Benzin

We also had a good meal recently at Benzin (Thai for gasoline) which is the spawn of Sailor's Thai in the former Fuel Bistro spot on Crown St, Surry Hills.

Benzin's a great spot to pull up a window seat and watch Crown Street go by while enjoying affordable Thai that is a cut above most of what is available in Sydney. We also have to admit that though it isn't entirely new, we still enjoy the novelty of eating in the middle of a functional auto showroom.

(as much as we still love Spice I Am, this was a decent, similarly-priced alternative where you can sit a little longer over your meal)

Grilled squid salad a refreshing start

Caramelized pork hock with a vinegar dipping sauce, our favorite of the three

Jungle curry of barramundi was excellent

Benzin is at 480 Crown Street, Surry Hills Phone 9360 5546

Comments

[James Neave]

I live just around the corner from Benzin, and while I wish them well, it definitely isn't a "similarly-priced alternative" to Spice I am, nor to the other two Thai restaurants within 100m [Prasits Takeaway, and Prasits 2/Arees].

As an example, Benzin charge $25 for a beef massaman. There is no way you'd pay more than around $16/18 at any of the other places. If you're looking for a pleasant environment, good value and great food, I'd recommend Arees/Prasits 2 which is across the road from Benzin.

Based on the number of diners I see at Benzin, I don't think it is long for this world unless things change.

[Sean]

Hi James,

Thanks for the input though we're sorry to hear that Benzin is light on traffic. You are indeed correct that it is a touch more than Spice I am (though their specials are often in the mid and even high $20s though admittedly mostly due to ingredient like softshell crab)

At any rate I meant "similar" as an approximate measure, sorry if it seemed like a muddy assesment. The implication was that though it was a bit more dressed up, the prices certainly don't reach towards the Longrain end of the price spectrum.

We like Prasit's too (most of the food is good and some even reaches great) but it isn't eaxctly a "nice" place for a sitdown dinner if you want a bit of quiet conversation.

- Sean

[James Neave]

Prasits 2/Arees [the one directly across the road from Benzin, as opposed to the Prasits a bit further up Crown St] is quite pleasant to eat at inside. White tableclothes [or white paper at least], bit of space between tables and comfy seats.

I agree that Prasits Takeaway is a bit noisey/uncomfortable for a relaxed dinner. Personally I think Benzin was a bit silly not to use the "Sailors Thai" name in some way - may as well harness their reputation.

[Sean]

ah sorry, my mistake I did think you meant the one farther down Crown. We'll have to give that one a go.

I agree about the name at Benzin too.

I'm not sure they needed to call it Sailor's Thai but maybe something like Sailor's Garage (or something more clever) might've been a nice nod - Benzin just sounds so industrial.