Rachel's Guide to Newcastle and Beyond!
April 12, 2016 in Eating Out 5
Yet another new restaurant has opened in Geordieland and I’ve been to check out so I can let you know what to expect, I’m kind like that đ
Thaikhun offers a vibrant dining experience in the recently revamped Metrocentre Qube in Gateshead. It’s part of the same group as Chaophraya (also one of those opening soon in Newcastle, watch this space!) and despite being a chain restaurant in the middle of a shopping centre, the food, decor and customer service all felt authentically Thai!
The name Thaikhun is pronounced like ‘tycoon’ and it was chosen because in Thailand the word âKhunâ, means âyourâ so THAIKHUN is YOUR Thailand! I have to admit, from receiving a traditional Thai welcome to sampling the tantalising delights of the street food inspired menu to the stinking hangover I woke up with the morning after our visit… it really did bring back fond memories of my time in the beautiful country of Thailand!
My boyfriend and I spent three weeks on holiday in Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Koh Lanta and Phuket in 2014 and the country stole my heart. I absolutely loved everything about it, including the food. So as you can imagine, we were keen to tuck in to the feast on offer at the Thaikhun launch.
We were spoilt to a selection of starters including Moo Dao Deow (deep fried strips of pork), Plamuk Tod Prik Kleur (deep fried squid) Tod Man Pla (fish cakes) and Por Pia Gai (chicken spring rolls). Each one was absolutely delicious! I don’t normally like squid but even that wowed me.
The various mains we tried were just as impressive, the Pad Thai in particular got us reminiscing about the street food we’d tried on holiday and it by no means felt like a poor imitation, on the contrary, we loved it! We also sampled a rather spicy salad (that made me down my Singha faster than I probably should have!), a mouthwatering red curry with lamb and a traditional Thai green curry. All were really tasty and very filling, just ask your waiter if you’re not a huge fan of spicy food and I’m sure they’ll recommend dishes you’ll love!
As well as wonderful food in a vibrant setting, we also enjoyed fantastic customer service from the very enthusiastic staff! As it was a launch party I expected service to be a little slow while the team got to grips with their new surroundings and the demands of a packed out restaurant but I needn’t have worried, they were all in high spirits and seemed really confident in their roles.
Speaking of spirits, there was plenty of that on the go too and I was encouraged to down a shot while my new found friends danced around my table with tambourines! A quiet romantic meal it was not, but will we return? Most definitely!
Are you fan of Thai food? What should I order on my next visit to Thaikhun?
I think we were sat at the table next to you that night – I recognise you from the pictures!!!! We had such a fun time and like you i’m a huge fan of Thailand having got married there – we stayed on Koh Lanta!!! So beautiful. Anyway Thaikhun is a fab place for a fun meal and i’m excited they’re going to be opening a place in Newcastle too… it’ll be perfect for the city centre đ
Looks like a really good place. I have never been to Thailand but will have to try here and see if I can get a taste of it
This looks so good, I have always wanted to try Thai food. I am so jealous you have been to Thailand I have always wanted to visit but never got a chance before having children xx