On the menu: There's an amazing range of eating options covering many parts of Thailand. There are soups, curries, Thai salads, noodles and the Thai favourites you'd expect. This is also a great option for vegetarians, with some very nice choices available.
I'll have: For starters, Satay Gai ($11.60) -tender Thai chicken skewers marinated in delicious spices and served with a peanut sauce. And what a peanut sauce it was. It was so rich and creamy you almost didn't need the chicken. For main, Ped Prik Thai Dum ($28.50) - baked marinated breast of duck, sliced and stir fried with garlic, vegetables and black pepper. I haven't eaten much duck before and I've obviously been missing out. This duck was delightfully tender and the crispy vegetables, crunchy peppercorns and tasty sauce made for a beautiful combination.
She'll have: For main, Tow Hoo Priew Wahn ($22.20) - deep fried tofu with vegetables in a sweet-and-sour sauce. This was light and tasty without being too heavy. The vegetables were beautifully prepared. One of a number of tempting vegetarian options. For dessert, Gluay Thord ($10) - deep-fried banana with icecream and Thai green custard. This traditional dessert was a nice combination and the Thai green custard was particularly tasty.
For the adventurous: Why not try a Gaeng Pah or jungle curry ($25.40). You have a choice of chicken, pork or beef, with krachai (a member of ginger family) and vegetables.
Value for money: Set menus are always a good way to try lots of different dishes and keep the bill manageable for a group. There are four set menu options ranging from $30-$45 a person, with plenty on offer in each option.
To drink: An extensive range of drinks were available, from beers, soft drinks and juice to red and white wine (by bottle or glass), dessert wine, port, sherry and special coffees.
The staff were: Very attentive, polite and friendly.
They certainly wanted to make sure everything was to our liking and the food was just right.
The buzz: The decor featured many delightful subtle Thai touches to give the restaurant a real sense of authenticity.
The verdict: Obviously still very popular after many years of servicing Tauranga dining patrons, Collar & Thai continues to serve up tasty and beautifully presented meals in a lovely downtown setting.
