Eat My Words: Review of Dawinee Thai Restaurant, in Lynn Road, Gaywood

I’ve not had enough Thai food in my life, and on the few occasions I have, I’ve absolutely loved it. So when we decided to start doing weekly food reviews in the Lynn News, a Thai was first on my list.

I’d driven past this little place several times and always remarked to my wife that I’d like to try it, so it was a no brainer to visit.

On entering, it was similar to my previous Thai experiences – a small, cosy room with no pretensions and the obligatory Buddha figures and Asian knick knacks.

A very friendly waiter was quickly with us. He helped us choose a table and remained polite, attentive and helpful all evening.

We visited at 7pm on a Thursday and the place was not very busy, but, overhearing a family conversation on another table, I soon realised the restaurant has faithful regulars.

We were given a free bowl of prawn crackers with a dip while we chose, which was a lovely touch. My coke (£2) and my wife’s 175ml Pinot Grigio (£4.50) were reasonably priced.

There was a good choice of 15 starters, including four vegetarian options. I went for the mixed starters (£5.95), which consisted of chicken satay, chicken spring roll, Thai fishcake, deep-fried wanton and the deceptively named chicken on toast. My wife, Josi, had Thai fishcakes (also £5.95).

My starter was superb and the satay more subtle than I’m use to, whereas Josi found her fishcakes spicy and tasty. Both dishes were beautifully presented.

For her main, Josi chose Thai green curry (£8.95) with coconut rice (£3). She loved the subtle spices and the well-flavoured rice.

My jungle curry (£8.95)was also superb and the sticky rice (£3) – a first for me – a great accompaniment. There was plenty of sauce with the curry too so I could make the most of any excess rice. Both portions were generous. We both opted for chicken but could have had beef or prawn.

There were also three other curry choices and other mains centred around prawn, duck and sea bass. There were two soups and three salads on the menu, as well as a choice of 12 stir-fried
dishes, four of them suitable for veggies.

Five noodle dishes were on offer, you could choose from six different rices and even chips.

Dawinee is open 5pm-9pm on Mondays; noon-2.30pm and 5pm-9pm Tuesday to Friday; 9am to 9.30pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. There is also a lunctime menu and a pick-up take-away service, plus car parking round the back, just off the library car park. Contact them on 01553 760299.

Out of five:

Food: The food was beautifully presented, very tasty, and reasonably priced. ****

Drink: A Diet Coke is a Diet Coke, but my wife enjoyed her Pinot Grigio. ****

Decor: It’s all about the food in the Thai restaurants I’ve been to, and this one was the same. ***

Staff: The young man who served us was polite, friendly and helpful. ****

Price: £42.53 for two starters, two mains and two drinks is good value in my book. ****