Word: Richard Smith

Owned by the entrepreneurial Sara Siriporn, whose boutique ‘Siriporn’ and spa ‘Iyara’ which can been seen from the mid-levels escalator (as you head up from Queen’s Road) opened it’s doors in a rather unusual location… in one of the tiny lanes that run off Queen’s Road Central – you know the ones – those that sell all the touristy fare and misspelt designer underwear copies!

WHERE

With your back facing H&M in Central on Queen’s Road, cross the road and look for the lane which is sign posted Li Yuen Street East. Head down looking for no.9 on the left hand side.

STYLE

There are 3 large rooms that are perfect to hire out for parties, although a little mismatched (I hear there will be renovations later in the year), the eclectic décor adds to the certain quirky charm. And anyway at the end of the day it’s the food that you go there for.

AMBIENCE

Casual and comfortable. This place is a little gem with its nooks and crannies for those wanting some privacy combined with large dining spaces for those with an entourage. If you’re heading there for lunch it is best to book in advance as this place is buzzing with lunchtime crowds. The evenings are much more chilled with a laid back atmosphere and less people.

CUISINE

This authentic Thai Cuisine menu is the real deal – no fusion, no msg , but plenty of taste! Time and care goes into the preparation of dishes here, with curries to die for. Unlike many Thai restaurants in town that use the quick-curry-to-order method, Thai Thai Grill’s curries are slowly cooked overnight to perfection.

Although the menu is true to its origins, this doesn’t limit the kitchen’s capacity for diversity, as evidenced by appetizers like Rice Paper Roll wrapped with Soft Shell Crab, Sweet Mango, Carrot, Cucumber, Lime Leaves and Fresh Vegetables to the classic and mouth-watering Tom Yum Goong soup.

Salads are refreshingly tangy and offer a wide choice for those wanting a lighter bite.

This place keeps the crowds coming back with equal measures of curries, vegetable dishes, seafood specialities and dishes from the grill. One of the Thai Thai specials we tried, the Ja-Ra-Med Pra dish, consisted of a crisp fried whole-pomfret with lime-juice, chilli, lemongrass and Thai herbs. Delectable!

For the perfect closure to your meal, choose from Sweet Mango with Black and White Sticky Rice, Thai Layer Cake, Pumpkin Custard or Coconut Pudding desserts.

BOOZE

There’s a simple drinks menu with a selection of wines, beers, spirits etc. and a nice selection of soft drinks and mocktails with a Thai influence.

SERVICE

The service is friendly and knowledgeable – the manager certainly knows his stuff and is happy to recommend dishes and order on your behalf if there is a large group of you who want to get the best from the menu!

PRICE

Appetisers/Soup/Salads: $42-$72
Mains (Curries/Seafood): $54-$138
Sides (vegetables/rice): $15-$52
Dessert: $32-$36
Thai Thai Grill also offers a great catering menu – perfect to spice up your office, home and junk parties!

BEST DISH

We were treated to a ‘special’ that evening – King Prawn with Lemon Sauce, the sauce completely surprised me… I imagined a sickly lemon-curd-like dressing, but instead, was blown away by the light and tart complement that enhanced the prawn meat – scrumptious. The curries are excellent and a sure winner for any Thai food lover.

BEST TIPPLE

I am always happy to forsake the alcohol when there’s Fresh Young Coconut on the menu!

Address: 2/F, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: 2167 8588 / 2167 8338
Opening Hours: 12-3pm/6pm-11pm
www.thaithaigrill.com