Chat Thai

Level 6/188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, Sydney CBD

+61 2 9221 0600

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About

Chat Thai – Haymarket | Authentic Thai Restaurant | Sydney’s Thai Food Institution Since 1989

Chat Thai – Haymarket

Authentic Thai Restaurant – Sydney’s Thai Food Institution Serving Bangkok Flavours Since 1989

⭐ Sydney’s Thai Food Pioneer | Family-Owned | Open Late Night Until 2 AM

About Chat Thai Haymarket

Welcome to Chat Thai, Sydney’s legendary Thai food institution and a trailblazer in the city’s Thai restaurant scene! Founded in 1989 by the late, great Amy Chanta, Chat Thai has been serving authentic Thai fare to discerning Sydney diners for over 35 years. Located in the heart of Thaitown opposite the Capitol Theatre, this Haymarket favourite remains at the top of its game as Sydney’s benchmark for everyday, authentic Thai cuisine.

Chat Thai was created as a meeting place for diners to socialise and chat about Thai food – thus, Chat Thai! When Amy Chanta opened the first branch, she recognised that now-popular staple dishes like green curry, pad Thai, and basil-laden stir-fries were the gateway to introducing authentic Thai cooking to Sydneysiders. Our inspiration originates from the streets and markets of Thailand, always cooking with premium quality ingredients sourced locally and from our family’s Boon Luck Farm in Byron Bay.

Everything here is fast, fresh and easy on the wallet, with an around-the-clock queue of hungry diners waiting to get a table from opening time until 2:00 AM. The two-level venue buzzes with energy, featuring roaring flames from the open kitchen that make you feel like you’re dining along the streets of Bangkok. Every dish could easily come straight out of a restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, with a vast menu ranging from classic spicy curries to delicious seafood dishes. Our long-standing motivation is simple: to cook food that we ourselves crave, served in an environment that is pleasurable and welcoming!

🏆 Sydney’s Thai Pioneer

Operating for 35+ years, Chat Thai shaped Sydney’s Thai cuisine scene. When unknown Bangkok flavours were introduced in 1989, it became the city’s benchmark for authentic Thai street food at fine-dining quality and reasonable prices!

🌶️ Signature Dishes

Famous for gai yaang (chargrilled chicken with turmeric and lemongrass), som dtum Thai (green papaya salad), gaeng sohm cha-om goong (sour orange tamarind curry with prawns), pad Thai, and whole fried barramundi. Every dish packed with authentic flavour!

🌙 Late-Night Dining

Open until 2 AM nightly! Perfect for post-work meals, late-night cravings, or post-drinks feast. The supper menu operates from 10 PM to close with late-night delights. One of Sydney’s best late-night eating spots!

✨ Buzzing Atmosphere

Two-level venue with open kitchen, roaring flames, and Bangkok street vibes. Constantly busy with queues out the door! Extensive takeaway menu available. Family-owned and operated with fresh ingredients from Boon Luck Farm.

Contact & Hours

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Address 20 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 (Opposite Capitol Theatre)

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Phone (02) 9211 1808

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Opening Hours Daily: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Open until 2 AM every night!)

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Supper Menu 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Late-night specials)

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Website www.chatthai.com.au

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Social Media Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Restaurant Info

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Cuisine Type Authentic Thai Street Food & Regional Cuisine

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Price Range $ – Budget-Friendly ($15-30 per person)

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Seating Two-level venue with buzzing atmosphere and open kitchen

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Service Options Dine-in, Extensive Takeaway Menu, Delivery Available

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Reservations Accepted (Highly recommended due to constant queues)

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Dietary Options Vegetarian (V) and Gluten-Free (GF) options clearly marked

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Family Friendly Yes – Family-owned and operated, welcoming to all

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Special Ingredients Fresh herbs from family’s Boon Luck Farm in Byron Bay

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Drinks Licensed – Beer, Wine, Thai beverages

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Payment Card payments accepted

Getting There

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Location Haymarket Thaitown – Opposite Capitol Theatre

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Nearest Station Central Station – Short walk through Haymarket

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Light Rail Capitol Square Light Rail Station nearby

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Parking Parking stations available in Haymarket/Chinatown area

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Chat Thai special?

Chat Thai is Sydney’s Thai food institution, operating for over 35 years as a trailblazer that shaped the city’s Thai restaurant scene. Founded by Amy Chanta in 1989, it introduced authentic Bangkok flavours to Sydney when they were completely unknown. Today, it remains the benchmark for authentic Thai street food at fine-dining quality with reasonable prices, served fast and fresh in a buzzing atmosphere that feels like dining on the streets of Bangkok!

What are your signature dishes?

Must-try dishes include gai yaang (chargrilled chicken marinated with turmeric and lemongrass, served with smoked chilli and sweet tamarind chutney), various som dtum (green papaya salads with adjustable chilli levels), gaeng sohm cha-om goong (sour orange tamarind curry of king prawns with omelette of acacia fronds), pad Thai, and whole fried barramundi. The gaeng bpu (yellow curry with crab meat and betel leaves) is also a favourite!

Why is Chat Thai always so busy?

Chat Thai has an around-the-clock queue from opening until 2 AM because it’s renowned as one of Sydney’s most authentic Thai restaurants. The combination of fast, fresh food that’s easy on the wallet, plus the buzzing atmosphere with open kitchen and roaring flames, creates an irresistible dining experience. The only problem you’ll have is choosing just one dish from the extensive menu!

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, reservations are highly recommended! Chat Thai is constantly busy with queues waiting to get a table. While walk-ins are possible, booking ahead ensures you don’t have to wait during peak times. The restaurant is particularly busy during dinner hours and late-night supper service.

What’s on the late-night supper menu?

The supper menu operates from 10 PM to 2 AM and features late-night delights perfect for a post-drinks feast. This makes Chat Thai one of the best late-night eating spots in Sydney! The menu includes various Thai street food favorites and comfort dishes ideal for satisfying late-night cravings.

Are there vegetarian and gluten-free options?

Yes! Chat Thai clearly marks vegetarian (V) and gluten-free (GF) options throughout the menu. Many dishes can be adjusted to accommodate dietary preferences. The extensive menu ensures vegetarians have plenty of authentic Thai options to choose from, and staff can guide you on gluten-free selections.

Can I get takeaway?

Absolutely! Chat Thai has an entire menu dedicated to takeaway food. The extensive takeaway menu features all your favorite dishes packaged for enjoying at home or on the go. Delivery is also available through various platforms.

Where do the ingredients come from?

Chat Thai cooks with premium quality ingredients sourced locally, with special ingredients like betel leaves grown and supplied by the family’s Boon Luck Farm in Byron Bay. The inspiration comes from the streets and markets of Thailand, ensuring authentic flavors in every dish!

How spicy is the food?

Chat Thai offers authentic Thai spice levels, with many dishes featuring adjustable chilli levels to suit your preference. The som dtum (papaya salads), for instance, can be adjusted to your level of chilli appreciation. Just let staff know your spice preference when ordering!

Signature Papaya Salads – Som Dtum

Various styles with adjustable chilli levels:

Som Dtum Thai (V, GF) – Classic green papaya salad with peanuts and dried shrimps: spicy, salty and slightly sweet
Som Dtum Bpu Bpla La (GF) – Laotian version with fermented fish: strong and distinct flavour
Som Dtum Kai Kehm (GF) – Green papaya salad with addition of salted duck egg
Som Dtum Ma Muang (GF) – Spicy green mango salad with pickled crab, dried shrimps, fermented fish
Som Dtum Muah (GF) – Laotian version with fermented fish, bean sprout, pork cracker, rice noodles and pickled cabbage

Signature Main Dishes

Authentic Thai favorites:

Gai Yaang – Chargrilled chicken marinated with turmeric and lemongrass, char grilled until crisp, with smoked chilli and sweet tamarind chutney – your ultimate conversion to grilling!
Gaeng Sohm Cha-Om Goong – Sour orange tamarind curry of king prawns served with an omelette of acacia fronds
Gaeng Bpu – Yellow curry with crab meat, flavoured with betel leaves – a favourite!
Whole Fried Barramundi – Beautifully presented whole fish topped with your choice of sauce
Padt Thai (V) – Stir fried thin rice noodles with chicken, dried shrimps, bean sprouts, garlic chives in tamarind and palm sugar sauce
Khao Grapao Gai Sup (V) – Stir fried minced chicken, fresh chilli and holy basil with fried egg and rice
Khao Grapao Mhu Grob – Stir fried crisp pork belly, fresh chilli and holy basil with fried egg and rice

Curries & Soups

Rich Thai curries and aromatic soups:

Green Curry – Classic Thai green curry with coconut milk and vegetables
Massaman Curry – Rich Muslim-style curry with peanuts and potatoes
Panang Curry – Thick red curry with coconut milk and kaffir lime
Gaeng Phed Ped Yang – Red curry with roasted duck
Hot and Sour Soup – Tom yum with your choice of protein
Coconut Soup – Tom kha with chicken or prawns

Stir-Fries & Noodles

Thai street food favorites:

Padt Thai Goong Woonsen – Stir fried glass noodles with king prawns, dried shrimps, bean sprouts, garlic chives
Raadt Naah Mhu – Stir fried wide rice noodles or crisp fried egg noodles with pork and Chinese kale
Pad See Ew – Wide rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) – Spicy stir-fried noodles with holy basil
Khao Padt Nahm Prik Kapi – Fried rice with shrimp paste relish, fried mackerel, pea eggplant, cha-om omelette

Starters & Street Food

Authentic Thai appetizers:

Fresh Spring Rolls – Smoked fish sausages, chicken and crab with caramelised tamarind relish
Chicken Satay Skewers – Marinated chicken on skewers with peanut sauce
Todt Mun Bpla – Fried fish cakes with refreshing pickled cucumber relish
Fermented Pork and Rice Sausages – Traditional Thai sausages
Fried School Prawns – Lightly salted and crunchy with sweet chilli sauce

Desserts

Sweet Thai endings:

Coconut Ice Cream – Young coconut ice cream with sweet sticky rice, candied palm seeds and roasted peanuts
Sticky Rice and Mango – Fresh-cut local mango with sweet sticky rice (season availability)
Bua Loy Kai Warn – Silky little dumplings of taro, Japanese pumpkin and pandan in sweet warm coconut broth
Steamed Glutinous Coconut-Pandan Layered Cake – Traditional auspicious dessert symbolising success
Water Chestnut in Sweet Tapioca – With coconut milk, shaved ice and fresh young coconut

What Customers Are Saying

Real reviews from satisfied diners:

“Chat Thai is renowned as one of Sydney’s most authentic South East Asian restaurants. Everything here is fast, fresh and easy on the wallet. This established name remains at the top of its game.”
“Operating for 30 years, Chat Thai is Sydney’s Thai food institution. Every dish could easily come straight out of a restaurant in the heart of Bangkok as each is inspired from the streets and markets of Thailand.”
“The chargrilled chicken at Chat Thai is going to be your immediate and ultimate conversion to grilling in this style. It’s marinated with turmeric and lemongrass and then char grilled until crisp with smoked chilli and sweet tamarind chutney.”
“A trailblazer in Sydney’s Thai restaurant scene. The Thai street food here is fine-dining quality, served at very reasonable price points. Today, it’s a super-popular chain with stores all over Sydney.”
“The Westfield CBD Chat Thai feels far from a mall restaurant and closer to eating along the streets of Bangkok with its buzzing vibes, loitering crowds and roaring flames from the open kitchen.”
“Been there, done that? Think again! The Malay-Indian style spicy crab curry is mellowed out by creamy coconut milk and fragrant sweetness of betel leaves grown and supplied by the family’s farm in Byron Bay.”