Kua Thai Isan Traditional Thai Restaurant. — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

Found this little gem randomly in what is somewhat kind of a dodgy part of Southport 🤣 But then again, where in Southport isn't dodgy, am I right? Anyways, I had the lunch special, I chose the Chilli Basil beef, and my brother had the crispy pork and Kailan. I requested Kailan extra on the side like its own dish, but the legitimacy of this place was tested through their lack of fluent understanding of English. This meant they had to clarify a second time what I was requesting. Based on this interaction, I knew the food was going to be good 🤣 They didn't quite get what I wanted, but it worked anyway. Very delicious chilli basil beef, I requested it hot, and boy, did I get HOT!!! Proper mouth burning sensation, but not enough to dull out the amazing licorice flavours of Thai Basil, which was in abundance here as it should be. The amount of beef was satisfactory, and the rice, as usual, was plentiful. They simply added steamed kailan to my dish, a decent quantity to which I just mixed in with the sauce. The crispy pork and Kailan was also fantastic and again satisfactory on the meat side, especially for a lunch special where places often skimp on the protein. Will be back for a proper meal 100% Oh yeah, Thai Black Tea was way too sweet. This may have been another language barrier mix up in communication 🤣 However it did match the...

A year later the last time 😚 I tried their new(for me) menu today 🥳 Moo ping was nice but a little different from my liking 😓 Khao soi was thick aromatic curry sauce with two big juicy soft drumsticks 😋🍗 Lime juice, pickles and raw onions were a very nice accent🎉 I felt it had fewer noodles at first, but in the end, it was just enough 😮‍💨 It was not busy when I got there but I waited for my order for nearly 30mins😅 Other customers got their dishes quickly 😣 I can wait for it if they mentioned it earlier. Lots of Thai staff, Thai music videos on🥳 I liked the atmosphere 🥳🎉

It’s my first visit for lunch 😋 I had Slow cooked beef boat noodle $15.9? and Coconut prawns $10.9? I paid $27.8 for it somehow 🤔🤔🤔🤔 Oh dear😅 I should get a receipt 😓 or I should have taken photo of the menu😥 They changed the price these days…..

Anyway, the noodle was nice, just a little bit salty for me. I liked the meat balls😋 It’s very interesting noodle for me😁 Prawn was big and freshly cooked, but coconut didn’t make me wowed much🧐🧐🧐 I scored 3/5⭐️ for both. I’ll try different...

So difficult to find an authentic Thai restaurant on the Gold Coast let alone in Southport..

A non descrip establishment from the outside and upon entry.. which is of no concern to my culinary requirements.. I am more interested in the authenticity and quality and flavours contained in my meal.

The menu is vast.. both in English and in Thai..feel free to discuss your requirements with the cook/owner.. although she may initially appear disinterested.. she is infact a very nice person who genuinely wants you to sample her Issan inspired cuisine.

Prices have increased over time.. though no more than other establishments across the Gold Coast.

As previously stated the ambience is .. understated at best.. however the quality of the cuisine makes up for this exponentially..

If you appreciate true Thai food.. this is definitely the restaurant for you..

I read with interest some reviews criticising the quality of the meals.. I can only suggest these people are ignorant of authentic Thai flavours..

You will not be...