Traditional Thai tastes at Robina restaurant

InsideR restaurant review: Thai on the Hill

For an authentic Thai experience at the heart of the Gold Coast, look no further than Thai on the Hill. Head chef and owner Note Suttinoun’s love of southern Thai cuisine is infused into every classic dish he serves at this quaint village style restaurant.

Note has owned and operated Thai on the Hill for five years and launched the beloved Robina restaurant as a reaction to ‘cookie-cutter’ Thai dining venues he says take their influence from the northern region of Thailand.

The southern style of cooking, he says, places emphasis on an abundance of fresh produce, smack-bang fiery chilli and cleaner flavours on the palate.

“I’m originally from Phuket so our menu is inspired by the southern peninsula of Thailand, which is known for its coconut groves, plentiful seafood and fresh produce,” says Note.

“I wanted to bring a new approach to Thai food on the Gold Coast as most restaurants here tend to take influence from Chiang Mai and other northern areas – where the cuisine is actually closer to what is eaten is Laos and Myanmar.”

It’s safe to say Thai on the Hill doesn’t disappoint. Note and his team of Thai chefs make everything from scratch, and their love of authentic southern Thai cuisine shines through in the impressive menu, which boasts dishes many Australians wouldn’t be too familiar with.

The crab-meat spring rolls are drool-worthy, with a crispy hand-made exterior that simply melts away after dipping in a tangy, orange-infused dipping sauce.

The peanut satay chicken skewers are otherworldly – no MSG here, just pure, unadulterated sticky goodness – you can even taste the freshness of ground peanuts, which add a textural element to the dish.

For mains, you can’t go past the authentic green chicken curry, which is vaulted over a candle to keep it bubbling as you enjoy your meal. You can taste the creaminess of fresh coconut with a strong chilli kick to match. We highly recommend pairing a hot curry with an ice cold Chang Beer, to keep the sweat at bay!

For an absolute show-stopper, Note brought out his own special variation of the classic pad Thai, which was filled with fresh grilled prawns and crowned with a hand-woven crispy egg-noodle net. For those who love a great pad Thai, you really can’t go past this one.

The mains were accompanied by a flavour-packed fried rice, with fresh greens and fried crispy tofu, which melts in your mouth.

It’s no secret that Thai on the Hill is a solid pick if you’re heading out in Robina for a bite. With an abundance of locals picking up takeaway and dining in – it’s an authentic Asian experience you won’t soon forget.

Thai on the Hill is licenced and sells wine and beer – also catering for BYO alcohol. The restaurant is located on the corner of Robina Parkway and Cheltenham Drive, Robina.

You don’t have to look far to find a swathe of 5 star reviews – One local Google reviewer says,