Bondi Thai Scene

words by james phillips

[likelihood of puns: high]

There aren’t too many places around Bondi where you’ll find a big, tasty meal that’ll have you stuffed for dinner and sorted for lunch the next day. All from the one dish and all for less than a lobster, it’s quite the game.

That is, unless, you’re a Pad Thai-hard or Massaman mad.

Being the most popular cuisine in the world, Thai restaurants aren’t all too hard to come by but not every spot is quite as Thai-riffic as you’d like.

Lucky for you, this Bondi local has been there, Thai’d that when it comes Bondi’s oriental flavours.

It’s hot competition for top Thai in Bondi and there’s a few to pick from. Though I’ve got to give the trophy to the always tasty, always plentiful and always sensational Bangkok Bites! It’s not just the best Thai in Bondi – it’s the best Thai I’ve ever had!

Walking into this vibrant, exciting restaurant at the top of the ever-bustling Hall St is like stepping onto the streets of Bangkok without ever leaving the Bubble. The authentic Thai street food dishes are huge, irresistibly delicious and they’ve got an incredibly short order to tastebud-party time. The Salt & Pepper Calamari is an absolute winner for an entrée and you can’t go past the Seafood Pad Thai – where you’ve got seafood in every bite!

The very close runner-up honours must go to Ricepot – the funky restaurant right in the heart of Hall St. With neon-lit parasols hanging from the ceiling. This energetic little space generates a fun atmosphere for anyone game to sit shoulder-to-shoulder at the next table. It’s trendy, cheap, quick & delicious and with $3 corkage, you can’t go wrong! If you like a bit of spice, give the Padang or Green Curry a go for a Thaidalwave of flavours.

Now I don’t always save Thai for a nice dinner out – I’m more of a Thai anytime sort of guy and there’s nothing that hits the spot like a quick noodle box when you’re finished with the waves. Thai-in-a-box is a famous franchise that began right here in Bondi beach, just behind where QT Bondi stands now! It’s the spot you go for a bit of Thai on the run – you can build your own noodle box or pick from one of the menu favourites and be out of there in five minutes.

Now, which one are you going to Thai?