Restaurant Review: Caysorn, China Town, Sydney

Kao Yum

Oh my this place is hot! This ferang boy went bright red and was mopping his brow. I haven't eaten such spicy food since the ferocious street stall laab ped I ate on Phahonyothin Road in Bangkok.

Caysorn has been on my wish list to visit ever since I read Helen's review back in November. I didn't think I'd have time to visit this new Thai eatery. However, a welcome lunch break during a hard day of packing gave me the opportunity to check it out.

I'd heard that the restaurant had a reputation for being very spicy. When we ordered the waitress simply warned us the food was hot. There was no offer to tone down the heat levels, that's just the way it is.

We hoped to order the green mango salad but it wasn't available so we opted for the Kau Yum ขัาว ยำ ($8.90). A plate of jasmine rice, dried shrimp, roasted coconut, bamboo shoots, jack fruit and a number of other goodies. We were advised to give it all a good mix, stirring in the accompanying sauce.

I had a quick taste of the sauce which wasn't too hot so added the lot. What I didn't know was that all the chilli had sunk to the bottom! It was a tasty and interesting mix, but a little too spicy for me.

Kanoon Jeen Tai Pla  (grilled fish, cashew nuts and vegetables)

Next up was the signature Kanoon Jeen, a southern style curry. We ordered the Kanoon Jeen Tai Pla แกอ ไต ปลา ($5.50). The grilled fish curry with cashew nuts and vegetables is a total bargain at under six dollars, especially as it includes the salad bar.

The curry was ferociously hot. Spice I don't mind (even if it does make me go scarlet) as long as it is matched with flavour. The overwhelming (only?) other flavour was distinctly fishy. I can't report to be a fan.

 Southern pork curry with young jack fruit and kaffir lime

My favourite dish was the Southern pork curry with young jack fruit and kaffir lime leaves ($13.50). The lime leaves cut through the curry providing a lovely zing.

I hadn't tried Southern Thai food before my visit to Caysorn. The food was distinct from the Bangkok / Isaan fayre that I'm used to. I'd love to go back, making sure I asked for some recommendations of dishes that aren't quite as spicy!

Caysorn
Shop 106 - 108a, Level 1
8 Quay St 
Sydney
2000