Muum Maam: Thai, Surry Hills (27 May 2011)

Shop 1, 50 Holt Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
http://www.muummaam.com.au

More than just a tukshop

There’s certainly seems to be a bit of a foodie buzz around Holt Street with Muum Maam being neighbours to Cotton Duck and Vini. A lunch time visit scores a little wooden table at the front making my legs feel somewhat oversized and a little cramp due to lack of space underneath. Fish cakes ($5 for 2 pieces) are something of a must try for me in any Thai restaurant and these handmade ones are nicely flavoured and spongy soft although quite small and gone in no time at all. Pity the sauce looks stock standard rather than home made and I still prefer the plating and dressing up of Sumjit Thai’s version.

I was excited to see the menu listing of Prawn cakes ($6 for 2 pieces) which were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside but unfortunately I couldn’t really taste the minced prawn amongst the pork belly mince which is also used in the mix but not listed as an ingredient. The Pad Thai of chicken, tamarind and tofu ($13) isn’t too sweet which is a good thing and uses much finer noodles than I’m used to seeing. Apparently for dinner they do a prawn version which I hope is equally as good. Stir-fried flat rice noodles with sweet soy, pork and Chinese broccoli ($13) or fondly better known as Pad See Ew for those in the know was quite strong on the soy flavour but had a nice smoky taste as hoped. The noodles are extra wide and was quite a filling meal if you’re particularly hungry. Don’t expect to be educated by traditional Thai dish names as most of the menu has been westernised to suit a broader audience. Service was quite efficient and friendly and the middle communal table lends itself well to larger groups. I liked the cosy upmarket décor and light bulbs that dangle from the ceiling.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Friendly and efficient service, Tempting dish options, Nice decor and atmosphere

CONS: A bit on the pricey side, Some table seating could be a bit tight for those with long legs, Toilet is out the back and down the long common corridor shared by other eateries in the complex

MUST TRY: Other dishes on the menu

WORTH TRYING: Pad Thai

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Fish cakes ($5 for 2 pieces)

Prawn cakes ($6 for 2 pieces) has pork belly mince as well — I couldn't really taste the prawn in it

Pad Thai of chicken, tamarind and tofu ($13)

WORTH TRYING :-)

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with sweet soy, pork and Chinese broccoli ($13)

Condiments

Lunch menu

Cutlery box

Seating

Open kitchen

Quite narrow leg room under small tables

Tukshop street service counter

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Somjit Thai: More than your average fish cake, Surry Hills (23 Mar 2011)

316 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
http://www.somjitthai.com.au

Nice take on fish cakes

Somjit Thai was established in 2003 by Ben and Gayle Kanchanapume as a tribute to Ben's mother, Somjit Kanchanapume. Somjit is the inspiration behind Ben's passion for Thai cooking and many of the traditional recipes at Somjit Thai.

I fondly remember trying the Fish cake ($8.20, 4 pieces) many years ago at this cheap and cheerful Thai restaurant and was pleasantly glad to see they’re still serving them up the same way. They’re nicely presented with a tasty sweet chilli dressing topped with cucumber, carrot and coriander. They look a lot more appetising than your plain looking fish cake served on its own which many Thai restaurants seem to do. The Pad Kra Prao ($9.50) of stir fried tofu with thai basil and chilli with mixed vegetables packs quite a chilli kick which is thankfully diffused a bit by the Jasmine steamed rice ($3 per serve). I noticed soft shell crab on the menu which I hope to try next time — I can’t stop myself when I see this dish on a menu. The seating is clean and basic and sitting outside might be a little scary being so close to Taylor Square but there’s a handy bottle shop, albeit expensive, across the road if you’re in need of a BYO.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Reasonable prices, Tasty dishes, A decent variety of menu choices

CONS: No air con so can get a little warm and stuffy inside, Not the safest area in town so watch your bags outside, Limited seating

MUST TRY: Fish cake, Other dishes on the menu

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Fish cake ($8.20, 4 pieces)

Pad Kra Prao: Stir fried tofu with thai basil and chilli with mixed vegetables ($9.50)

Jasmine steamed rice ($3 per serve)

Laminated menu — tough, durable and easy to keep clean

Table water promptly brought out without asking

Service counter and specials board above

Meet Mr Chilli Plant in the window — I wonder if they're used in the kitchen, they look hot!

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