PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAWhen done well, Thai cooking is something to behold. The infusion of sweet flavours with aromatic fresh herbs and spices is a true testament to what the essence of Eastern cooking is all about: flavour! Mons Ban Sabai will definitely not disappoint. Winner of the 2008 Restaurant and Catering award for Best Thai Restaurant in Brisbane, something must be said about the quality of food diners can expect here. Located in the boutique Martha Street of Camp Hill, the setting here is well suited to the restaurant. The style is a blend of modern and traditional dishes, which offers the best of both worlds. The wok-handlers in the kitchen are trained master Thai chefs and are very proficient in their trade.
On the menu are many of the usual dishes you would expect with Thai cuisine, meshed with some other creative additions, but Mons Ban Sabai goes above and beyond any regular expectations, taking each diner into the realm of heavenly, exotic flavour expressions. For entree, one suggestion is the goong maprow, fresh prawns coated in coconut and served with sweet chilli sauce. Also try the mixed entree with two fish cakes, two satay sticks, one curry puff and a spring roll for a bit more variety; alternatively there are some delicious Thai soups as well. On offer for mains are a treasure trove of curries, seafood, barbecue, stir-fries, salads and noodles. For seafood lovers there are a few dishes to choose from, each with its own distinct essence. The goong sarm roj is highly recommended and comes with crispy prawns topped with a special sweet sauce. Another delicious meal is the chu chee talay, a mixed seafood stir-fry with a zesty curry sauce and vegetables. Mons Ban Sabai is a must-visit for lovers of Thai cuisine – it will be hard to return to your local Thai takeaway.
Ben Upton, October 2008