Thaila Thai

Thaila Thai is located on Lygon Street, but not in the Carlton end as I found out after searching previously and not finding it. It is instead located way down the other end of Lygon Street in East Brunswick. I was intending to go to another restaurant but it was full, and then saw Thaila Thai which I had also wanted to go to previously. Hence I gave it a try.

Once you step inside Thaila Thai, the effect you get is like stepping into Asia. The kitchen is open and you can see everyone rushing around the smell, sight and noise of the cooks with their woks is just like in Asia. The restaurant was totally packed that night and full of noise. We decided to sit outside since it was such a beautiful night. For some reason, I always get stung by mosquitoes while no one else does. My meat must be more tender. Apart from two small mozzie bites, it was perfect outside. There was also lots of other people sitting outside, but not on nice tables under heated umbrellas like on the other side of Lygon. No, at Thaila, its cheap tables and chairs and again that feel of eating outside in Asia.



We ordered mixed satay skewers for entrees. The peanut satay sauce was perfectly nutty without being too sweet or salty. The chicken skewers were nicer as they were still moist whilst the beef skewers seemed a bit overdone and slightly chewy.



Mains consisted of beef Thai salad. I just love eating Thai salads since the flavours are so taste-bud-exciting (I made this phrase up since I can't think of the correct word). However, this salad was too sour and salty. It didn't have the right mix of lightness, mainly due to using lemons rather than limes I think. Limes juice tends to give off a much more complex mix of sour whereas lemon juice is usually overpoweringly sour.



The fried rice was good with that "wok" flavour that I love. There were also generous chunks of meat scattered throughtout the rice.



Finally, the red curry chicken had good flavours. Thai curries are generally a bit salty so if you eat it alone it doesn't work well. But pour it over rice and its perfect.



Overall, this is a very vibrant cheap eat restaurant. It has a good bustling atmosphere. You come here expecting cheap good food and that's what you get. There is absolutely no presentation of the food. Service is good. The prices are quite cheap as the servings are very large. I would come here again and sit outside to eat on a good weather day since it feels so comfortable.

Overall Rating: 12/20, Food is good and cheap. Come here for a relaxed, easy meal with friends.

Scores: 1-9: Unacceptable, don't bother. 10-11: Just OK,some shortcomings. 12: Fair. 13: Getting there. 14: Recommended. 15: Good. 16: Really good. 17: Truly excellent. 18: An outstanding experience. 19-20: Approaching perfection, Victoria's best.