Chef David Thompson’s newest restaurant, Long Chim will be opening in Perth’s newly restored Old Treasury development this December.
Specialising in Thai street food, Long Chim marks Thompson’s return to Australia after 14 years abroad. The Perth opening follows the success of Thompson’s first Long Chim restaurant which launched in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands earlier this year.
Located in the vaulted cellar beneath the State Buildings in the heart of Perth’s CBD, Long Chim Perth will feature a 130-seat dining room, open plan kitchen, cocktail bar and large outdoor courtyard.
The interior of the venue has been designed by Space Agency and will feature street art by renowned Thai artists Alex Face, Diamond One and Gong. Original exposed brick has been retained in the courtyard where digital projections will be a feature.
The menu will be packed with Thai street food favourites such as noodles, curries, stir-fries, deep-fried and grilled dishes. Beef skewers perfumed with cumin and turmeric, chive cakes, pineapple curry of crab with kaffir lime, deep-fried squid with garlic and peppercorns, roast duck with pickled ginger, crunchy pork with Chinese broccoli and oyster sauce will all be on offer.
Durian ice cream and banana roti will take care of the dessert side of things, while the bar will feature Thai- inspired cocktails and late night bar snacks.
“The streets of Bangkok are the part of Thailand I love the most. It’s certainly the place I feel most at home. You’ll find most Thais eat in the markets and on the streets,” says Thompson.
“And with good reason, as it is easy and casual with some of the best eating to be had. I want to capture the character, the pace and the flavour of the city with its beguiling tastes, colour and excitement. Quite simply, Long Chim is my Bangkok in Perth.”
Originally from Sydney, Thompson spent a number of years living and working in Bangkok. On his return to Sydney in 1992, Thompson opened Darley Street Thai, followed by Sailors Thai in 1995.
In 2001, Thompson opened Nahm in The Halkin hotel in London which received a Michelin star within six months of trade, becoming the first Thai restaurant to gain a Michelin Star.
Thompson opened a second Nahm restaurant in Bangkok in 2013 which claimed the number one position at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 awards. This year however, the restaurant slipped back to seventh position with Bangkok's Gagan claiming the number one position.
