I have fond memories of this place. Many moons ago (about 10 probably) I took my then girlfriend and now wife on a few romantic dates here. For our 6 month anniversary, my friend who worked there at the time, set aside the little alcove area on the balcony and decorated the table with rose petals and the owner donated a bottle of Moet to mark the occasion, you could say that he is single-handedly responsible for our lifelong union. Thailicious has since changed owners, so I wondered if the magic of that night is still present - thus we stopped by for our wedding anniversay to see if it's still the case. Probaly the oldest of the numerous Thai restaurants in Darwin, Thailicious features classic dishes in a unique roof top / alfresco dining experience. Spicy soups, marinated grilled meats, declicious curries, hot stir fries, local seafood and of course fried noodles. The dining area is entirely alfresco with one section uncovered and the remainder under a roof. There is also a very relaxing and comfy dining area where you sit on floor cushions and get intimate with both your company and your food, which is about chest level when seated. During the rainy season they drop the plastic side covers and turn the place into a giant aquarium so you that don't get wet. During the dry season, it's one of the best places to enjoy the wonderful weather, food and drink, but it's probably the last place you'd want to eat spicy food during the warmer humid months, despite the numerous fans to keep the place cool. For food we ordered quite a bit: Entrees

• Vegetarian spring rolls - $8
• Crispy garlic wings with garlic and caramel soy sauce - $10
• Pork skewers with galangal, kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass and chilli - $17

Mains

• Stir fried kang kung - $19
• Penang curry with chicken, carrots, pumpkin - $23
• Pad siew with local prawn (fried flat rice noodles) - $33
• Tuk tuk chicken - half a marinated chicken in coriander, curry powder and turmeric - $25
• Saffron coconut rice

We weren't brave enough to try out the cumcumber however.

I'm sure it tastes really nice.

 

An ode to Thailicious

Vegetarian spring rolls, chunky, crunchy and a hint of spice, Better than fried rice, it was really nice. Crispy garlic wings were awesome and I loved the salty sweet sticky sauce, What a great snack before the main course. Pork skewers made interesting use of lemongrass, perfect subtle kick of chilli and tender meat, Great dipped in the accompanying sauce but $17 for four is a questionable treat. Stir fried kang kung - sauce a bit too salty, tiny serving, absolutely terrible value for what must be about $1.50 worth of ingredients and $2 of labour costs, This is highway robbery boss! The Penang curry flavour was just OK and the sauce could be thicker, for this I do bicker. The Pad siew is wonderful with with big fat prawns and silky smooth noodles, Although for the extra $10 the included sea critters do not come in oodles. Tuk tuk chicken - Perhaps I'm getting old, but I vaguely remember having this grilled on a previous visit whereas this seemed to be poached or steamed. Doesn't matter however, as it was super succulent and the marinade were a real nice team. Saffron coconut rice - much too dry, My mouth almost had a cry. Overall I found the food quite nice with wonderful spicy flavours typical of Thai cuisine. The presentation was great as well. All the dishes came out in a timely manner to seal the deal. Service was without fuss, attentive and polite. Each of the waitstaff seem to tend to their allotted tables from start to finish, which is a nice personal touch. As we were sitting on the floor, our waitress respectfully kneeled down to address and serve us. All up, a great place for a unique dining venue, romantic dinner, special occasion or to entertain. The food is mostly hard to fault, but the price is a bit prohibitive for a casual meal. I'm sure they'll still be around in another 10 years.

Contact Details

Address: Shop 18 & 26/69 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT 0800 (Next to the Mitchell Centre) Website: www.thailicious.com.au Open: 7 days 6.00pm - 9.30pm