Tongtara Thai

In the heart of Nelson, Tongtara Thai pairs modern Thai cookery with local New Zealand produce. Its dining room is warm and uncluttered, with wooden floors and large windows that flood the space with natural light, while outdoor tables promise the same relaxed elegance in the open air.

The cooking leans into balance and brightness: think crisp bites to start, from chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce to a delicate vegetarian roll, before moving to steaming bowls of Tom Yum or Tom Kha, each fragrant in its own way, from tangy to coconut‑rich.

Duck has its moment, too, whether in a khao soi with roasted duck or a red curry that plays sweet against heat with lychee, grape, cherry tomato, capsicum and pineapple. Classic curries range from a vibrant green curry to an easygoing massaman with potatoes and peanuts, while lively salads keep things fresh. Save room for something sweet, perhaps fried banana with ice-cream or the indulgent Chocolate Lover Mud Cake.

Service is easy-going and family friendly, with options for vegetarians alongside plenty for adventurous palates. Settle in indoors or claim a sunlit seat outside, and let Nelson’s modern Thai spirit unfold, one delicious spoonful at a time.