I recently dined at Erawan - my mum was visiting from South Africa and I was very excited to take her to one of the leading Thai establishments in Auckland - unfortunately, it was not a pleasant experience. I think they've changed ownership, and I was surprised that once busy dining room only had two other couples dining. We weren't greeted by immaculately dressed Thai waitresses, but by two rude gentleman who didn't seem to want to be there. The worst was, when my food arrived, a cricket jumped out of my rice and landed on my dining partner's plate. Horrified, I called the waited over and his response was "So, its not a fly?!" - I should've left at this point but I didn't want to make a scene - I was offered no discount or an apology. I am appauled by the level of the service and I will never go back there, which is disappointing as I have very fond memories of a place that once was "the best Thai in Auckland"

“O Wall, O sweet, O lovely Wall, that stand’st between me and my workmate”. While it was not how Shakespeare intended it, there was most certainly a pillar between my workmate and I as we dined at Erawan Thai Restaurant in Herne Bay on Friday evening. We were a group of 13 on a department dinner and despite the pillar that two of us had to bend around, the dinner went very well and my workmates left satisfied. Clearly a popular venue, the restaurant was fully booked with everything from couples to large groups. The service was attentive but not overbearing and our set menu appeared promptly. This set menu allowed us to try several different dishes and every dish was exceptional. While it was slightly expensive with the set menu not including dessert and not being offered tea/coffee, the bonus is that it is BYO. This is a good restaurant for all and sundry – groups, couples or even on your own. “Thou Wall, O Wall, O sweet and lovely Wall, show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne!”

An impromptu decision to eat out saw us at Erawan Thai one weekend night. We were rewarded with a great dining experience. The setting was great in an old villa, and the waiting staff were polite, friendly and welcoming. We ordered fresh spring rolls and satay chicken for our entrees and beef massaman, pad thai and deep fried fish fillets in tamarind sauce for our mains. All were absolutely brilliant, with the fish, beef massaman and chicken satay being the particular highlights for me. The staff were friendly and attentive without being pushy or hovering over us excessively. The meal proved to be great value for money with all dishes being under $20 and of ample proportions (disagree completely with the $$$ rating above!). I would definitely visit again. For a more detailed review, please visit Man Eating Pasta on http://maneatingpasta.blogspot.com/