Looking for a taste of Thailand in the heart of Newcastle? Mantra Thai is your go-to. We visit as part of NE1 Restaurant Week, discovering a mix of new and vibrant flavours and classic dishes.
Located on the edge of Forth Banks, Mantra Thai is a culinary gem that promises to take diners on an unforgettable – and truly authentic – journey.
Its kitchen serves up traditional Thai recipes with a modern twist, while its stylish restaurant provides an inviting and luxurious dining experience. Together, it’s a recipe for success – and the secret to why the restaurant continues to draw in the crowds.
To kick off NE1 Restaurant week (August 5-11), we had the pleasure of pulling up a chair and allowing its welcoming staff and expert chefs to take our tastebuds on a mouthwatering adventure.
The setting
From the moment you step inside Mantra Thai, you can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief and surrender to the warm and relaxing atmosphere, complemented by some of the best service you’ll find in the city. The staff here take care of you like nothing else from start to finish – which, in our case, felt particularly wonderful after a busy Monday.
The interior is a perfect blend of modern design and traditional Thai elements, with soft lighting and beautifully-crafted decor that sets a serene and inviting tone. The attentive staff ushered us in with the utmost respect and kindness, which only enhanced the very Instagram-worthy views.
The food
Our meal began with a selection of traditional starters that set high expectations for the rest of the evening. The vegetable spring rolls (V) arrived crisp and flaky on the outside, packed with a crunchy tangle of fresh vegetables. The accompanying chilli dipping sauce (miles away from the stuff you find in bottles off the shelves) provided a touch of sweetness and a slight kick.
Next up were the salt and chilli spare ribs (GF) – a dish that truly showcases the restaurant’s ability to infuse traditional Thai flavours with modern flair. The ribs arrived grilled on the outside and tender and succulent on the inside, falling off the bone with ease. The seasoning (a dusting of sea salt, fresh chilli and Thai herbs) was spot-on – hot and salty, just as you’d expect, but not at all overpowering.
For the mains, we opted for two of Mantra Thai’s signature dishes, both of which offered an explosion of flavours and textures.
We couldn’t not order the Thai green chicken curry (V and VE option available) – which still remains the restaurant’s most popular dish and never fails to impress. The curry was rich, creamy and aromatic, offering the perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavours. Served with crunchy vegetables and sticky jasmine rice, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Thai cuisine.
The Thai style sweet and sour chicken (V and VE option available) also impressed, providing a tasty take on a familiar comfort dish that so many of us love. Crispy strips of chicken arrived stir fried in a perfectly-balanced sweet and sour sauce with just enough tang (so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon), along with pineapple chunks and a medley of onions, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and spring onions. Fresh, fruity and punchy, it ticked all the boxes and more.
The verdict
From the warm and inviting ambiance to the meticulously crafted dishes, every aspect of our visit was thoughtfully-curated to provide a memorable culinary journey. The restaurant’s ability to blend traditional Thai flavours with modern culinary techniques really does set it apart as a stand out destination for Thai goodness in the Toon. We left satisfied and eager to return – make sure you pay it a visit and nab some deals courtesy of the good folk at NE1 while you can.
Book your table as part of NE1 Restaurant Week now:
https://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/offers/mantra-thai-dining/restaurant-week-at-mantra-thai-dining
Take a behind-the-scenes look at our dining experience at Mantra Thai: https://rb.gy/uyv6xx
