I was in the mood for noods - and this Newcastle hidden gem definitely hit the spot

Although I like it, I’d have to admit, I’m no Thai food expert.

My usual weapon of choice is quite often an Indians, Italian or Chinese, of which our wonderful city has a whole host of the best you’ll find anywhere this side of the planet. I’m yet to truly explore what this wonderful cuisine has to offer, on Tyneside, at least.

So, when greeted with Mantra Thai’s menu, having been kindly invited to try out their new lunch offering, I was pleasantly surprised to be presented with a greatest hits list of everything you’d want from a Thai restaurant. You don’t need to be a Thai aficionado to work your way around this one.

Two or three courses with a complimentary wine or alcohol free drink of the day, all for less than £27 - what’s not to like?

A sticky mess - but no complaints from this diner

This place may be quite small with a tight downstairs bar and slightly more expansive upstairs dining area, it’s dripping with Asian splendour from the minute you head to the doors.

The doorway is grand, flanked by lions either side of an ornate opening which acts as the introduction to what was a flavour sensation.

Having been given our complimentary drinks - a red wine and tea-based, milky alcohol free-offering, myself and my fellow diner, dived right into the action.

I went for the BBQ pork spare ribs but could quite frankly have chosen anything off what was a mouth-watering menu, while my lunch mate for the day opted for the chicken satay.

Now, I hear you already, you might be thinking cliched choices - however, they were everything we asked for and more.

The chicken with it’s pot of accompanying satay sauce was beautifully cooked, with a smokey grill taste marrying beautifully with the silky satay. The ribs were everything you’d expect - an absolute sticky mess. But in a good way, of course. It’s definitely a dish for taking a mate, not a date, that’s for sure, but nothing quite hits like a sticky rib, does it?

Main course - classic but packed a punch!

Suitably warmed by the opening stanza, it was again a flash towards the old classic with my own main course choice, chicken pad thai, although the Massaman lamb curry and garlic and pepper chicken sounded equally as inviting.

I, however, was in a mood for noods - and this hit the spot. Although, it must be said, the side dish of sprinklings and adornments should come with a health warning! The peanuts and soy, etc were quite novel to arrange as garnish, but the chilli powder in a little pot packed a punch - good job, I’m all for that kind of life!

My fellow diner went all in on the beef in red curry dish, which came with jasmine rice. He seemed a happy lad, as he cleaned both plates with minimal fuss, so I’d have to say that one was a guaranteed win.

We didn’t need this next bit - but we did it anyway

It’s never changed in 37 years, so it’s unlikely to anytime soon - I’ve got eyes bigger than my belly. And that takes some doing!

So having double-coursed it, we still found room for a third.

After the carb-heavy offerings of the main, it was a lighter, somewhat fruitier bite or two for dessert. Two of the creamiest puds known to man were presented - a mango mousse and a lemon posset. Both proved a perfectly sharp and sweet end to what was, without, doubt, one of the best meals I’ve had in Newcastle in a long time.

You’ve probably driven past this restaurant a hundred times - and if, like me, you’d never ventured in, you’re really missing a trick. Next time you’re heading up or down Forth Banks, pop your head in, you’ll be in a South East Asian surprise.

TASTE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

SERVICE: ⭐⭐⭐

VIBE: ⭐⭐⭐

RETURNABILITY ⭐⭐⭐⭐