NSW Migration Heritage Centre
Pai Nai Ma
(Where have you been?)
Thai-Australian Experiences

 

 

 

Thai sweets for sale in 'Thaitown'
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Thai sweets for sale in 'Thaitown', photograph Michaela Pollock.

 

 

 

 

 

Thai sweets for sale in 'Thaitown'
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A woman in her shop at 'Thaitown', photograph Michaela Pollock.


Lotus flower decorative graphic
The Thai Kitchen

Thai people love their food as much as Australians do. In the homes of Thai migrants the kitchen is a place where Thailand is brought to the new home and passed on to the next generation. It is this love of food that has brought many in the community together.

The Thai kitchen is a common source of livelihood for Thais in Sydney. The earliest Thai restaurants opened over 25 years ago. There are now more than 400 Thai restaurants in Sydney. Thai restaurateurs have adapted the spicy flavours of their cuisine to suit the Australian palate. The Thai Restaurants Association was formed in 1995 with the purpose of improving purchasing power and quality control.

Thai videos for rent in 'Thaitown'
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Thai videos for rent in 'Thaitown', photograph Michaela Pollock.

Sydney's Thaitown, located on Campbell Street near Chinatown in the city, first took shape around 2000 when Thai businesses began moving into the area because of cheaper rents and its growing reputation as a precinct to buy Thai specialty foods. Soon stores renting Thai videos and restaurants selling authentic Thai food began to appear.

Menu from Siam II restaurant circa 1980s
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Menu from Siam II restaurant circa 1980s, made in Thailand, courtesy Plack Sirisatien, photograph Ed Giles.

Thai restaurants have become an integral part of Australian society and this, in turn, has helped integrate the Thai community into the wider society.

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