Suk Jai Thai Restaurant
+64 9-437 7287+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
₱686.00 – ₱1,476.00
CUISINES
Asian, Thai, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurants allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages to drink?
Details
About
The only Thai restaurant in Northland to receive the prestigious "Thai Select" Award from the Prime Minister of Thailand to certify and recognise Thai restaurants outside Thailand which serve authentic Thai cuisine of the highest standard.
PRICE RANGE
₱686.00 – ₱1,476.00
CUISINES
Asian, Thai, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, BYOB, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
684 reviews
Excellent
507
Very good
147
Average
22
Poor
7
Terrible
1
julianna m
Christchurch47 contributions
Nov 2020 • couples
Cannot say how much we enjoyed our dinner. Very tasty , excellent service and great value for money. We had mixed entrees, and then peanut prawn stir fry and chicken garlic and pepper stir fry both with rice. Big portions which we were given tubs to put in the food we couldn’t finish. Very good flavours in all the food and would definitely go back!
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorraine M
Russell159 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
My husband and I stopped at this restaurant for lunch. We were needlessly worried about seating during social distancing. We were directed to a window table at least one table distant from other diners. There were large stuffed animals positioned in seats at tables that were buffer zones, very cute! My husband ordered sweet and sour pork while I ordered yellow rice with squid. The server came several times to see if we wanted beverage refills (water) or additional rice. The food came quickly and was delicious. I understand the young owner is a classical music student and the soft music made the meal even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beautmusic
Dargaville38 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We were pleasantly surprised that Suk Jai understood not to use the usual fish sauce in our vegan selections. The three dishes we selected - Pat Thai, Stir Fried Cashew Nuts and Prik King were all delicious with none of the common vaguely meat flavour from what's been cooked previously. The food was perfectly spiced and left the palate feeling clean and fresh. The vegetables used were all fresh and full of texture and shape and that piquant lemongrass herbaceousness. Why not 5 stars, then? Well, the spring rolls were small and a bit oily. And the menu doesn't feature tofu AT ALL, which means that for vegetarians wanting a protein hit to rival meat, there's nothing. This seems to be a bizarre choice, as most Thai restaurants feature tofu, and some have other kinds of "vegetable protein". Other than that, we were well satisfied, and even writing about the experience is making my mouth water.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
feliciousness
Auckland66 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
The menu tells the story of the owners who originally operated their restaurant in Christchurch, before relocating to Whangarei after the quakes. How lucky is Whangarei to have them! The menu also states that they have been awarded a certificate from the PM of Thailand for offering top quality and authentic food. That award is well deserved.
My husband isn't a big fan of Thai food usually, but this one? He loved it. All 3 of us enjoyed it, including my 13 year old who also has coeliac disease - they were able to cater safe gluten free food no problem at all. I personally enjoyed the cocktails on offer as well.
Since our visit, I have had at least 3 separate friends tell me that they travel from Auckland to Whangarei purely to eat at this restaurant - I can see why! Amazing food, and well priced too.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julius3-3
Munich38 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
we live 100km or so away from whangarei and therefore come quite irregularly.
however: after having spent the weekend in auckland and eating out asian food,
it was our stop on short notice to have a bite to eat at suk jai thai restaurant around 6pm. we had thai chicken and duck with coconut rice and green tea. for two persons we spent just $50.- for a most delicious and fantastic food&spice experience.
the evening before we had just nibbles, beer and two cocktails at mekong baby for well over 150.- which didn't come even close to suk jai thai in whangarei. if you live in auckland and want an outstanding thai food experience: come to whangarei and pay less for far more and superior including petrol money!
Written November 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni-Wayne
Christchurch449 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
The owners of Suk Jai used to run Thai Smile in Christchurch pre- earthquake and it was our favourite Thai restaurant. We ate there often and also got takeaways too. We didn’t know what happened to them and then I stumbled across the fact they now run Suk Jai in Whangarei. We were passing through on our way back from Russell to Auckland and just had to see how they were doing.
They are doing very well and it was great to see Charn was there and they were very busy for a Tuesday lunch. He remembered some of our old takeaway order and this was from over ten years ago... awesome!
The lunch menu has a great selection and it comes as a lunch size with very reasonable prices. We got some curry puffs, a chicken green curry and a pork pad Thai. All were really delicious.
Next time we are up this way, we are going to have to stay in Whangarei itself so we can do dinner. Thanks Suk Jai Thai Restaurant.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
localkate
Whangarei3 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
We got takeaway Prik king with roast duck and the cashew nut stir fry with beef. My partner enjoyed the cashew nut dish. Unfortunately there was very little edible duck in my dish. There was a lot of inedible duck fat with no meat on (see photo) which I had to throw in the bin. Quite disappointing as I was hoping to love it and it seems so popular.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FiremanSamNZ
65 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
Visited for the first time this evening with friends who are visiting from overseas after hearing good reviews from other friends. The service was really really good and the food was beautiful, everybody in the group thought it was exceptional. A true culinary gem!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark & Ana B
11 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
Delicious meals, polite friendly staff and great value for money. 6x adults shared 4x entres and 4x mains and we left full. Don't settle for an ok meal, do yourself and your taste buds a favour and have the best Thai outside of Thailand, here in Whangarei.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pampered-Puss
Hamilton17 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
When my Father passed away, I hosted a dinner before the funeral for my close friends who had travelled a long distance to support me .My local Whangarei Friends also dined with us looked after me during this tough time. I was fortunate to be able to book a large party of 10 at short notice . The dinner was a great success with fabulous food, fine fellowship and conversation as the restaurant was quiet enough to chat. This meant so much to me as I was able to spend time with my friends first before Dad's funeral
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dirk_and_Jess
Arizona52 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We dined at Suk Jai Thai Rest on the recommendation of Penny at Chelsea House where we were staying. Suk Thai is in a suburban neighborhood minutes from our B&B. The food was wonderful and the service impeccable even though every table was occupied. The ambience was energetic with people of all ages and locals as well as travelers. My wife had a chicken curry with peanut sauce which was outstanding in its refined flavors. I had a pineapple curry with roasted duck that was equally outstanding. We began with a starter of satay chicken, and again the peanut sauce was beautifully rendered. The drink menu offers many alcohol and non-alcohol options but only house wines. Nevertheless, the house Chardonnay paired well with the meal and was of good value, We would definitely return again.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dikshasachdeva786
Dear Dirk and Jess
Thank you so much for choosing our restaurant when you visit Whangarei.
We will remember to thank Penny at Chelsea House for recommending you to dine with us.
Peanut sauce is a tasty sweet based dish. The owner Anong has her own recipe to make peanut sauce.
Roast Duck Pineapple Curry is a nice dish because the roast duck skin goes well with the pineapple and grapes soaked in red curry. The slight saltiness of roast duck skin and the sourness of pineapple and grape and the creamy coconut do go very well with one another. This is why we state in our menu that pineapple curry is best to have with roast duck.
The reason why we do not have fixed brands of wines to sell by glasses because the wine prices vary every day. Some days there would be exceptional wines on sale at very good prices and they are better value than wines at the similar price range.
My duty as a manager also includes sourcing high quality wines at affordable prices. You mentioned the house Chardonnay. In November last year, I was able to find Brancott Terroir Chardonnay (a very upmarket Chardonnay) at very attractive prices. Thus I made a bulk order for such wines. If we have fixed menu where we would be forced to only supply wine of certain brand, our customers would never be able to enjoy such high quality wine with their meals for the very reasonable price that we charge.
This is why we decide to leave out the brand of wines when customers order wine by glass. Rest assured, however, that we do extensive research to see how much our competitors are charging and which brand they are offering. The reason why we are a popular restaurant is because our customers get better value for the amount of money they spend at our establishment.
We look forward to welcome you again.
Warm Regards
Diksha Sachdeva
Manager
Written January 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul L
New Zealand156 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Once again , Suk Jai has come up tops with thier very fast service, beautiful flavours and oh so friendly staff. On Thursday night we had the coconut rice, money bags( they make thier own ..a MUST to try ...) and sizzling plate of mixed seafood. All exceptional. Well done once again!...Cheers from Paul in Paihia
Written November 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inq121
Kerikeri14 contributions
Feb 2021 • family
Service was quick and friendly, kid friendly as well. Food came out far quicker than we expected even with a lot people ahead of us. The sesame seed sauce with duck was the best I have tasted in a long time.
Would highly recommend for either take out or dine in.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kuzak
Durban222 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
This is the best Thai food I have ever had, even better than my highest expectations! No wonder the restaurant has won so many awards! Well done to the owners for relocating from ChristChurch and making such a success of their restaurant business in Whangarei.
The service was elegant and top class.
We had the combination entree which was excellent and told me what to expect from my mains.
We had the favourite meal (number 18 - but seems menu on their website is different). It was absolutely delicious with vegetables - I opted for pork and my fellow diners opted for chicken. I devoured my plate of food :)
The glass of chardonnay I chose was not so nice (not their fault - I don't really know NZ wines).
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzy Keller
Queenstown9 contributions
Nov 2019 • couples
Suk Jai Thai Restaurant makes truly special food. The depth of flavor is the best I’ve had so far in New Zealand. I would highly recommend the Green Curry, Panang Suk Jai, and Jungle Curry. It’s a beautiful restaurant inside, perfect for a date night. Seriously incredible food, it’s somewhere you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to visit while in Whangarei.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dikshasachdeva786
Dear Lizzy Keller
Thank you so much for your kind compliment.
Panang Suk Jai has been a very popular meal since I started working at Suk Jai Thai in December 2016.
Chicken and Pork are marinated and deep fried then topped with the concentrated part of Panang curry paste and coconut cream. The strong flavours of the sauce go very well with deep fried meat and jasmine rice.
Green Curry is a staple Thai dish. Recently our chef Tin made Green Curry is Braised Beef for all of us to try. Although I have not tried it myself (I am Hindu thus I do not eat beef), all staffs including my boss agree that it is a very nice curry. As I am also in charge of planning new menus, I would raise the idea of changing all beef served with curries to be slow cooked braised beef for an even higher customer satisfaction.
Jungle Curry is not a very popular dish. This is because it is a curry with no coconut cream. This is why we have a waning in bold in the menu that it has no coconut cream and the flavours are very different from other curries. I am glad that you enjoy it.
Warm Regards
Diksha Sachdeva
Manager
Written January 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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