Hi Siam (Thai), Cooma

Chicken Panang curry, Hi Siam, Cooma

The style: Hi Siam is located within the Cooma Motor Lodge Motel. From the outside, it is easy to miss. Inside, the walls are exposed brick and the decor is fairly simple. The atmosphere feels a little unlike a Thai Restaurant BUT once the food hits the table, all is well. There is also a bar adjoining Hi Siam.

The taste: The food at Hi Siam is lovely. The curries really pack a nice punch and the flavours are fresh and tangy. All of the usual suspects such as Panang curry, Pad Thai and stir fries appear on the menu but there are some interesting additions including volcanic chicken, sea on fire and a quail dish.

Spring rolls, Hi Siam, Cooma

Combination Pad Thai, Hi Siam Cooma

The service: Friendly and efficient, the service at Hi Siam is pleasant but not over the top.

The price: Entrees range from $9 to $12, mains from $16-$32. The servings are generous for the price.

The location:Hi Siam is located within the Cooma Motor Lodge at 6 Sharp Street in Cooma (the main street.) Hi Siam was formerly Thai Continental and moved when the old building was sold - the chef is still the same despite the name and location change.

Useful information:
Hi Siam Cooma menu

Interior, Hi Siam, Cooma

Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Chicken laksa, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Thai beef salad, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

The Style: Pha's Thai Kitchen is perched on the second floor of a building and the experience starts as you get to the top of the stairs - there is a water feature and a welcoming red door which gives a little glimpse of cosy lights that entice you in. The decor is understated but has some nice Thai touches and the lack of gaudiness is refreshing - it definitely doesn't try to hard and lets the food do the talking.

Interior, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Massaman curry, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

The taste: If you go to Pha's, be warned - you will want to keep on coming back! It is absolutely delicious and it is great to see such good Thai food being dished up in country NSW where far too many places serve up processed meat and canned veges floating in fluorescent sauce. Pha's is far removed from that with the smells and flavours seriously bursting out of the food. My favourite so far is the laksa but there has not been a disappointing bite - a deep, earthy massamum curry, fresh vibrant green curry and a Thai beef salad that sings on the taste buds... 

Green Curry, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Cashew nut chilli jam chicken, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Mixed entree, Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

The service: The service at Pha's Thai kitchen most definitely comes with a smile - nothing is too difficult for the staff and rather than making everything bland, they accommodate different heat levels to suit your taste buds. The food comes out reasonably quickly but being anew kid on the block, it can get quite busy.


The cost: Entrees at Pha's Thai Kitchen are from $8-10 and mains range from $13.90 - $20.90. The serving size is reasonable.


The location: Pha's Thai Kitchen is located at 121 Sharp Street, Cooma (upstairs next to the Visitor's Centre).

Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Pha's Thai Kitchen, Cooma

Useful links: Pha's Kitchen website