Chat Thai

The OG Chat Thai restaurant that was one of a small few who set the standard for Thai cuisine in Sydney!

As you can see from the photos, there is no shame in ordering a plate of pad Thai here. It is one of the best examples you will find this side of Bangkok, along with their Thai milk tea.

My advice is to start with the 'One plate wonders' section of their menu and work your way out from their. You will find dishes from the many regions of Thailand, with some fusion dishes mixed in for good measure, all of the highest quality.

Pricing is as you would expect for this level of quality.

This is still the best Thai food in Australia and the best crab omelette in the world! It is better than all the ones that we had in Thailand, including Michelin bib gourmand restaurants. The food comes out quick and is consistent. The wild ginger pork belly stir fry is the best ever too - perfectly caramelised and so flavourful!

Best Thai restaurant ever. I have been to Melbourne Hobart Adelaide Brisbane and tried Thai food from different restaurants but Chat Thai serves the best Thai food ever. Price is so reasonable, staff are friendly and quick. Even though they are very busy still they served really well. Best experience ever

Favourite Thai food spot whenever I’m in Sydney, the pad thai has strong wokhei, fried pork is flavourful and green curry chicken is well balanced and not spicy, which goes really well with rice.

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the heart of Sydney, Chat Thai Haymarket offers a culinary journey that's both authentic and exhilarating. Stepping into Chat Thai, guests are instantly transported to a world where traditional Thai culture and modern culinary excellence meet.

**The Ambiance**

Upon entering Chat Thai Haymarket, the ambiance is immediately inviting—a blend of traditional Thai aesthetics with contemporary design elements. The decor features intricate wooden carvings and vibrant, colorful accents reminiscent of a Thai market. Lighting is thoughtfully dimmed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that complements the lively energy of the restaurant.

**Starters and Salads**

The experience begins with a variety of starters that set the tone for the culinary excellence to follow. The satay skewers are a popular choice, marinated to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. The green papaya salad, known as Som Tum, offers a refreshing burst of flavor with its mix of sweet, spicy, and sour notes, providing a crisp contrast to the richer dishes.

**Noodle Dishes**

A major highlight of the menu is the extensive selection of noodle dishes. Each dish tells a unique story of regional Thai flavors. The Pad Thai, a perennial favorite, strikes a perfect balance between sweet tamarind and sour lime, with crunchy peanuts adding texture. For something more robust, the Drunken Noodles offer a spicy kick with basil and chili, paired with tender slices of chicken or beef.

**Signature Curries**

The curries at Chat Thai are a revelation, particularly the Massaman curry. This dish is a complex blend of tamarind, coconut milk, and a medley of spices that simmer together to create a deep, flavorful sauce. The curry is adorned with tender pieces of beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The Massaman curry not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the soul, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.

**Seafood Specialties**

The seafood menu is equally impressive, featuring dishes like the whole fried barramundi, which is expertly seasoned and served with a tangy Thai sauce. The prawn pad see ew is another standout, featuring wide rice noodles and crisp vegetables, all brought together with a savory soy-based sauce.

**Vegetarian Options**

Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options to delight in. The tofu larb is a vegetarian take on the classic meat-based salad, offering a mix of fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili that is both refreshing and satisfying. The vegetable green curry, made with seasonal vegetables and tofu, is creamy and flavorful, ensuring that no guest misses out on the rich flavors of Thai cuisine.

**Desserts**

No meal at Chat Thai would be complete without sampling their desserts. The mango sticky rice is a standout, featuring sweet, ripe mangoes served alongside warm sticky rice that's been soaked in coconut milk. The balance of sweetness and creaminess makes it a perfect end to the meal.

**Beverages**

To complement the meal, Chat Thai offers a selection of traditional Thai beverages, including sweet, aromatic Thai iced tea and refreshing lemongrass water. The drink menu also includes a variety of wines and beers, both local and imported, that pair wonderfully with the spicy and aromatic dishes.

**Service**

One of the defining features of Chat Thai is the exceptional service. The staff are not only attentive but also passionate about Thai cuisine. They are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations based on guests' preferences or dietary restrictions. This level of service enhances the dining experience, making guests feel valued and well cared for.

Best Thai restaurant to eat before watching a play at capitol theatre. The crab omelette and duck curry is the bomb here!

The food and service here were so good, sure it's quite pricey but the flavours are amazing. Will be back to try more of their dishes
They have a massive menu so plenty to choose from, and service is pretty quick too

Sydney CBD’s OG Thai restaurant since 1989! 🇹🇭 Their dishes are inspired by the streets and markets of Thailand and all ingredients sourced locally. Each location has a different menu and varying monthly specials ☺ I visited the Haymarket location in ThaiTown! The art on the walls are actually hand painted 😮✨

The serving sizes here are so generous!! My favourite dishes were:

🦐 Tom Yum Soup: Bold, tangy flavor profile with a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and aromatic notes, highlighted by the citrusy essence of lemongrass and lime. The prawns add a succulent sweetness, balancing the heat and acidity with their fresh, oceanic taste.

🐟 Gaeng Bpu: My first time trying this and I want to eat it again! Rich, creamy flavor with a tasty blend of coconut milk, aromatic herbs, and spices that create a sweet and mildly spicy profile. The tender fish meat adds a delicate sweetness and a slight brininess.

☕Thai Coffee: Robust and rich flavour, features a strong, slightly bitter taste balanced by the creamy sweetness of condensed milk.

Always a great feed, large menu where I always try a special dish. Lunch today was chicken satay sticks, seafood salad, prawn pad thai done with glass noodles and chicken pad thai. It's always busy with cramped seating, but service is fast.

It's always a good, authentic feed. Staff are nice. It's a great spot to watch the view go by also. I must say, though, for 1 piece of bbq chicken, the sticky rice you see and a mango smoothie for $38 is too much tgh.

Awesome authentic Thai food must try you will not regretted, message from Thai family that loves good food.

The food at this restaurant is truly excellent, and I adore the delightful ambiance. The service provided is top-notch, leaving no room for complaints. Their pad thai surpasses any others I've tasted in Sydney—it's simply the best. As a fan of papaya salad, I particularly enjoyed their version with black crab and dried shrimp.

However, my only minor concern is that the restaurant tends to get overcrowded, making it challenging to navigate through the narrow pathways, especially since our table was located at the very end. Apart from that small issue, everything else was perfecto!

Very delicious Thai food.
It’s authentic and the staffs are all Thai.
Staffs are friendly and helpful.

Gather a few friends to go so you can order more dishes for sharing and able to taste more dishes.

It’s not a very big restaurant, it’s crowded. But it’s worth the queue.

Really delicious authentic Thai food! Service was a bit slow but overall a nice experience.

It’s the best Thai food I have ever had, good amount , very tasty and reasonably priced. (Pad Thai)

Yummy food, quick service. A good place to eat before a show.

Celebrated Mother day with Dinner. Loved the atmosphere & the food.

Lovely, modern Thai food! Great menu selection and everything we ordered was prepared well. Obviously gets crowded on weekend nights, expect a short wait.

🚈 Right next to Capitol Square stop on light rail, easy walking distance to Central

Had the best time and the best food ! Service was effective and kind ! Highly recommended !

Just Wow experience!

This incredible team make sure your dining experience is as good as possible. Right from the welcoming to the vibe and service - everything top notch.

Not even a single mistake you find with this. Best thing is their everlasting menu. You find every single dish from thailand in this place.

Service is so quick and efficient. They make no delay in any form. The moment your order is taken they make you feel you are their priority.

Coming to the vibe and ambience, you don’t see this usually in any thai joint in Sydney.

All credit goes to the owners who ensure customer experience is prioritised first next to any.