Chat Thai
(located opposite Capitol Theatre, Central)
$$$–

A girl friend discovered this place last week and insisted all of us just had to try it out. “It’s got the most authentic Thai food in the City”, she said, “And cheap too!” We were sold. Chat Thai has other branches, but their new one in Central/Chinatown is newly opened. It was packed when we got there, and we had to wait around 15 mins for our table of 7, despite having already booked. The waiter was very lovely and sweet though, so all was forgiven.

Split into 2 levels, the tables are all packed in close together and the place is bustling with diners. It’s warm and cosy inside and features an ‘open kitchen’ near the entrance, where they deep-fry their famous fish balls and make their homemade desserts. The food’s definitely authentic, you won’t see many of their dishes in other places in Sydney. The strong smell of herbs and spices flavour each dish and everything is a delight, even their drinks. Despite filling our bellies with dinner, we insisted on ordering dessert – it’s all home made and so authentic I’ve never seen them served in ANY so-called Thai place here in Sydney. It’s funny, you think you’ve had Thai food in Sydney, but when you try the authentic version, it really is so different. Love it 🙂

Chat Thai

On the upper level, looking down on the diners and open kitchen

They deep-fried these fish balls the ENTIRE night, non-stop!
That’s how popular they were, it was like an endless stream

Red Milk Tea with Sweetened Milk, Coconut Juice
and water (served in a cute silver cup!)

Deep-fried fishballs – so sinful but delish

Pork satay with dipping sauce – these tasted JUST like the ones I had in Bangkok!!

Some chicken dish. The flavour of this was amazing

Sticky rice – cute!

Whole steamed fish. Didn’t think I’d like it but I did, the meat was
so so so tender and packed with flavour :)~

Glutinous balls and fried egg (!) dessert. Sounds so strange but was actually quite nice

Steamed bread with Kaya jam – OMG… loved this……

*gobbles*