This new traditional Thai restaurant at Mekhong Brisbane serving up northern Thai fare is just what New Farm was needing. They’re right across from the cinemas and are the perfect spot for a bite before or after a movie.
Thai northern fare is full of citrus, herbs and a bit creamy. It’s not as spicy as the rest of Thailand. Their new Chef came from the renowned Blue Elephant restaurant in Paris and has created some beautiful traditional dishes.
We tried a range of dishes from their new menu, but of course I had my favourites. The Karri puffs were amazing along with the Esan sausages, the Mekhong seafood Keaw Coco and the mango sticky rice!
The Karri (curry puffs but the Thai version) puffs are made in house… including the fluffy, crisp, perfect pastry. I was only going to eat one but couldn’t help myself with the second one too. Chef has created a Turmeric whole egg mayo to go with the Karri puffs – it’s incredibly creamy and pairs well.
The esan sausage was delicious! Not something I would normally order straight off the menu but it came recommended to us and I’m so glad we tried it. It’s a fermented pork sausage, chunky and full of flavour. I highly recommend trying it with the chili and ginger it is served with.
The pla muc tod tumeric calamari was everything you’d hope for. Crispy on the outside, seasoned but not overpowering with tender and fresh calamari inside.
For our main we had the beef basil (tender beef and flavorsome), the son in law egg salad (light and refreshing) and the Mekhong seafood Keaw Coco – a green curry with seafood, which is literally served inside a young coconut! You can eat the flesh of the coconut too, it’s delicious all together.
What I loved about Mekhong Brisbane and the lovely owners was the thought, heart and passion that had clearly gone into their restaurant. Their family still live in Thailand and many of the recipes are generational. The design of the restaurant is laid back and the colours are to match the Mekong region, right from the pictures on the walls (ask the stories behind these if you get a chance) to the colours of the walls (to match the river) and the cup that you enjoy water from.
I will definitely come back for the larb kai esan and pad see ew. Oh and the tod mun.
They’ve just opened for lunch five days a week and cater for vegans and vegetarians too. They welcome the LGBTQIA+ community with open arms. Oh, and they’re BYO with a bottle-o just three doors down!
PS. You can also find them on Menu Log and Uber if a trip to New Farm is off the cards.
**While this meal was complimentary, this review is true and authentic. Looking forward to trying more dishes and seeing the owners again.
