Jing Jai Thai

Jing Jai Thai (translated to “True Heart”) is a little restaurant located in the centre of city on Flinders Lane just off Degraves Street. Jing Jai Thai is a family run eatery with dishes hailing from different regions of Thailand. 

We started off with Fresh Oysters which was combined with a zesty and spicy dressing, packing a punch that should be tried by all comers (even those afraid of oysters!). Moving onto a crunchy fish cake, we found that this was best had with the fish sauce. 

For the mains, we tried a variety of dishes with our absolute favourite being the Massaman Curry served with Jasberry Rice. Yes, yes, you can get Massaman curry darn near everywhere but this was amazing - rich and creamy complimented by crunchy shallots. Trying not to fill our bellies, we had a very unbalanced but o so delicious curry to rice ratio!

We also had the pinepple rice, a traditional Thai dish but funkily served in a cut-open pineapple. An alternative to your traditional Pad Thai, we then tried the Sen Jan Pad Pu which was served with soft shell crab. We admit again - we had an unbalanced ratio, with more of the crab than the noodles! The crab was crispy in texture and very flavoursome. We really enjoy our crab without much sauce or fuss to allow the crab flavour to shine, and this was one of those cases. 

Keeping in line with some of their funky options, we had the An Chan Noodle which gets its unique colours from the Butterfly Pea Flower. If that colour looks similar to the drink - you’re right, as the pea flower is used for that also. We had never tried it before, and quite enjoyed the subtle flavours which sat alongside pandan. 

If you’re in the city, head to Jing Jai for a true Thai option, a good restaurant for some friends to meet for a casual bite!  

Location: 271-273 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9662 2080
Link: www.jingjaithai.com.au/