A welcome addition to Auckland’s growing portfolio of ethnic restaurants where diners can expect some serious food and skilled versions of Thai classics from a much imitated but rarely matched menu
Thai food can be addictive and under the guidance of Dang and Dean Rajniyom what is plated in front of you justifies a place on the menu with culinary delights that many Thai restaurants would find wanting. As one of Epsom’s most popular eateries Mae Glong continues to impress with food showing authenticity and detail rarely found at honest prices
The menu is long and adventurous with dishes that are fresh and flavoursome serving up some of the best Thai food in town. There is plenty of talent from the kitchens calling cards with cuisine bursting with intense flavours exemplified with rice, noodles and vegetables keeping the locals satisfied with over seventy Asian dishes
Whilst the menu features familiar dishes with little that you haven’t seen before it does still cater for the timid and heroic with fare like Kao pud ($18), fried rice, chicken, shrimps, eggs, mixed vegetables and cashew nuts, Gaeng panang ($19.50), chicken, pork, beef or lamb curry served with coconut milk, pumpkin, green beans, crushed peanuts and kaffir lime leaves, Gaeng pet ped yang ($19.50) roasted duck, red curry, coconut milk, grapes, tomatoes and eggplant, Gaeng kiew wan ($23), green curry with either scallops, prawns or fish fillets served with coconut milk, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, snow peas, bamboo shoots and basil leaf. Vegetarian lovers are also well taken care of with plenty of tried and trusted choices from a lengthy menu of entrees, soups and mains
And when you think you’re all done when mains are cleared although desserts are not a highlight it’s not hard to be swayed by a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and fried bananas glazed with honey ($9)
The wine list is modest and shows care however it does have some way to go to do true justice to the wonderful food
And the verdict? There are no ambiguities about the food. The servings are generous and prices modest. But the real enjoyment of eating at Mae Glong is about how it manages to effortlessly engage all the senses. As they say in Thailand smiles all round.
Mae Glong: Licensed and BYO, 301 Manukau Road, Epsom
Phone: 638 8005 Dinner: 7 days
Website: www.maeglong.co.nz
Menu: 8.5 Cuisine: 8.5 Wine list: 6 Service: 7.5 Décor: 7 Value for Money: 8.5
