Newtown Thai I & II

@ 177 and 105 King Street respectively

I once tried to start a fad whereby Newtown's nickname would be Thaitown. It didn't catch on verbally, but did live on in spirit. If there's one cuisine that you'll never be at a lack of in Newtown, it's Thai. From Thaitanic to Thairiffic, Chedi Thai to Atom Thai, Thai food is rife.

If you're seeking a no-nonsense, good tasting, cheap Thai meal then one of the Newtown Thais is the way to go. Their lunch menus have meals that cost under $10, are generous serves and are full of flavour. It's look is simple, just another Asian restaurant equipped to feed the hungry. 

I've been to both Newtown Thais (and there's also a takeaway version on the south end of King I have yet to savour) - so the fact that this chain is expanding should be evidence enough that they're doing something right.

Of the three, Newtown Thai I is the best. It's smack bang in the middle of the north end of the street and is always buzzing and busy. Newtown Thai II used to be characterised by its "backwards clock." After having recently been renovated, it now exudes a more modern interior that sadly makes it feel more flash than it is. As to that mesmerising the clock? I've not been able to locate it in the newly refurbished restaurant.

Times hit: Many