|
Pad Thai
|
If your not sure what to order at a Thai restaurant you can't go wrong with Pad Thai! Definitely one of the most popular Thai dishes that consists of noodles, dried shrimp, chicken, red chillies, tamarind and thai basil. Some restaurants are now introducing a ‘chilli beef’ pad Thai which gives a whole different texture and flavour to the dish.
|
Thai
|
|
Thai Spring Rolls
|
Not unlike the Chinese version, these are served in most thai restaurants you come across. Deep fried in pancake rolls, some are vegetarian and others include chicken, duck or prawns with herbs and spices. Usually served with a sweet chilli dip or a sweet plumb sauce, they are delicious as you crunch into the pastry wrapper and reveal the delicious contents!
|
Thai
|
|
Oysters
|
Fresh or cooked they are wonderful and washed down with a glass of local bubbles. They are a perfect Aussie memory.
|
Seafood
|
|
Tom Yum
|
The most famous of Thai soups, Tom Yum is spicy and sour and utterly delicious. Served usually with prawns and chicken, the flavours are created by crushing all the herbs into a paste and stir frying in oil. To make the soup, stock is added and topped off with fresh herbs. Tom Yum Soup is often served with a bowl of steamed rice.
|
Thai
|
|
Mussels
|
You'll find mussels on all seafood restaurant menus throughout the country. We recommend trying them simply steamed with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
|
Seafood
|
|
Seared Scallops
|
Another very popular seafood dish are scallops, which are seared for only a minute or so on either side, and then served on a bed of cauliflower puree or roasted cauliflower. They are also served with seaweed and a soy dip, following the oriental style. Usually a starter size portion, and can sometimes feature crisped pan fried chorizo instead of bacon.
|
Seafood
|
|
Lobster
|
Lobsters are very popular as long as your wallet can afford it! Tends to be expensive most of the year but people still love them. Usual way of serving is just simply grilled and covered in garlic and herb butter, but lobster salad with baby potatoes is also popular. Quite often only the tail is served and accompanied by prawns or scallops.
|
Seafood
|
|
Fish
|
Fish is a massive part of the Australian diet, unsurprising since most of the population live on the coast! You will find a variety of fish on every seafood restaurant menu with varieties such as tuna, barramundi, flathead and salmon, just to name a few.
|
Seafood
|
|
Spaghetti and Meatballs
|
Traditional Italian dish, with meatballs made of minced pork and beef, herbs and minced onion and garlic, and served in a rich thick tomato based ragu sauce. Can be served sometimes with shredded fresh basil or oregano and shavings of parmesan. As with carbonara, it tends to be served with garlic bread and side salad.
|
Italian
|
|
Thai Green Curry
|
Thai food is famous for its curries and the Green curry is probably the most famous of the lot. Made from fresh chillies, lemongrass, shrimp paste, galangal, garlic, lime leaves and coriander, Thai green curry paste has a fabulous distinctive flavour and is mixed with coconut cream to make the curry creamy. Quite often served with green beans and pea aubergines and mountains of jasmine rice, it is a heart warming dish that is loved by Thai food fans around the world.
|
Thai
|
|
Lamb cutlets with garlic and rosemary
|
Usually on every Italian menu, small trimmed lamb chops or cutlets are served steeped in fresh rosemary and garlic and pan fried or grilled. Served with sauté potatoes and vegetables, it is a hearty plate of food and delicious flavours. Tender pink lamb is enhanced by the earthy rosemary and garlic.
|
Italian
|
|
Minestrone Soup
|
The classic and renowned Italian soup, comprising small pasta shapes, a rich chicken stock and finely diced vegetables such as celery, onions, tomatoes, carrots beans and herbs. Created in Ancient Roman times this soup is now served in many different ways, some finely and others much more chunky and hearty. A sprinkling of parmesan and a good basket of bread makes this really filling.
|
Italian
|
|
Napoletana pasta sauce
|
An amazing vegetarian italian option. Crushed tomato, onion, garlic, basil and parmesan. Sounds simple but bursting with lots of flavour.
|
Italian
|
|
Osso Buco
|
A dish invented in Ancient Roman Times and perfected over the years to a more sophisticated Italian meal, consisting of cross-cut veal shanks, braised in red wine, onions, celery and carrots and served with a gremolata on the top (optional).
|
Italian
|
|
Bruschetta
|
Delicious slices of bread, rubbed with garlic and tomato and seasoned before grilling. Various toppings are served, the most popular being diced tomatoes and red onion with finely chopped garlic and basil. Can also be served with a pesto topping, and sometimes with roasted aubergine and mushrooms. Usually a starter, but can be purchased as a main course.
|
Italian
|
|
Champagne
|
Champagne and lobster go hand in hand at most of the seafood bars. Each restaurant will have their own house champagne but offering top class vintage champagnes as well such as Crystal and Louise Roderer.
|
Seafood
|
|
Gewurztraminer
|
An ‘off-white’ white wine, very light and a perfect match for seafood. Originally from the Alsace region of France, but now copied by other countries. Should not be expensive, and is similar to Sauvignon Blanc (another good choice with seafood)
|
Seafood
|
|
Beer
|
Singha and Kloster are the most consumed Thai beers. Singha was originally brewed over 80 years ago in Thailand by members of the Thai nobility. Fairly strong and ‘hoppy’ tasting, it is made from barley and has 6% alcohol content. Kloster is a much smoother beer and a little more expensive.
|
Thai
|
|
Whisky
|
Some restaurants in Australia serve a selection of Thai whiskies. The whisky is made from rice and is sharp and sweet, but very high in alcohol content at 35%. Mekong and Kwangthong are popular brands. It is not a cheap drink to buy, even though its cheaper in Thailand than beer!
|
Thai
|
|
Lemongrass Soda
|
Very refreshing drink made with lemon grass syrup and mixed with soda or sparkling water, garnished with lemon slices and served over ice. Sometimes garnished with Thai basil to give a more herby taste.
|
Thai
|
|
Thai Papaya Smash
|
A wonderful cocktail mainly served in the medium to larger restaurants. Made with fresh papaya, orange and a shot of tequila and dash of freshly squeezed lime it has both a bitter and sweet taste. The addition of agave nectar brings more sweetness, but sometimes you have to ask for it.
|
Thai
|
|
Chianti
|
In rustic Italian restaurants, you can still see empty bottles of Chianti grouped together and hanging around the bar or ceiling! Old Chianti bottles used to be covered in a basket weave, and often used to house a candle on your table, so that the wax dripped down the outside of the bottle! The wine itself is red and relatively light in comparison to heavier Italian wines such as Barolo. Chianti is produced primarily in the beautiful region of Tuscany, and is eminently drinkable!
|
Italian
|
|
Soave
|
Another popular wine, this white wine is produced in the Veneto region of Italy, around the city of Verona, home to many Shakespeare plays! It is comparatively dry and was once the ‘in’ drink in the 1970’s but was overtaken by Pinot Grigiot towards the 1980’s
|
Italian
|
|
Peroni
|
The most popular of beers served in Italian restaurants, it is not the cheapest one around but still sells more than any other. 5% alcohol, a slightly ‘hoppy’ taste but very refreshing when served in iced cold frosted glasses.
|
Italian
|