There are so many Thai-Laos restaurants in the Cabramatta/Fairfield area that it's hard to keep up. Twelve Spices has been around for a long time, but under many different owners. This latest incarnation is ultra hip, a-la Holy Basil, and it seems to be working.
On a Friday night, Twelve Spices was packed and it's a pretty mixed crowd, young Viet lads in their trendy t-shirts, Asian families, local birthday party of twenty from a Caucasian background.
So, ok, the place looks good and the menu design is cute, but for me it's the relaxed and very friendly service that attracts. Young Asian and Caucasian waiters are unique enough. But these lads and ladettes are friendly too - that's unheard of! As you can see in the video, our waiter even sat down at the table to take our order.
The Yum Nam Tok (beef salad) worked well, great flavour and very fresh side vegetables. My only reservation was that the beef was a tad rare.
The duck salad was the clear highlight for me. No compromises here, strong gamey duck mixed with strong spices. An extremely more-ish dish.
Pad kha prow gai (basil chicken) had fresh ingredients, nice colour.
Twelve Spices has carved a clear niche for itself. It's hip and modern but very reasonably priced. Service is the best in this area - it's genuinely friendly and efficient. Location is a little out of the way, but that doesn't seem to deter the punters.
Twelve Spices
197 John St, Canley Heights
(02) 9609 6212
Thank you so much for your lovely review! Im really glad you both enjoyed your meal. There's plenty of other dishes on our menu for you to try, so hope to see you both back soon! :)
ReplyDeleteThe duck salad looks great!
ReplyDeletewow Twelve Spices... fast on social media too.. good facebook page btw
ReplyDeleteHey Joey, def my fav the duck dish
ReplyDeleteI've eaten at Twelve Spices a few times and the food is always delicious; overloaded with gorgeous fresh ingredients. The staff were hot too :) ...a must to visit!
ReplyDeleteBahahhahah love that top post ;)
ReplyDelete....The staff were hot too!
Love your quest to find all these lovely places!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful its restaurant and colorful its recipes. Very nice looking your party and best details shared in the post
ReplyDeleteYou'd like the staff, Jackie
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellie, still enjoying the yummy post on almostbourdain!
ReplyDeleteHi Thang, what a lovely little blog you have here. And I think it's fantastic there's a real focus on lesser explored areas around Sydney.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much about Twelve Spices but haven't yet had the chance to go, this review is certainly prodding me further.
Ooh I do like the look of the duck salad. Yum! I've got to say, I'm not a great fan of staff taking a seat at the table when it's time to order
ReplyDeleteI normally don't like either, but well, it fits this environment
ReplyDeleteplanning a trip down there next week. whats the most most recommend dish?
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy, duck salad by far my fav. Hope you enjoy.
ReplyDelete