Opium Den
Apologies in advanced for the week long hiatus. Once work piles, it piles. More documents coming in than going out.
Anyway, today is as good as any to introduce a restaurant I have come to love since arriving here two years back. My cousin told me of this place, and it was once featured Condé Nast Traveller a while back. I’m talking about Opium Den.
Opium Den is a discrete little restaurant in Potts Point, just a ten minute walk away from Kings Cross Station. Don’t let the name fool you; this restaurant is no sleazy venue like the other more renowned establishments in the Cross. Located along Macleay Street and surrounded by a leafy neighbourhood, this restaurant is worth the trek. Among the better Thai places I’ve encountered.
The shop frontage isn’t very conspicuous. The signage is small and unless you know what you’re looking for, you’re sure to walk past it. Plate glass windows provide a view to the world outside.
Inside, mirrors dominate one wall while a central communing table sits in the middle one dining section. The feeling is very woody and earthy, with no pseudo-Buddha statues anywhere in sight. The décor is simple and has a very cosy atmosphere around it. There are more seats at the back and though at first glance, the restaurant seems tiny, it is actually very long.
The menu is extensive, though lacks much selection in seafood. The dishes are reasonably priced, with most mains below $20. Portions are considerably large, making it good for sharing. I once brought two friends from Melbourne, along with two other friends, here once and in total, I spent less than $80 for food. Add in the wine, it barely touched $100.
Their green curry is excellent; their selection of beef in a multitude of cooking techniques superb and their fried rice with crab is simply delicious.
Despite the excellent ambience and delectable menu, the tables leave much to be desired. If dining with more than 2 others, you get decently large tables. If the main table is full and you’re dining with just one other, you might be placed on the smaller tables by the windows or mirrors. This is small. I went with CK a few weeks back and we struggled with two mains, two bowls of rice and water on our tiny table.
Apart from that, they do not have a wine list. So, if you plan to wine and dine, fret not. There is an excellent wine cellar just three doors down. The staff will help you there.
Which brings me to staff. The staff are really helpful and food arrives promptly and quickly, always serving with a smile.
So, if you’re looking for a sleazy-ily named restaurant with a very dark feel but a somewhat charming atmosphere, I suggest you try Opium Den on Macleay Street, Potts Point. And if you’re dining with 4 others and your table barely fits your dishes, the staff come out with a very useful food stand! They don’t serve opium though. Cheers!
