Restaurant Review: Thai@Tauranga

On the menu: If you can't find something to eat on this extensive menu, you aren't trying hard enough. There are 13 starters and 60 mains offering vegetarian, fish, noodle, seafood, scallop, squid, pork, lamb, duck, chicken and beef options. Within those choices you can challenge your tastebuds with mild, medium or hot options.
I'll have: For starters, a combination entree ($12.50) that featured five small portions from other entrees. There was a vegetable spring roll, curry puff, prawns on toast, corn cake and chicken satay. Each was tasty, particularly the corn cake. For mains, Hoi Shell Phat Kratiem Prik Tai ($25.50), stir fried scallops with garlic, pepper sauce, and vegetables. Meals came out sizzling on a hotplate which added to the experience. Served with rice, this was lovely, light, tasty and just the right portion size.
She'll have: For main, Tow Hu Phat Khing, stir fried tofu with sliced fresh ginger and vegetables. Another winner with vegetables that tasted like they'd just been picked.
We'll share: Kao Niao Moon ($8.50), traditional Thai style dessert ice cream with palm seed, rice pudding and creamy milk. With nut flakes on top, this certainly was a delicious and traditional end to the meal.
For the adventurous: Try asking for a Thai hot version of your meal. If you want to try something else different, take one of the squid options.
Value for money: With mains starting at $18.50, there is value for money right throughout the menu. And with rice accompanying most meals, you are well looked after.
To drink: Licensed and BYO. Just about all tastes are catered for. There was a good range of New Zealand whites and a mix of New Zealand and Australian reds (from $29-$47); alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails; selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks; and a nice range of normal and exotic coffee.
The staff were: Attentive without being annoying. The service was prompt and the courses nicely spaced apart.
The buzz: The restaurant, with its great central city location, had some nice Thai touches about it with satin tablecloths, authentic wall hangings and beautiful background music. Time has obviously been taken to create a welcoming restaurant.
The verdict: Owners Steve and Samorn opened Thai@Tauranga nearly two-and-a-half years ago after running a successful Thai restaurant in Auckland. They have obviously developed a group of loyal customers who enjoy their delightful and well-priced meals. It is also a family-friendly option. The restaurant seems to do a good takeaway trade for those with less time.

The details:
What: Thai@Tauranga
Where: 15 Wharf Street, Tauranga
Phone: 579 5290
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11-2pm; 5-11pm
Prices: Entrees $8.50-$12.50; mains $18.50-$25.50; desserts $6.50-$8.50.