Ginger Leaf

Previously Poppies Thai, the Ginger Leaf as it’s now called is located at the south end of Bourke Street near Etihad Stadium. I met a few friends there tonight for an early mid week pre-​Chrissy catch up.
We started with some entrees to share; Net Spring Rolls with seafood, chicken satay and prawn spring rolls. The chicken was a little bland, but the satay sauce was tasty and creamy. The pick of the three was the Net Spring Rolls, a net of pastry (similar to that used to make yam dumplings) wrapped around a delicious seafood centre served with a slightly tart and spicy dipping sauce. Most of the entrees come with three or four pieces but they were happy to make these up to five pieces so we all got to try everything.
We shared three dishes and rice for main. The first of these was Crying Tiger Beef — grilled beef mixed with lemon, chilli, mint leaves, fresh carrot, cucumber and tomato. None of us rated this. The beef was a little tough and bland and it lacked the chilli kick that gives the dish its name.
The Red Curry Duck, on the other hand, was very good. Classic creamy Thai sauce loaded with succulent chunks of tender duck, tomato, pineapple and lychee. We also had the Pad Thai noodles served with egg, vegetables and prawns garnished with crushed peanuts. Another winner.
Three of us had enough room for dessert — coconut pudding served with vanilla ice cream. Not a big fan of Asian desserts and this didn’t change my mind.
Overall, good no frills Thai food with no surprises. Staff are friendly and accommodating and the ambience is laid back and casual. They’re licensed but you can byo wine (which I did). The total bill came to $ 160 — a little over $ 30 each — which I thought was pretty good value for money.