close button

Saan

May 24, 2016 Restaurants

Saan

Book now

What makes it special?

A breath of fabulousness is one way to describe Saan, the new Thai eatery from the people who gave us Café Hanoi and Prego . What a gem.

What makes it special?

A breath of fabulousness is one way to describe Saan, the new Thai eatery from the people who gave us Café Hanoi and Prego. What a gem.

Behind the scenes

Restaurants killed the video star. It’s not so long since tout le Ponsonby could be found browsing the shelves of the Video-Ezy on this site, and now they’re back, downing Bittersweet Eternal Youths (a dangerously addictive rum and durian cocktail) and wondering if tonight’s the night for the yum pla grob (deep-fried whole fish with a great pile of so-delicious trimmings). One of Saan’s secrets is manager Krishna Botica, who was instrumental in making Prego great. Another is Nat Cheshire, who designed the place. Mostly, though, we bow down low to the inspired and determined chef, Lek Trirattanavatin. His food is superb.

A favourite dish

Ab pla: grilled banana leaf parcel stuffed with market fish, galangal and Thai herbs.

What it offers

Shared-plate options / Fixed-price meals / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Good seating outside / Private room for 20 / Takes large groups / Bar / Craft beer selection / Good for kids

 

See how we review

 

City-Fringe Bistro
Bookings: Yes
Price: $$
Seats: 110
Chef: Lek Trirattanavatin

Book now

Latest

Metro N°446 is Out Now shadow

Metro N°446 is Out Now

In the Autumn 2025 issue of Metro: Cheap Eats is back with the top 50 places to eat in Auckland for under $25. Delight your eyes with a bumper Contemporary Art Special including Emma McIntyre, Ann Shelton, Greer Twiss, Areez Katki, Bob Harvey's memories of The McCahon House parties and a scooter-load of reviews from Sam Te Kani. PLUS: The fall of David Grr, the recovery of Golriz Ghahraman, Anna Rankin spends an afternoon at St Lukes Foodcourt, Metro meets Awful Food Reviews and more!

Buy the latest issue