LOCATIONBoundary Street West End, a brisk walk from the Brisbane City Centre.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTSIf like most food adventurers you have a niggling soft spot for regular well-priced authentic Thai, or if you can’t seem to make it through the working week without a delicious yellow, red or Penang curry, then I summon your attention please! West End has yet again produced a hot little restaurant that meets these cravings. Siam Samrarn Thai Restaurant serves a constant stream of busy lunch and dinner crowds. All of the familiar oriental Thai flavours – lemongrass, garlic, coriander and basil – welcome hungry diners with open arms. Getting down to business, be sure to stretch the belt buckle on the crisp plump spring rolls, standard Thai money bags or steaming tasty prawn dumplings.
The booths at the back are great in the winter and big enough to get comfy but still intimate enough so that you can reach a spoon into your unsuspecting guest’s creamy coconut laksa. All your favourite tantalising Thai infusions such as
pad prik khing stir fried curry,
pad khing stir-fry with ginger or
pad peaw warn sweet and sour vegetables, come with the usual pick-your-own meat option. If your dining partner lags in the conversation be sure to check out the somewhat tacky, but cute, Thai game shows shown on a large flat-screen on the back wall of the restaurant. And if you are brave enough to challenge an already overfed tummy, finish on a sweet battery note with the scrumptious crispy banana fritters served with ice-cream and honey, or the ever popular deep-fried ice-cream. With a great location, ample outside dinning, a welcoming atmosphere and superbly cheap prices, this authentic Thai place will keep your regular cravings in order.
Katharine Chapman