Summer 2024 may have been packed away for the Autumn, but the region's foodies can still bask in the sunny flavours of Thailand at Chaophraya in Newcastle.
Set atop Eldon Square’s buzzing Grey’s Quarter, the restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling views across Monument and literally offers an elevated Thai dining experience.
Chaophraya – which translates to ‘River of Kings’ – is the country’s major waterway stretching from Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand, and in keeping with this, its menu captures the length and breadth of a diverse, exotic country.
Inside, the restaurant blends minimalist, contemporary design with many South East Asian touches to create an ambience which is warm and intimate.
This makes it the perfect spot for romantic date nights – especially with some highly-prized window tables which offer people watching par excellence.
The view was (somewhat) wasted on myself and son Jack who spent the evening topping up with super-cool Singha lager and bemoaning the failings of the England ODI cricket team.
However, a fantastic time was had, nonetheless.
Under starter’s orders, our meal began with two starters that promised to awaken the palate: Tempura Prawns and Thai Tacos.
The Tempura Prawns were a perfect example of simplicity done right. The prawns were generously sized, beautifully crispy, and light, without any of the greasy heaviness that sometimes accompanies tempura dishes.
Served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, they were an ideal balance of crunchy texture and depth of flavour. The prawns themselves were fresh, with a natural sweetness that paired wonderfully with the subtly spicy and tangy sauce – not to mention a supplementary glass of white.
Each bite was crispy and satisfying, making for a well-executed and familiar start to the meal.
The Thai Tacos were a more playful dish. Loaded in crisp, bitesized taco shells, these comprised a harmonious blend of savoury minced meat (we opted for chicken), fresh herbs, and a delicate hint of lime.
The dish was singing with the freshness of the herbs, which lifted the dish, while the chili added a mild kick that didn’t overpower the flavours.
The tacos were a fantastic fusion of Thai flavours with a global twist, showcasing Chaophraya’s willingness to modernise traditional dishes while staying true to authentic tastes.
The Weeping Tiger Sirloin Steak was the star of the night. The steak, marinated in a rich blend of Thai spices, was cooked to perfection—medium-rare, just as requested. The meat was tender and full of robust, smoky flavours. The marinade meanwhile punctuated the steak, with hints of lemongrass, garlic, and soy coming through with each bite and suffusing the air with delicious aromas.
The Chilli Thai Basil Stir-Fry with Chicken was another highlight. This dish had all the hallmarks of a classic Thai stir-fry: fragrant with garlic, chili, and basil, yet simple in its execution.
Beyond the food, Chaophraya’s friendly, attentive service deserves a special mention. Led superbly well by business development manager, Matthew, the team have succeeded in creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion from team lunches to special occasion dining.
Chaophraya forms part of the city’s burgeoning Southeast Asian restaurant scene and is the perfect place to try a touch of Thai on Tyneside.
For more information, visit chaophraya.co.uk
