‘Land of Siam’ is a new Thai restaurant in St Kilda. It is a restaurant every local should know about and embrace as his or her own. Open now for almost three months this neighbourhood treasure is open seven days a week. It offers a prompt home delivery and take - away service out of its small shop front, the number for which should be on everyone’s speed dial. Dine in meals are served in the comfortable dining space behind.

The owner and her staff are enchanting. The food and flavours of this establishment are to die for; the prices are not bad either. The generous serves allow for easy sharing of dishes. Although fully licensed now they are one of the few places that I know of which offers BYO. A happy complement every time.

I have eaten here on several occasions now. I was originally introduced to ‘Land of Siam’ by a friend who was in a high state of excitement over her discovery. She was most insistent on the pleasures awaiting us there – we were not disappointed. Correspondingly, the friends we too have taken remain not only impressed but unable to shut up in exclaiming upon the deliciousness of this food. Refreshingly, every ingredient is clearly identifiable in the flavours, textures and aromas that comprise the meals. I recognize this sounds like I may be waxing on unnecessarily but I generally avoid eating Thai food in Australia because of its dependable soapy sameness. ‘Land of Siam’ challenges this mediocrity and routinely serves up food you want to come back for.

Unfortunately the expansive breakfast menu has been stopped for the time being, possibly due to lack of interest. We unwittingly arrived optimistically one Saturday morning, anticipating a ‘Tuk-Tuk Breakfast’ we had seen advertised. A dish of rice chicken soup with egg, spiced chicken, spring onion and shredded ginger for $8.50 sounded just like the gentle hydration we sought. The perfect restorative for our needs at the time. Apologetically, the delightful cheery Thai chef, interrupted his lunch time preparations to console us both with a freshly made Tom Yum for $8.90. Our idea, not his it must be said but probably not ideal for the constitution at that time of day, it was fragrant and delicious nevertheless. I have suggested that even if they continue to not offer a breakfast per se, a sign on the pavement offering Tuk Tuk Breakfast till 3.00pm would surely attract a devoted clientele.

While we were there that morning two guys from the garage next door appeared looking for the black sticky rice, clearly a personal favourite. Curries are sold from $12.90, the Green Chicken Curry redolent with classic gentle Thai flavours is the most fragrant I have ever eaten. The Massaman Curry on which spouse has particular views, is declared exceptional. We have worked our way most diligently also through the Duck, Thai Pork Belly, Vegetables and Salmon. Too much to choose from, we are yet to try the selection of snacks such as Chicken Wraps (chicken marinated in Thai herbs, wrapped in roti and served in peanut sauce) or the curiously named Sisters Spring Rolls (prawns, chicken, mushrooms, Thai herbs and glass noodles) at $5.90. A tempting selection of Thai style salads from $9.90, Curries from $12.90 not to mention a choice of popular rice and noodle dishes.

As a community we need to vote with our feet and support ventures like Land of Siam. We need to encourage businesses, which have the passion and the stamina to offer traditional foods and flavours to a foreign land. In doing so we all contribute to what makes living in St Kilda so interesting and enviable.

Land of Siam

www.landofsiam.com.au

77 Inkerman St, St Kilda

9534 9909 or 9534 9905

+ 1

+ 1