For those who like Thai food and have been to Thailand and are aware of the comparatively cheap price of eating out,  Baan Thai in Ballsbridge has been a welcome addition to the culinary spice circuit with its keenly priced menu, efficient and friendly service and good food.   We would regularly drop in at weekends for a starter & main course and a bottle of decent Sauvignon Blanc which would average 70 - 80 euros for two inclusive of tip.

Unfortunately last Saturday evening's meal was our first disappointment at Baan Thai - sure the good service and keen prices remain but either they were having an off-night in the kitchen or they have changed personnel.   I had the Tom Yum Gai (Hot & Sour Chicken soup €6) which was delicious as always - plenty of chicken and mushroom and a refreshingly spicy taste which really cleans out the sinuses!. My wife settled for the Vegetable Tempura (€5.50) which was fairly bland and lacking in flavour. Hever although my Ped Pad Pet (Duck Red Curry €16) ) was substantial, it came swimming in oil which was a real turn-off.  The over-use of oil drowned the dish of its flavours, while my wife's Special Fried Rice of Chicken and Prawns (€15)was again substantial with fine plump prawns and generous chicken, but the dish was far too salty.  The starters and Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (€24) were the only saving grace in a meal that turned out to our first disappointing experience here. Total Bill including tip €78.

We're hoping this was a 'one - off' bad night as we have had many enjoyable nights at this restaurant.  The staff are friendly and efficient and the keen prices justify the two sittings - 7.15 pm and 9.00 pm.