Image Credit: Nu Thai
Amid a wave of business closures across Adelaide, this one comes with a much-needed silver lining. After 21 years of service, the Ng family behind Nu Thai, a Morphett Street institution, have announced they’ll be closing their doors on May 24.
The family shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, thanking loyal supporters for an “incredible journey filled with amazing people, food, and memories.”
Thomas Ng took over Nu Thai in 2004, directing the restaurant as a modern take on Thai cuisine.
A decade later, the restaurant moved from its original Gouger Street site to a larger space on Morphett Street, where Thomas and the Ng family continued to build a loyal following with their bold, aromatic take on Bangkok street-style food.
The closure marks one of many CBD businesses closing their doors, with wife Cathy Ng pointing to parking costs and less foot traffic.
“Parking is difficult in the city, and people just aren’t coming into the city as often. There’s a lot of empty places down Gouger Street and Morphett Street now,” she says.
But the family isn’t stepping away entirely, they’re just hitting pause and shifting focus. A Hong Kong style café is already in the works and they plan to open a smaller space just outside the CBD later this year.
“It’s not a permanent closure, more just taking a break and looking for a new home. Something smaller, a bit more managable,” says Cathy.
The new concept will offer a fusion-style menu, serving stir fries, noodles, and hybrid Asian-Western dishes like spaghetti with a twist.
“What they do in Hong Kong is a unique Asian version of Western food, like spaghetti. We’re still not sure about the food and the name, but we’re hoping to open in October,” explains Cathy.
While the menu is still a TBA, fusion spaghetti is enough to get the stomach rumbling. And with a legacy of serving seriously good food spanning over decades, we have a feeling this one’s going to pasta the taste test.
The team are also planning to reopen a more compact, neighbourhood version of Nu Thai in the next year, and are currently scouting the perfect place to set up shop.
“We want the new location to be easy access for customers. Nothing has fit quite right so far, but we’re open to anything close to the city,” Cathy adds.
As for now, the Ng family are taking a well-earned break. After more than two decades in the game, a family holiday – or even just a cruise around Australia – is well overdue.
“It’s been a long time, we’ve earned a bit of a break,” laughs Cathy.
“Even beyond the cooking, it’s the paperwork and everything behind the scenes – I don’t think we’ve had a holiday longer than 10 days in the last 20 years, so that’s the plan for now.”
While this marks the end of an era for the iconic Morphett Street spot, it’s far from goodbybe. All the favourites will be following them to their new home, including their signature tom yum soup, caramelised pork belly and wok-tossed chilli barramundi. And if time has proven anything, it’s that their loyal following will be right there with them.
“We’ve had so many regulars over the years. It’s been really special,” adds Cathy.
“We’re looking forward to what’s next.”
Keep an eye out for a Hong Kong café in your neighbourhood, and swing by Morphett Street before May 24 to enjoy one last Nu Thai feast (for now).
WHAT: Hong Kong Cafe and Nu Thai relocation
WHEN: TBA
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