Rat Na @ Saap Thai

Typically this had to start with me eating alone. Not a huge fan of eating alone but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Rest of the guys went for Korean. I don’t do Korean.

With the jingle of coins in my pocket I knew I had to go cheap and Saap Thai with their Rat Na was calling.

Saap Thai, (Pitt Street) is a hole in the wall with very little to tell it apart form from anything else. It looks like the Korean convenience store next door but with the shelves thrown out and table/chairs thrown in. The view of the car park exit of World Square doesn't help much either.

They do a good Rat Na though.

I’m new to Rat Na, had my first hit late last year at Home (note to self, get back to Home soon) and have been hooked ever since. Wide flat rice noodles and veggies lightly fried before being served in a yellow bean gravy. Looks a bit funky but is the perfect antidote to the greasy fried noodles (looking at you Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Yew) that make up a lot of orders.

In addition – and this is the kicker – the gravy allows you to add in the majestic foursome that is Thai condiments (Fish Sauce, Dried Chill, Sugar and Vinegar (with fresh chillies)) to taste.

So soft noodles/crunchy vegetables, and with a personalised sweet, sour, spicy, and salty gravy. This dish has balance happening all over the place.

A great dish and a new favourite.

Looks a bit funky as a dish, and the gravy would put people off. Luckily I have a Thai colleague who serves as a food adviser to convince me this was a thing worth jumping in. Would recommend it to anyone

Saap Thai do a veggie version at $8.50 so it’s hard to find fault. They even throw in egg as opposed to the $2 I see creeping in for egg (looking at you Home) these days. Sure the place itself is a bit of a dump but I’ve eaten in much (much) worse and the service is friendly. Specials board is in Thai, and Thai only; that’s got to be a thing.

Where – Saap Thai

When – 25/2/13

What – Rat Na

Cost - $8.50

With – Johnny No Mates

Rating – 3/4