Balance Thai — Restaurant in Sydney

Visiting from Melbourne we were so excited to be taken to Balance Thai for a Celebration meal with dear friends. They had raved about the Soft Shell Crab dish and the Barramundi. Several of the Party ordered the Crab, another the Pad Thai and I ordered the Barra as it was highly recommended. When the meals arrived it was evident the Barra was overcooked, two small thin slices,sitting on a soupy sauce which looked very unappetising. We all agreed it wasn’t up to scratch so asked to see a waiter. We explained the situation and we were then sent another waiter, then another. Perhaps the Manager? We were met with an incredibly rude woman who insisted the meal was perfectly fine. When we asked for it to be taken away she said she would bring out another one but we would have to still pay for it. I asked if we could order it with the sauce on the side ( I had tasted it and it was disgusting) she said NO we would have it exactly as it is on the menu. There was no way I was going to enjoy that meal so asked for another order of the Crab and a couple of plates so I could share the other meals while we waited. After asking several times she rudely agreed and said it would take a while to be cooked. It’s such a shame as the Crab was delicious but the Evening was definitely tainted by such terrible Customer Service. Having been a Chef for 15 years I knew the Customer is always right and you make amends. We were all very respectful but I cannot say that for the Management. I add I have never left a bad review but had to leave this to warn others. So...

DO NOT BUY FROM THIS PLACE Literally the worst Thai takeaway I've ever had For our selection of starters, the curry puffs were stodgy, tasteless, downright unpleasant, like munching on wet cardboard; the duck rolls had some sort of unidentified, dry, chewy, tasteless meat inside, again, very nasty. worst of all the fishcakes, deep fried little rubbery hocky pucks, like chewing on elastic bands, only the taste was worse. our main course was a chicken panang curry which was TERRIBLE. the sauce was insipid, had no flavour and had the consistency of water. runny, tasteless liquid in which floated some soggy chunks of pumpkin, a few bits of chicken and other soft bland vegetables. to call this a panang curry is just an utter disgrace. i have eaten here before and the food has been ok, but this takeaway was simply appalling. i spoke to the manager to complain, and he was really not interested, half-heartedly offering me a 20% discount on future orders. As if I would ever use this place again and suffer such an execrable standard of Thai food! He then tried to blame Covid, when I know full well from driving past that this place made a fortune on takeaways during Covid! Perhaps I was unlikely and the apprentice chef was on that night, but if so, take ownership of it, listen to complaints and offer a meaningful recompense. In summary... just go elsewhere. Monkey King Thai and We Are Thai in Balgowlah will give you a much better experience. Do not waste your money...

Absolutely outstanding experience!

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere. The aromas coming from the kitchen instantly made our mouths water. Every dish we ordered was an explosion of authentic Thai flavor — perfectly balanced, vibrant, and beautifully presented.

The Pad Thai was the best we’ve ever had: fresh, perfectly cooked noodles with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. The Green Curry was rich and aromatic, with tender meat and vegetables that soaked up the sauce perfectly. Even the small details, like the homemade dipping sauces and perfectly steamed jasmine rice, were spot on.

Service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive — they really cared that we enjoyed our meal. Prices were very reasonable for the quality, and portion sizes were generous.

We left completely satisfied and already planning our next visit. If you love Thai food, this place is a must-visit — an...