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Saan

May 24, 2016 Restaurants

Saan

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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

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Metro N°448 is Out Now

In the Spring 2025 issue of Metro: Find out where to eat now in Tāmaki Makaurau with our top 50 restaurants, plus all the winners from Metro Restaurant of the Year. Henry Oliver picks at the seams of the remaking of the New Zealand fashion scene. Matthew Hooton puts the exceptional talent for Kiwi whinging on blast and Tess Nichol recounts her ongoing efforts not to pay attention to everything. Plus Anna Rankin pens a love letter to the 20th Century, a short story from Saraid de Silva and Bob Harvey assists the walls of Hotel DeBrett in talking. Oh, and last, but not least, it’s the end of an era.

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