Cilantro Kitchen, Bayswater

I have been getting back into Sudoku and puzzles and Rubik's cube recently so much so that Gary gave a book full of crossword puzzles and brain teasers for Christmas this year. I have been having so much fun with it. It really is true for me that presents don't need to be expensive, just thoughtful and practical. I once received a pair of comfy black socks and I loved it and wore it till it was worn out. 

Anyway, because I have been busy feeding the mind and not the tummy, we have been going out for meals more often than we should.

We visited Cilantro Thai in Bayswater for lunch recently. This restaurant is a few doors from Thai Tables. Thai Tables' fame for tasty and cheap Thai food reaches across the eastern suburbs so I think it faces quite a bit of competition!

We ordered the chicken Pad Thai $15 and 72 hours caramelised pork hock $19. 

The Pad Thai was flavourful, not too sweet and didn't seem too oily but the noodles were a bit undercooked. I really liked how the chef removed the beansprout head and tail so that it doesn't become too unruly to eat. Not many other restaurants does it in Australia but almost all in Asian countries do. The amount of meat to noodles is also synonymous with how it is done in Asian countries, not too much meat that is, because it is a fried noodle dish and not fried chicken!

Next was the caramelised pork hock. It was braised and deep fried. The skin was crispy, and the meat was tender. There are 4 pieces per serving, that is good so that we don't over indulge! 

The place looked clean and tidy and we had a lovely time listening to classical music while enjoying the food. The owner is a very cheery looking man who served us attentively even though he was busy. It is a nice restaurant for a relaxed dining experience.