Senyai

Senyai, brainchild of the Assembly team, is a cool Thai restaurant that looks more like a laneway diner in Bangkok. And so it should – it’s been crafted from a traditional teak house that was deconstructed in Samut Songkhram, outside of Bangkok. The timber was packed into crates and shipped to Sydney, where it was affixed to the walls of the Senyai space and painted a very Thai shade of green. The walls are dotted with film, pop and royal family posters and portraits. It’s a nice idea and a pretty authentic visual experience for those who’ve dined out in the more traditional eateries near Kho San Road.

Chef Nu Suandokmai, formerly of Café Sydney and Bathers’ Pavilion, is pushing his “original recipe” concept to recreate dishes typical of an old-style Thai shopfront cafe. What’s on offer? Crisp prawn pancakes, pork belly with cinnamon and star anise, and a great barramundi in a piquant lime and chilli sauce.

It’s a cosy venue with an authentic feel and an expansive menu, and is another sign of good things to come at Regent Place.