Suk Jai Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Northland

Quite a belated review, but 7 years ago, my family and I flew to New Zealand from Sydney and stopped by Whangerei for a late evening feed. I chose a Thai restaurant for dinner and upon walking in, I was greeted to a most euphonious yet unconventional atmosphere - a programme of classical music spanning various eras - Baroque, Classical, Romantic, some 20th century works and some scores of some anime episodes!! This concert was most engrossing, coupled with the colourful lighting of Suk Jai, the atmosphere was most enchanting to both the young boy I was, my elder brother and my parents.

The food was phenomenal, quite rich but incredibly flavoursome. Accompanied by such a delightful concert with a wonderful atmosphere, the experience of dining was unparalleled.

Afterwards, the buddying little musician in me approached the owner, Charn, where I was very inquisitive on some of the music playing. Charn not only took the time out to talk to me about some of the music - but even went through the playlist to find a piece previously played that I found very interesting - it was Franz Liszt's Theme on a Waltz originally written by Charles Gonoud. To the young teen I was, talking to Charn was rather eye-opening and burst my bubble - such music introduced me into the realm of classical music of which I had previously just scratched the surface of.

Not only did Charn take time away from his work during a very busy period, he was extremely encouraging to me to pursue learning more and indulging in such a rewarding, amazing interest...art form...and universal language. His generosity didn't just end there...as there were so many pieces I was fascinated by of which I would never have been able to remember, Charn put all of them on a USB and gifted it to me - this USB I still have today.

Hearing the second movement of Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto truly transformed me, that very recording [1985 Warner Bros recording with Cecile Ousset & the London Symphony Orchestra] was transcendetal [like Liszt's Transcendetal Etudes haha], listening to that in the car in New Zealand captured my heart like nothing else. To date, when listening to that very recording, my heart skips a beat, and I'm also reminded of Charn.

I'd never have known that one experience at Suk Jai Thai would be so transformative - pursuing and deepening my interest in classical music has changed my life so much - with music and the study of it being the most precious thing in my life today, something I would not be able to live without. Such a deep, intimate passion for music stays with me today, and will stay with me for life.

Whilst Charn may not have ignited such, he certainly opened my mind to a whole new world I didn't know existed, and for that, I'm eternally grateful for. Not only was his restaurant amazing, his food even more so, but Charn's kindness, generosity and encouragement is something that I wouldn't be the same person today without.

100/100, not just for the music, Charn, but for the restaurant itself. Will definitely be back the next time I'm in the...

The food was enjoyed at home and declared delicious. For takeaway, they were good, fresh and generous portions. The Thai woman who took our order was delightful and so warm and kind. Unfortunately the grumpy old white guy behind the counter let the whole side down. Not at all the way to behave in hospitality or at all. Have been warned about the bad service at your restaurant and told to try Whang Thai and that’s exactly what I will do next time as do not feel any need to spend my money where I was made to feel so very unwelcome. It was so small and silly that the scene the sad wee man made about me taking 3 little Easter eggs (that you had out in a complimentary bowl) for my children - after spending $80.00 on three main meals and two rice - has sat with me beyond the weekend and sees me write this review. I put the eggs back on the night and will admit that the experience ruined the taste of the food I brought home. I am just pleased my children enjoyed their Easter treat dinner and weren’t with me to see their mother publicly embarrassed in such a way. So unfortunate. Please allow me to offer here that I hope you never do that to anyone else. It is beyond my comprehension as to why you chose to be so mean. I really hope you are ok, because that carry on for a customer taking 3 tiny eggs on Easter- that you had in a self help bowl on the counter - is not normal. And if you respond to this review like it is my fault for taking more than one - I will LOL! Folk who purchase more than one meal often have folk at home who’d like a choccy treat and shouldn’t have to come to your restaurant to join in the fun! Or if you feel the need to police freebies - don’t put them out in a bowl! ทำดีได้ดี,...

Food was below average and overpriced. Such a shame as I've heard good things about this place, we won't be going back. $126 for 3 mains 2 ontrays and 3 cokes. I would have left the review here but with that comment lets dive in. Stop making excuses, the food wasn't good! The vegies in all dishes were under done and nothing had a wow facter, bland!! I was starving and couldn't even eat quarter of the curry i ordered. If you were paying that much attention you would have seen i went next door to the fish n chip shop and bought a fish n egg burger to eat instead. I like all types of food if its good ill let you know, and if its not, guess what? Ill let you know, try tell me what I do and don't like! Why there was nothing left is because my partner bought 2 containers from you guys to pack the leftover food in to take home for our dog....