Asian restaurant Nu Thai has closed down but owner plans to re-open in the suburbs

The owner of a beloved CBD Asian restaurant has decided to ‘downsize’ to a smaller venue, as more diners choose takeaway over eating in.

A trailblazing Thai restaurant has shut its doors after more than 20 years.

Asian eatery Nu Thai, on Morphett St, hosted its final service on Saturday night, with owner and chef Thomas Ng saying the venue has become “too big” as more diners choose takeaway over eating in.

Mr Ng, who has operated the award-winning restaurant since 2004, said that he’s now planning to downsize and open a smaller Nu Thai in the suburbs.

“I’m a bit sad … we’ve been here so long, I’m going to miss everyone. I love what I do but the place is getting too big to keep going … I just need a bit of a break, and a new place that’s a bit more manageable,” he said.

Mr Ng said “everything has changed” since Covid, with costs rising and less people choosing to dine out in the city.

Thomas Ng from Nu Thai holding a plate of pad thai. Picture: Dean Martin

“It’s more takeaway these days. Since Covid, we’re not getting big bookings anymore. There’s just not as many people eating in,” he said.

Mr Ng said he’s still looking for the right site to relocate the business but he’s hoping to relaunch Nu Thai in coming months.

“It’s just about finding the right spot. But first it’s time for a proper holiday,” he said.

The revered restaurant has a rich history in Adelaide, and has long been acclaimed as one of the best Thai eateries in the state.

Founder Nu Suandokmai launched the eponymous diner, Nu’s Thai, on Gouger St, in 2000, quickly setting new benchmarks for style and flavour.

Nu Thai restaurant. Picture: Supplied/Thomas Ng.

Four years later, he left Adelaide to work overseas and sold the business to three of his staff, including chef Mr Ng, who removed the possessive ‘s’ from the name.

Mr Ng and his family have been running Nu Thai since then, first in the original Gouger St premises, then a short walk around the corner in Morphett St.

Popular dishes include fried barramundi fillets wok tossed with homemade chilli paste a red curry of roasted duck, pineapple and lychee, caramelised pork belly and, of course, pad thai noodles with chicken.