Thaila Thai

Forget the census, Thaila Thai is the ultimate snapshot of Brunswick. First in the door might be a table of cabbies stopping the meter for wok-tossed charry prawns, or scored squid with handfuls of basil. Young families marshal their numbers around a mixed platter of fishcakes and chicken skewers drizzled in thick satay sauce. Later, share-house and party folks arrive, ushered upstairs lugging BYO and shortly followed by bowls of typically mild curries like tofu in a sweet, milky peanut stew brimming with rough-cut celery, cabbage and carrot. Service can struggle when busy, but given the hefty portions it's top value.