Fans of Elizabeth Street Arcade’s Bolan Thai were heartbroken to learn that the popular eatery was closing its doors, but those tears of sadness turned to tears of joy this week when Bolan Thai’s successor Phat Elephant opened to the public in Post Office Square. Alyssa Phadungkiat and Court Watts are the two minds behind the new venture, with Alyssa also responsible for New Farm’s Chai Thai and Paddington’s Chapter IV – so it’s safe to say they know what’s good when it comes to wining and dining. The larger space, formerly occupied by Hatch & Co, has been overhauled with a new bar and interior furnishings as well as a fresh vibe that maintains Bolan Thai’s tradition of serving authentic Thai street food in an inviting way. Phat Elephant prides itself on offering dishes that are hard to find in Brisbane’s CBD – think casual and modern meals, nothing overly traditional.

The spacious kitchen allows for an expansion of the menu, which now offers a range of dishes that will have your head spinning with variety. Real talk – there is so much here to try it’s almost a shame to not order more. Here’s a quick rundown on what’s available – seven kinds of papaya salad, grilled and roast dishes, main courses, whole fish, rice and noodle dishes and a few desserts, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and unique flavours across all categories. We have it on good authority that must-try dishes include E-sarn cured pork sausages, crispy fish with tamarind and chilli sauce, sour curry with tiger prawns, glass noodle hot pot and the Thai wagyu steak. The bar boasts tap beer from Singha and Asahi, as well as bottled brews, wine and spirits including Thailand’s SangSom rum, which is only available in Brisbane at Phat Elephant.

For more information, find Phat Elephant in the Stumble Guide.