Charmjuree Thai brings a bounty of Bangkok-inspired flavours to Racecourse Road
After 15 years of feeding Hendra, the team behind Thai Naramit is beginning a new chapter in Ascot. Charmjuree Thai takes the flavours that made its sibling a local favourite and gives them a more polished treatment. Expect butterfly pea dumplings, wagyu skewers, whole barramundi, wagyu khao soi and cocktails infused with a sense of drama.
For Hendra residents, Thai Naramit is a culinary institution. For the past 15 years, the family-run Thai restaurant has hosted countless weeknight dinners and special occasions. At the core of every meal is a menu of Thai dishes that are both familiar and surprising.
While Thai Naramit is undoubtedly a local gem, it’s also a destination for those seeking a taste of something authentic – or as close as they can get in Brisbane.
“At Thai Naramit, we eat the same as our customers,” says owner Bia Khorapad. “A lot of Thai people come to visit our restaurant, but we also have people visit from the southside, northside, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.”
Now, those craving Bia’s take on Thai fare have another option to choose from.
On Wednesday September 9, the Thai Naramit team cut the ribbon on its sibling restaurant, Charmjuree Thai. Located inside a white Queenslander cottage on Ascot’s high street Racescourse Road (previously home to Vlume), Charmjuree Thai takes Thai Naramit’s flavour-packed recipes and delivers them in a slightly more upscale package.
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The name Charmjuree refers to the Thai rain tree – locally known as the jamjuri or chamchuri. Bia tells us that it was her mother who came up with the suggestion, inspired by the jacaranda sitting in front of the restaurant.
“I showed a picture of the site to my mum, who lives in Bangkok,” explains Bia. “I asked her, ‘Can you name this restaurant for me?’ and she said, ‘Oh, I like the big tree at the front – how about Charmjuree?’”
In Thai culture, the chamchuri tree often represents warmth, connection and gathering, concepts that have been woven into every aspect of Bia’s new restaurant. Designed by Clui Design and crafted by Lowry Group, Charmjuree’s nature-inspired interiors are elegant, with colourful patterned upholstery, ornate tasseled lamps and eye-catching artworks. Though elevated, Bia has been careful to instil elements of casual approachability into the aesthetic.
“I want my customers to walk into this restaurant and feel like they’ve entered my house,” says Bia. “I’m opening the door, so everyone can have a seat here.”
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Fans of Thai Naramit’s menu will spot some similarities with Charmjuree’s offering, though Bia and her team have raised the stakes when it comes to presentation. Drawing influence from Thailand’s capital, Charmjuree’s line-up of dishes has been crafted with premium ingredients.
“Thai Naramit is authentic food from the north, south, west and east,” says Bia. “But this concept, I’m bringing more of a Bangkok influence here. The taste is still authentic but the presentation is more elegant.”
The menu starts with small bites and skewers, including pan-seared scallops served with signature seafood sauce, chor muang (blue-hued butterfly pea dumplings) ,coconut prawns, grilled wagyu beef skewers, and Thai fish cakes.
From there, portions increase with soft-shell crab bao buns, som tum salad, chicken larb, roasted duck salad and tom kha soup. Classic curries, stir-fried dishes, and noodle and rice options are also available.
Charmjuree’s signatures are among the highlights of the menu, with whole barramundi, tiger prawn pad kee mao, wagyu khao soi, lamb shank massaman curry, steamed cod with ginger soy sauce and Thai baked prawn with glass noodles all proving popular.
The restaurant’s cocktail list is infused with colour and drama. The Charmjuree Bloom blends pink gin, hibiscus, lychee and elderflower, topped with a bubble of smoke. Meanwhile, the Tea or Me mixes Thai milk tea with vodka and Baileys. Classic cocktails and mocktails are also available alongside Singha on tap, a selection of predominantly Australian wines, sweet longan tea, and more.
With Racecourse Road on the precipice of a resurgence, Charmjuree Thai has arrived at an interesting time. And with the Thai Naramit team at the helm, the new restaurant is poised to become a local institution in its own right.
Head to The Directory for operating hours and booking info.
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