Thai barbecue restaurant Songbird to open in central Geelong

The “reimagining” of an acclaimed restaurant in central Geelong will open on Friday, bringing the fresh and punchy flavours of northern Thailand to Geelong diners.

Aaron turner and Joanna Smith Picture: Mark Wilson

A new Geelong restaurant, co-owned by celebrated local chef Aaron Turner, will bring the fresh and punchy flavours of northern Thailand to local diners..

Songbird, a northern Thai barbecue restaurant, opened on Friday and is the “reimagining” of acclaimed eatery Igni, which closed last year.

Head chef Nathan Lancaster said Songbird was “very different” to the Thai cuisine Geelong residents were used to.

“You won’t find pad Thai or green curry,” he said.

“It’s vibrant flavours and a new style that really no where in Victoria has seen yet.”

A selection of meats, including pork, chicken and housemate sausage, feature on the menu and all cooked over the fire, similar to Igni.

“There are a lot of different meats and each one has its own relish and sauces,” Lancaster said.

The restaurant is also serving up a variety of side salads, including Som Thum.

“It is a green papaya salad … it’s a staple of northern Thai cuisine,” Lancaster said.

The venue is also using lime juice from Thailand, which Lancaster said had a unique, floral flavour.

“We have tried to make it authentic as we can while using Australian proteins,” he said.

“It’s very fresh and very vibrant.

“Our (motto) is eat happy, eat with your hands.

“We want friendly, fun and sharing vibes.”

Turner, who co-owns the restaurant with his business partner Jo Smith, said he was excited to be opening to the public on Friday.

“We’re ready, we’ve got a full house and we are excited to deliver something new to Geelong,” he said.

“Igni was a very special place … but it was time to broaden the horizon.”

Songbird is located at 2 Ryan Place South, Geelong.

For more information and to book, head to instagram.com/songbirdthaibbq.

Originally published as Thai barbecue restaurant Songbird to open in central Geelong