Mantra Thai: An authentic Thai experience

(lunch and early dining edition)

By Ania Askwith

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Mantra Thai, Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3SG

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Mantra Thai has been one of our most favourite restaurants in Newcastle for a long while now and we have visited many times, from special occasions to casual nights out with friends.

On Sunday we decided to pop out and try their lunch and early dining menu. From start to finish, the experience was a perfect mix of great ambiance and incredible food, just as we came to expect from this place.

We opted for the 3-course menu with a nice serving of prawn crackers at the start (I am not normally a huge prawn cracker fan, but theirs are lovely and the spicy chilli sauce they serve them with is right up my street; I much prefer it to the sweet version).

I started with the Thai Style Fried Squid – lightly coated in flour (which was flavoured and unlike any other batter I’ve ever had before) and fried to perfection, the squid was tender with a slight crunch, topped with diced peppers for an extra punch. The homemade tamarind dipping sauce (which I have had here before and I love it) added the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Definitely one of those dishes that you want to keep going back for (I certainly do!)

Ryan opted for the Crispy Duck Salad; the duck was tender and full of flavour, the textures were on point, and the salad delivered that perfect medium heat that leaves you satisfied without being overwhelming. It was balanced beautifully with fresh greens and a zesty citrus dressing. I had a little taste of the veggies with the dressing and it was SOOOOO good I wish I had ordered it (as they do the veggie version with mushrooms). My mouth is actually watering now as I am writing this, it was so beautiful, something I will definitely go back for.

Next, we dove into the mains; I opted for the recommended Signature Mantra Green Curry which absolutely did not disappoint. You can get the chicken or the tofu version (which is what I naturally went for), and the pieces were perfectly cooked, absorbing the rich, creamy green curry sauce. This dish was a real comfort food, super tasty and the ideal level of heat – medium, with a subtle kick, so easy to eat for anybody whether you are a hot food fan or prefer to go for milder dishes. It was stunning – it’s clear why this is one of their signature dishes.

The other main option – Beef in Red Curry – was just as much of a hit. The sauce was rich with a subtle flavour of coconut, the beef was cooked to perfection, and the veggies still had a lovely crunch to them – it was absolutely perfect. I think next time I visit I may be tempted to go for the veggie version of this dish.

Now, for dessert – the Mango Mousse was light and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the richness of the main course. We also tried the Cake of the Day, which was a Queen Victoria sponge cake with fresh raspberries. The raspberries gave it a tartness that balanced perfectly with the soft, fluffy sponge – an ideal way to round off the meal (even though I struggled to finish it, as I was so full at this point).

But the meal wouldn’t have been complete without sampling the mocktails (and by that I mean we tried all four on the menu because the first two were SO DIVINE I had to explore the other ones too).

• Mantra Cooler was a berry lover’s (aka mine) dream, with the mix of raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and lychee juice giving a refreshing, fruity burst. I can honestly say, this was THE BEST MOCKTAIL I HAVE EVER HAD. EVER!
• Arroy was a lovely blend of fresh mint, lime, passion fruit, and apple juice – sweet, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing. A little bit like a mojito but much nicer.
• Sam Raow brought a tropical twist with mango, lychee, and orange juice, offering a sweet and refreshing combination that transported us to sunny days. I would happily sip this on a beach in Thailand all day long!
• Coco Colada was creamy and indulgent, with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and lime juice – a non-alcoholic take on the classic pina colada, but (in my opinion) more delicious. I will admit – I am not usually a pina colada fan BUT I did really enjoy this drink as it wasn’t too heavy on coconut or pineapple. It was perfectly balanced, super refreshing (which is hard to achieve with a creamy texture) and super tasty. A 10/10 from me!

Even though the menu says lunch and early dining, it was not quite what we expected – in the best way; I would happily have this as an evening meal for a special occasion. It is generous in sizes and super delicious at the same time. Definitely not your standard ‘set lunch menu’ but then again, Mantra Thai do not do things by half and are known to exceed expectations, so it is perfectly in line with the exceptional food and service we have always experienced here.

This place really delivers on every front – the food, drinks, and service were all first-class. If you’re looking for an authentic Thai dining experience with a modern twist, whether it is for lunch/early dining, or something even more special such as their tasting menu (more on this coming very soon), I will always recommend this place.

Location Mantra Thai is located at Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3SG. Its location makes it a perfect dining spot – whether you’re popping in after a quayside walk or before a shopping trip in town, it is a great little spot for both casual dining as well as special occasions.

Getting There

• Train: The nearest station is Newcastle Central Station, just a 10-minute walk away.
• Parking: There is customer parking available which is a huge plus, especially for this location.

Website – For more details, menu options, or to book a table, head over to the Mantra Thai Website or check out their social media for the latest updates and offers.

Tips for Visiting

• Book ahead: Mantra Thai can get busy, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. We always do.
• Try the mocktails: Even if you’re a cocktail fan, don’t skip the mocktails – they’re packed with flavour and perfect for a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative. They are not your typical mocktails.
• Great for sharing: If you’re visiting with friends or family, consider sharing a few starters – the portions are generous and perfect for sampling different dishes. Their starter menu is a bit like Thai tapas and we really enjoy sharing different options.
• Vegetarian-friendly: All dishes on their lunch and early dining menu can be made vegetarian and some even vegan which I just love because there is no need to compromise here. I absolutely love that – any pescatarians/vegetarians/vegans will relate for sure!

Best For: Authentic Thai cuisine, relaxed dining in Newcastle city centre, mocktails with a tropical twist, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, first class service

Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram @ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!

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