PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAChilli Padi has been a successful city formula for several years, and it now springs to new life in Chapel Street. As you enter it’s really quite an impressive space with high-ceilings and a large chandelier dominating proceedings. Describing the menu as Pan-Asian is no lie – it literally encompasses most Asian styles, with Indian, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese all represented. Two-course lunch specials might see you enjoying okonomiyaki pancakes and beef rendang with your glass of wine, or perhaps sushi before a Thai beef salad or chicken laksa. It’s a great excuse to cosy up on the banquette seats at the front windows and watch the passing parade for a while.
By night, choose from herbed salmon tartare or chicken martini poached in Chinese wine before you tackle a platter of national specialties from Japan, Thailand or Malaysia. Desserts see European favourites given an Asian slant in the form of bread and butter pudding with longan and Chinese dates or green tea tiramisu. There is also a decent selection of specialty teas available if you’re off the hard stuff. The restaurant caters easily for large groups and there is even a pre-ordering service available for group bookings. A separate function room on the mezzanine level overlooks the main restaurant and still lets you feel like you’re part of the action below.
Angela Costanzo, June 2008
