Erawan Thai

Erawan Thai is an absolute institution in Herne Bay, thanks to a few things. One reason is how the restaurant occupies a giant corner premises that used to be a very palacial villa; another reason is the food! Pat Hickey owned this place for its first 10 – 11 years in the business and hired real life Thai people, bringing them and their families to New Zealand and helping them set up their lives. They bring with them years of experience in kitchens creating authentic Thai food, or as they call it, food. Erawan is named by Noi, the other former owner, who called it Erawan after a sacred elephant. Noi says legend has it that Thailand needed water for its rice and white elephant Erawan is celebrated for bringing the God of Rain to earth. What a lovely story!
Me and my group always choose from some of the restaurant’s signature dishes — the Gaeng Karil (Thai yellow curry with chicken), chicken Laab (thai herb salad) and Gaeng Daeng Tofu (red curry). All wholesome and delicious.

I remember when this place used to be Fawlty Towers, but I guess enough Aucklanders didn’t want to pay to have their food spilt on them? That’s OK as Erawan Thai has taken over the tenancy of this fab villa in Herne Bay.
I do like the location although it’s a bit away from the main Ponsonby strip, so if you want to go out afterwards you have to drive. The menu is pretty good and it’s BYO which is always handy.
I’ve been here in a big group and they let us pay seperately. Pain for them, less painful for us :)

A big old villa turned Thai restaurant, the food and service here is excellent and BYOW is definitely an added bonus. They cater well to large groups and I’ve often dined with 10+ friends.
I’ve heard rumours that the building is to be demolished by the local council? I hope this isn’t true as it really is somewhat of a Herne Bay institution.
Tick, tick, tick from me.