Chaan Thai

Chaan Thai is a hidden gem of a pavilion-style Thai restaurant nestled in a tiny dining precinct next door to Paddington's antique centre.

Diners can choose from the main dining area, which has views across Paddington from the side tables, a cosy dining room with bar or a handful of alfresco tables where pooches are welcome.

Despite the laidback casual vibe, Chaan Thai is serving up some seriously good Thai food and top service without the trimmings or price tag. 

A small selection of appetisers include satay chicken, Thai fish cakes, crispy pork belly bao bun, deep fried tofu with sweet chilli sauce and crushed peanuts, vegetable spring rolls and must-try crab and prawn roll (crispy golden roll filled with crab and prawn, served with sweet plum sauce).

The Thai salads come highly recommended, with a choice of chicken larb (minced chicken salad with roasted rice, fresh herbs, chilli and lime) and pawpaw salad (fresh green papaya tossed wtih lime, chilli dressing, peanuts and crispy soft shell crab or crispy pork belly).

From the grill, there's a choice of grilled chicken or chargrilled wagyu (brushed with garlic soy glaze), both served with Thai-style spicy tamarind dipping sauce and Thai herbs. Meanwhile house specialties include wok-tossed baby clams in rich caramelised chilli jam & basil; softshell crab dry yellow curry; and tiger prawns with glass noodles, ginger and garlic, topped with coriander.

The delicious selection of curries includes classic green Thai curry (chicken, beef, prawn, mixed veges or tofu), Massaman beef curry and the must-try roasted red duck curry with lychee, cherry tomato, pineapple, kaffir lime leaf, topped with crispy basil); while soups include Tom Yum King (spicy sour prawn) or Tom Kha Kai (creamy chicken mushroom).

Other dishes include Pad Thai, chilli basil or cashew nut stir fry, Pad See Eew (rice noodle in a sweet soy glaze with egg and mixed vegetables) and Thai fried rice; while for dessert there's mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream with coconut jelly, topped with crunchy roasted peanuts.

From the drinks menu, there's one rose and four white and red wines by the glass or bottle, a mix of Thai and local beers and a small selection of house cocktails such as Bubble Kiss (watermelon, bubblegum & rum); Chaan Secret (tequila, ginger, chilli, coconut and lime); and Midnight in BKK (chai, cinnamon, chocolate & coffee). Non-alcohoilc drinks include Thai Lemon Ice Tea, Thai Milk Tea, Thai Pink Milk, homemade coconut juice and soft drinks.

Good to know - Chaan Thai also offers a small kids menu. Well behaved pooches are welcome on the outdoor tables, with water bowl supplied.

Need to know - There is a limited number of offstreet parking spots adjecent, otherwise onstreet parking nearby.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

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