Red Elephant, 195 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
We went here because…
The Red Elephant Thai Restaurant has been in Newmarket for over 35 years (originally called Chang Thong), but back in Mid 2024 they announced that they were sadly closing, then they announced that they would stay open for a little while longer, then one day the famous Red Elephant that has stood outside the front since the beginning (originally gold) was hoisted onto a truck and sent north to Langs Beach to live out it’s days as a garden ornament, surely this was the end of one of Auckland’s finest and long standing Thai restaurants? Apparently NO! Even though their crimson mascot was put out to pasture, the restaurant was saved in the nick of time, by it’s longtime owner Mr Abdul Bashota, who just couldn’t do it. So we decided to return to see if the food and service are still as great as ever.
The food…
Thai Elephant has had an extensive tried and true Thai menu for many years and nothing has changed. The wife did the ordering, to start we had the Tod Mun Pla (Fish Cakes served with Cucumber Sauce), Satay Chicken served with Peanut Sauce, Maitow Kai (Chicken Wings marinated with a Spiced Honey Soy Sauce) and for main the Nua Yang Lerd Ros (Sizzling Platter of Grilled Beef served with Chilli Sauce flambeed with Brandy) and Choo Chee Goong Lai (Stir Fried Prawns in Red Curry with Coconut Milk).
First up the satay, many people will say how can you go wrong with satay, well just ask my wife, she wasn’t happy with my satay sauce the other night (apparently I used too much dark soy!), anyway enough about me, let’s get back to the Red Elephant. the Satay was perfect, the Fish Cakes (although not my favourite of the Thai staple appetisers) were very good and I had forgotten how good Red Elephant’s chicken wings were! They look harmless enough, but deliver a refreshing satisfaction that reminds you of where you are.
The mains were fairly spectacular, the theatre around the brandy flambeeing of the steak is magnificent, we saw a few whole chickens carried out in the same fashion, which adds to the ambiance of the establishment.
The sizzling beef was cooked to perfection and the chilli sauce that came with it is so moreish I could have drunk it from the bowl (seriously). The Choo Chee Goong Lai was a perfect Thai prawn curry and just the right amount of spice to keep the taste buds at the right temperature.
The drinks…
The Red Elephant has a substantial drinks list at reasonable prices, when compared to similar establishments. A great selection of both local and imported wines and the service was so good that we were never once thirsty.
The service…
The Red Elephant has always prided itself in outstanding personal service, something that is hard to find in the hospitality industry in 2025. Well I’m pleased to report that nothing has changed, in fact if you’ve been there before and you walk through the door, chances are they remember who you are, what you like to eat, your dietary requirements and the name of your second cousins first born. This is a place born in the age of great food and outstanding service equals repeat customers, unfortunately times have changed and often now customers are largely driven by what’s new and cool and who has the the best photos on social media.
The atmosphere…
The atmosphere was what I would describe as relaxed but exciting. There certainly was a buzz around the place and not a bad turnout for a weeknight when many places seem to be feeling the pinch.
The price was…
The food was $133 for three appetisers and two mains and there was so much food, we even took some home.
Overall
I have to say that I am happy to have returned to the Red Elephant, to find that it is still very much open (although the mascot has gone) and the food and service are as amazing as ever. I( would encourage you to visit one time soon to make sure they know it was the right decision also. Overall I would give Red Elephant 9.5/10.
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