A varied menu that's full of flavour

Thai Chef's Restaurant - Review. 69 Bank Street, Whangarei

I love that it's not often disappointing when dining at local Thai Restaurants around town. The food is consistent; menus varied and full of flavour. This was the case at Thai Chef the other night, the reasonably new Thai addition to central Bank Street.

Offering a warm atmosphere on a dark and dreary night, I came in with high expectations, these were happily met.

With eyes too big for our tummies again, my dining partner and I could not make it to dessert however if we had, it would have been the sticky rice pudding hands down.

Happy diners of all ages surrounded our table for two by the window and the friendly faces of the waitresses added to a pleasant experience.

Personally, I can't help going past a mixed appetiser to try a bit of everything, this one at Thai Chef's came out much bigger than I was expecting, great for $9.50! Kraree puff, rock and roll, rainy season and sleepy pig in bed served with sweet chilli sauce - a gamble going off the menu descriptions, yet a good one.

We also ordered the No Moon Tonight Honey, a restaurant favourite which was crispy moon shaped delights filled with marinated minced prawn, spices, sesame seeds and coriander served with plum sauce - a winner apparently.

There is so much to choose from here; the menus are huge. For the mains, we mixed it up between a curry and stir-fry.

I went for the popular Mussamun Curry for $22.50 with braised beef in a traditional Thai mild curry. Coconut cream, potatoes, onions and roasted peanuts. Instead of a rice side (that I wouldn't have needed) I chose the recommended Roti Bread for an extra $3 to accompany the curry dish. It was delivered to the table in a gorgeous dish heated by a candle underneath, a lovely touch.

Our second order was from the Golden Wok menu for $29.90. Spicy Girl is tossed with fresh chillies, garlic, onions, capsicum, seasonal vegetables and this time, crispy pork belly for the meat. This was a beautiful dish; we shared them both, the pork offered with a side of rice.

We happily dined sipping a red wine and talked about taking home a dessert for later. However, our stomachs were too satisfied with our experience at Thai Chef that we will have to save this space for the next time we book and there will be a next time!