Thai food is such a contemporary staple that it’s almost just “Aussie take away”.  Pad thai, pad khee mao and green curry chicken are meals that Sydneysiders eat if they can’t be bothered cooking tonight, delivered on a motorbike from the place that you probably could’ve walked to.

Longrain in Sydney’s “no bookings please, we’re edgy” restaurant district, smashes that mould.  In the six or so times I’ve eaten there the experience has been fantastic.  Delicious, contemporary Thai food served to your table which is one of only a handful in the giant converted warehouse –  fifteen of the twenty people you are sitting with are unknown to you but you get to perv on their food.

Last night I went for Sunday dinner with my wife and three friends, we had an outstanding time (I finally remembered to order the pictured egg net).

One of the most annoying features of modern dining was prevalent, everybody ordering a main which is served centrally and everybody shares.  I’ve never minded it at Longgrain though; it works because it’s designed that way and isn’t merely a case of people just wanting to sticky beak others’ food.

Our pickings were;

  • Egg net filled with pork prawns peanuts bean
    sprouts & sweet vinegar
  • Green papaya salad
  • Cuttlefish and pork belly
  • Braised beef shin with a mint coriander & chilli salad
  • Hot and sour poached chicken salad
  • Kingfish curry

The food was magnificent, and according to a mate they make a decent vodka martini. If you get a chance, swing by, and if you do try and aim for a Sunday where nobody (yet) realises they are open for dinner. It was about sixty bucks a head for us and we didn’t hold back. The website is here but it’s rarely updated and they don’t take bookings.  Just roll up to Commonwealth St. Surry Hills and have a cocktail if they aren’t ready for you.

{May 3, 2010} {Tags: , , , }