Golden Elephant — Restaurant in Cork

Went to Golden Elephant in town last week for a bit of dinner.

I thought it was only alright. A minced chicken basil dish was way too salty (as in l left still feeling hungry but didn't finish this dish) . Papaya salad wasn't much better, no subtleties at all - just sugar acid and salt. Heavy handed with the fish sauce, too.

If I had made either of those dishes at home, I wouldn't be particularly thrilled with myself.

Ingredients were good and fresh, there just seemed to be a lack of attention to detail. Prices would be fine if the cooking was a bit better.

Wasn't crazy about the ordering on your phone system but, again, I'd put up with that if the food was a bit better.

Our server was really very pleasant and enthusiastic. She said she'd bring our feedback to the kitchen but no communication came back.

The Thai food we had in Athlone a few months ago was much better, we both thought.

I wouldn't say it's bad - just your average Thai restaurant standard for Ireland.

Edit : forgot to say that it wasn't spicy at all - I mean, I could hardly detect any chilli, whatsoever . And we upgraded the spice to +1 teaspoon chilli (1/2 teaspoon is the default). I wonder did the chef forget to add chillies to both dishes. It seems if you want it any way spicy, you need...

I have literally not had food that tasted so beautiful before. for the pad thai, the chicken was very tender and abundant. the pad thai had various textures and complex flavors, yet was subtle and not overwhelming. the plates also looked stunning, especially the Thai iced tea cheese cake (to DIE for. and no artificial anything)! everything is made from scratch. even with low staff and a warning about wait times, both times I've eaten here my food has come out extremely fast, and I had great service. the server recognized me from my 1 prior visit, and recognized other visitors from their prior visits to the detail of remembering where they sat! the servers are extremely helpful with navigating the menu and explaining the options and flavors. the food is also affordable. the music inside is calming yet interesting and the entire atmosphere feels cozy and uplifting. I heard another guest pleased to return after his first visit, and I heard a few guests talk about how they keep visiting. I eat a LOT of Thai food in America, and this was the best I've ever had. this restaurant would be the reason I...

OMG! We got so excited when Golden Elephant added another branch in Cork! And we loved the cuisine! Absolutely! (The menu is small but different than for this branch, but equally TASTY!!!)

Food: We had ordered Thai basil and pineapple fried rice with chicken. Totally tasty!!! We asked them to make it little more spicy and they delivered to our expectations! Thai basil is like chicken mince, super tasty and comes with rice. Pineapple fried rice has super authentic taste. The pineapple pieces amidst the chicken fried rice gave a super nice and they give a sweet taste amidst all the hot and spicy taste. Also, the presentation of pineapple fried rice is just wowww! 🤌🏻

Drinks: I also got mango smoothie and it was super tasty and fresh. It’s not heavy and is dairy free. The presentation for the smoothie was super cute too.

Service: the service is super friendly! They come and help us out with the menu and the spice level for each dish if you are confused. Super sweet...