A modern Thai triumph
Add MiMi to your list of good noshing options on a Sunday night.
ADD this to Adelaide’s short list of good noshing options on a Sunday night.
The chef, Naphachama Hongsakaola, affectionately known as Nokie, has settled into the smart fitout of the former East of Norman space, adding some fun to the sharp mod finishes with pops of vivid pink, neon signs, and, a very different menu.
Parking out front works on the weekend, and we’re eating a blend of Thai food shaded with Nokie twists, including a few other Asian ideas.
MiMi opened late last year, show-casing the chef’s experience, not least gleaned from running her own diner in Bangkok.
Service starts slow, and needs work, but her food soon has us ignoring this part of the picture.
We begin with chicken satay which, rather than the usual little sticks of meat, comes as a jaunty stack of generous slices, spiked on to one upright skewer.
The beaten meat is super tender, and sits in a puddle of glossy satay sauce loaded with crunchy peanut bits. A crisp little slaw adds freshness and colour.
There’s always a lot to love about our local Spencer Gulf king prawns. In Nokie’s hands the plumpest specimens delve further into special-dom. The cracker dish heroes the grilled whole prawns in concert with a sticky caramelly tamarind sauce and crisp shallots.
Mussel tomka is not so local, but their travels are almost forgiven because they’re bathing in a fragrant broth that releases hits of sweetness and lasting afterbite. No leftovers here.
A red curry forms a rich base for a confit duck leg, tender, and leaning towards sweet.
It’s spot on. The other duck dish is an “Oriental” salad, plentiful if not as popular.
MiMi’s Thai green curry again speaks of kitchen finesse, the sauce soaked up by large pieces of breast meat, basil and eggplant. Only tapioca crisps on top are chewy, as if made too far in advance. This curry of meaty substance is just fine alone if you want to pass on the rice.