Walking up the road the other day I felt a pang of excitement when I noticed a new Thai restaurant that had replaced the former Suan I-San on King Street south. I remember back in the mid 90′s when Prasit’s hit the Sydney scene and created a bit of a frenzy with its exciting stir-fries and curries, taking Thai food to a new level. Fast forward to the 21st century and you’ll find them still going strong with several branches around the inner-city and one on the other side of the bridge. Admittedly I never made it to Prasit’s until now, thanks to it being just a five minute walk from home.
The decor from the previous restaurant has been retained and you just can’t help but feel you’re sitting in a sprawling sauna with wood-panelling on the walls and floor. A flat screen television is plastered on one wall broadcasting Thai game and talent shows, just in case you felt the urge to watch trash TV while trying to eat your meal.
The menu is saldly a little ordinary and much like the same menu you’ve seen at any suburban Thai joint around the country. First choice tonight was Gai hor bai-tong – marinated chicken wrapped in banana leaf. These are actually quite tasty and juicy unlike many I’ve had in other places. The Curry puffs we order, however, clearly went from freezer to deep-fryer to plate in such haste that they were still cold in the centre. Flavour-wise they were a bit on the ordinary side and needed higher volume in the spice stakes.
When the Banana flower salad arrived I was quite impressed at its size and the combination of kaffir lime, mint, lemongrass, peanuts and coconut-poached chicken was wonderful. The flavours were all good despite the fact the chilli level was so low it went un-noticed.
My choice of Fried de-boned quail was delicious. One problem however: the tiny bird retained every bone in its fried body. The sweet glaze of coriander seed and chilli jam is quite nice but the cook that de-boned the quail also forgot to put the chilli in the jam. Come on guys, do I look that stupid? Nevertheless it is nice to nibble away on the bones and even crunch on the well-cooked ones.
All-in-all this isn’t a place I’d rave about at any length to anyone but if you’re after a fairly pedestrian Thai meal, this is one good option.
Prasit’s Newtown 480 King Street Newtown 2042 9557 6722 Open 7 days 12pm-3pm 5.30pm-10pm byo corkage $1 /person
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
What a shame that it didn’t wow you. I remember when it opened in North Sydney we’d clamour to go there for lunch but this was many, many moons ago when Thai first hit Sydney!
i wonder if it in any relation to the one that used to be on crown st called Northside Prasits that’s now closed which was next to the White Horse Hotel? was cheap and cheerful and good value. sadly missed.
Hi Simon, yes it is part of the same franchise
Suan I-San is gone? That’s a shame as I quite liked it.
Yes Joey, they’re gone unfortunately
Suan I-San gave me allergies (and I’m not allergic) so in my books was ‘bad thai’, and I almost fell over my self when I saw Prasits had taken it over!
We had TERRIBLE service (our lovely waitress could not speak any English, and we had to point to the wine glasses on other tables to get the wine menu) and another couple walked out after waiting too long (or they had changed their mind before ordering)… but for me the flavours of the vegetarian dishes were exactly like the Crown Street restaurant, so I was VERY happy they’ve moved in!
We’ll be back! Great blog too btw!
I remember when Prasit’s first hit Sydney in the old dining room on the first floor of the Union Hotel in Erskineville, MANY years ago. The food was just brilliant and their spring lamb dishes were just 100% delectable. I live just around the corner from their new King Street restaurant and haven’t tried it yet. This place always looks just too dirty. They were never afraid of the chilli in the old days, what has happened?
What a shame this place has gone down hill…
VERY bad experience last night. Witnessed some customers treated rather poorly. After kindly (they were very polite) pointing out they were not happy with something (the kidney beans were off) they were spoken to rudely and even refused desert service.
Bad news travels fast! Restaurants cannot afford to give bad service. My whole office knows about this place and I am sure it will be passed on!