
I Thai now has a private
room seating up to 50 people. Book your corporate function and enjoy privacy in this new room right on the waterfront - plasma screen, DVD player - opens out onto terrace.
BANQUET MENU
$39.90 per person
Mixed entrée plate:
Deep fried fish paste with spicy curry paste lime leaf beans
Deep fried vegetable spring rolls served with sweet plum sauce
Grilled marinated tender pork neck with garlic, coriander, seasoning on bamboo skewers served with spicy sauce.
Mains:
Salt and pepper calamari served with spicy sweet sauce
Mild curry slowly braised beef in rich mild coconut milk with cardamon, turmeric, cinnamon, and tamarind
Salt and pepper silky tofu with stir fried Chinese broccoli and snow peas
Stir fried minced chicken with chilli, garlic, bamboo shoots, long beans, and holy basil
Steamed jasmine rice
BICA COFFEE LOUNGE & SMALL BAR is now open at the waterfront.
Address: 19 Lime Street, King Street Wharf, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact number: 02-9290 3278
Fax: 02-9290 3250
BICA open 7 Days
Mon-Thu, sun from7am-late
Fri-Sat from 7am-late
PARKING -PLEASE NOTE THAT DISCOUNTED PARKING OR COMPLIMENTARY PARKING NO LONGER APPLIES
Tip:
Arrive in style with
Water Taxis Combined or
Yellow Water Taxis
H2O Water Taxis Sydney
Personal Statement
I Thai is one of the leading Thai restaurants in Australia and our chefs are constantly developing new recipes, incorporating authentic ingredients to produce
both traditional and contemporary dishes.
We have compiled more than a thousand exotic dishes and I Thai now offers a selection of these seasonally.
Thai food is not only highly appetizing, but also very nutritious. Our chosen dishes
are low in fat and nutritionally well balanced. Our carefully selected recipes are deliciously tasty and meet a variety of dietary needs as indicated on our menus.
We look forward to welcoming you with true Thai hospitality.