Secret Thai Garden

After you have lived and spent a long time overseas, some wants to bring a slice of that experience when it comes time to head home. The owners of this place have done exactly that, and opened up this Thai restaurant upon their return. Located in Otahuhu (South Central Auckland), Secret Thai Garden Restaurant is the result of over 2 years of planning and building. The entrance is a subdued, toned down affair. Once you step past the bamboo screen, a pathway leads you down a garden decorated with Buddha-themed murals and ornaments. A pleasent, fragrant incence smell fills the air as you continue down the path, and a little bridge over a water feature leads you into the dining area. Inside, imported wooden teak furniture and more ornaments are spread out over various porch areas which create private seating sections. Having visited Chiang Mai over a decade ago, the ambiance definately brings back memories of a beachside restaurant. A waitress greeted us promptly and lead us to the table. Their menu is quite extensive, showcasing a wide variety of dishes around Thailand. 15 minutes later, the secret Thai selection starter arrived: Thai bread with shrimp spread, coriander and sesame, secret Thai angel wings (boneless stuffed chicken thigh with pork mince and vermicilli), Poh Peah Tod (hand made spring rolls with lots of fresh vegetables) and Tod Mun Pla (hand-made fish cakes). Delicious, tastes fresh with tons of herbs (lots of coriander and Thai basil flavours, with a touch of lime), and just the palate teaser to begin the evening. The main course arrived another 10 minutes later, we ordered a Panang beef curry, and Larb Gai (Thai chicken salad), along with some Jasmine rice. The red curry has tons of flavour, the beef pieces tender with crisp green beans and peanuts providing texture to the dish. Larb Gai is nice and vibrant, chicken pieces in a mint and coriander dressing, hints of lime and dried chilli giving it acid and heat, and the toasted puffed rice giving a nice crunchy mouth feel. A bottle of imported Thai Chang Beer helped wash all the sauce down from both the plates. Perhaps the only weak point of the evening is their dessert menu, as they offer 3 choices: banana split, ice cream sundae or a fresh fruit platter. We were expecting some authentic desserts from Thailand rich with coconut cream. In the end we settled for the banana split with 2 scoops of ice cream and freshly whipped cream, not exactly the happiest of endings after such an authentic, tasty meal. As we make our way to the bar counter to pay the bill, we explored the garden a bit more. They definately went all out with the decour, the TukTuk draped with LED light chains definately brings a touch of the tropical Chiang Mai here in this garden. This is perhaps one of the best hidden gem in Auckland, genuine, authentic Thai food served up in an amazing atmosphere. If they improve on the dessert menu, then it'll be the perfect happy ending to dining in this secret Thai garden.

WOW - The Secret Thai Garden certainly lives up to it's name. Nestled in suburban Otahuhu, it's probably the most 'surprised' I've been in a long time upon arriving at this restaurant.  The entrance is breathtaking (literally with the incense!) - and makes an incredible first impression. From the moment you step inside, you truly are transported to another world.  The staff are friendly and seem genuinely pleased to be a part of such a great business.   There are several seating areas, all with their own charm.  The 'bar' is very authentic, and the whole place has a fantastic atmosphere.  You could easily be in Thailand! The food was AH-MAZING!  Huge juicy prawns in a coconut batter for starters, followed by a sticky, rich and delicious chicken, veges and cashews (and plenty of them too which is always a winner with me!) Overall, an EXCELLENT experience, and one I will be making the 40 min drive for again and again! It's one of those ones that's almost so good that you don't want to tell others about it for fear of not getting a table next time you want one....