Perth Voice Interactive

EATING soup-like red curry with chopsticks was never going to work; then it dawned on me that eating with little planks of timber isn’t a Thai tradition, so I reached for a spoon.

The low-key S&T Thai Gourmet Cafe is one amongst many on William Street, but tables crowded with a mix of Asian and non-Asian diners indicated there was something worth checking out.

Fresh white and green walls, huge posters of simple foods, and the lack of elephant and buddha statues indicate S&T is aiming at being a modern establishment.

But the menu is pure old world Thai, with all my favourites and quite a few dishes that remain a mystery.

Feeling famished I ordered fish cakes ($13.90) to nibble while my companion and I worked our way through the bewilderingly extensive menu.

I eyed the mini-sausage-shaped morsels somewhat askance when they arrived instead of the usual flat patties I’ve come to expect.

Sprinkled with fried basil leaves and served with a picturesque chilli sauce/dressing with cucumber, chillies and red onion they were some of the best I’ve ever had, wonderfully chewy, and packed with flavour.

Despite being run off her feet our helpful waiter paused to say they’re made in-house, unlike many restaurants who buy them in.

My lunch companion saw a steaming bowl of meaty broth go by and ditched his first choice of red curry with roast duck, tomato, pineapple, capsicum and lime leaves ($19.50).

Scooping up chunks of tender beef and mouthfuls of noodles, he couldn’t stop raving about the beef noodle soup ($15.70).

He was intrigued by the small meatballs in the mix, but after asking what they were was none the wiser and decided they tasted so good he should leave well enough alone.

My seafood red curry ($17.90) was fantastic, the sauce hot and spicy, with thinly sliced bamboo shoots and plenty of squid, mussels and scallops.

Feeling adventurous my mate and I ordered a tamarind juice and a Bengal quince juice ($3.99).

Served over ice they were delicious, the tamarind a balance of sweet and sour, while the quince was a a refreshing sugar hit in a glass.

For anyone looking for good value and good Thai food S&T also hits the spot.

by JENNY D’ANGER

S&T Thai
349 William Street, Northbridge
open Mon–Fri 11am–9pm,
Sat–Sun 11am–9.30pm
9328 8877