Thai Splendid Miranda

Conveniently located on the ground floor of Westfield Miranda, Thai Splendid makes for the perfect lunchtime escape from a food court filled with screaming children, combined with greasy, pre-made meals, and a minefield of trolleys and prams.



While located in a Westfield shopping centre, Thai Splendid is open for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is enormous, sprawling over two large split level dining areas with the main dining space easily seating over 150 people. However, the restaurant avoids becoming cold and ‘cafeteria-like’ through a smart décor of natural, earthy hues. Wooden wall panelling is accented by splashes of green, and giant statement lanterns wrapped in gauzy orange fabric washes the entire dining area in a fiery amber glow - giving the space a sense of warmth and character.



The menu at Thai Splendid is vast, comprising of the traditional Thai fare of noodles, fried rice and curry - as well as an array of ‘chef’s specials,’ which combine authentic Thai flavours in a modern and exciting way. Chef’s specials include pork belly with chilli jam; tamarind lamb cutlets, and barramundi fillet with mango cashew salad.



At Thai Splendid the ruling philosophy is “it’s all about sharing,” and so the menu, as well as the tables have been set up to reflect this philosophy. When meals arrive, everything is placed in the centre of the table ‘family style,’ and everyone is encouraged to dig in.



The mixed entrée ($10) includes a spring roll; a fish cake; one satay skewer, and a curry puff; and is the best way to sample a little of everything. The spring rolls are crisp and golden, but all in all, a little bland. Now on the fish cakes, while full of vibrant flavour are a little rubbery. The curry puffs however are delicious. The light, flaky pastry is stuffed with a spicy potato filling, and are fried to golden perfection. The real winner though is the satay chicken; whole chicken tenderloins, lightly grilled and succulent, smothered in a rich peanut sauce. If you’re a fan of satay chicken, do yourself a favour and order a side ($9 for four pieces) of these little beauties to avoid a war at the table.



The mains at Thai Splendid are, for the most part, designed to be shared, meaning everyone gets to sample a little of everything - which as we all know is definitely the best way to eat. The noodle dishes at Thai Splendid are a little gluggy and bland. The stir-fries (however) are not. The chicken cashew nut stir-fry ($15) packs a serious flavour punch, combining pungent garlic and spicy chilli jam with tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables and crunchy, golden cashews.



Likewise, the tom yum fried rice ($15.90) is full of the vibrant flavours of lime, ginger and lemongrass, and is generously scattered with juicy pan-seared morsels of fresh fish, prawns and squid. Thai Splendid also offers a selection of traditional Thai curries ($15 - $22.90) such as panang and massaman beef, which are all fragrant and delicious; successfully marrying sweet, sour and spicy elements to create a perfectly balanced sauce.



While the stir-fries, curries and rice dishes all stay true to the sharing philosophy; one dish, the laksa, is admittedly, a little harder to share, but that’s okay, because it’s so good you won’t want to share it anyway. The chicken laksa ($13.90) is the perfect balance of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, and is abundant with strips of juicy chicken, crispy vegetables, and lightly fried cubes of silky tofu; and is topped with a mountain of crisp bean sprouts and fresh coriander. This laksa is the ideal comfort dish for spice lovers.

With an array of delicious Thai dishes; generous portions, a laid-back atmosphere and super speedy service; Thai Splendid is a great place to enjoy a quick lunch, or a leisurely dinner with friends and family.

Rating: 8/10

Where: Shop G106, Westfield Miranda, 600 The Kingsway, Miranda NSW.
Why: Delicious Thai food. Fast, efficient service. Affordable prices, and a great, laid-back atmosphere.
Cost: Starters from $8 - $10. Main meals from $13.90 - $30.90. Steamed jasmine rice available for $3 per portion. Desserts from $11 - $13.
When: Open everyday from 11am - 10pm.

Good for kids: Yes. The restaurant is huge, meaning there is lots of space for prams, and there are high chairs available on request.
Take away: Yes.

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!Map 600 The Kingsway, Miranda, New South Wales, Australia

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