Chubby Cheeks
437 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW
Tuesday – Sunday 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Friday – Sunday 12:00pm – 3:00pm
(02) 9332 1886
Website 

As self confessed foodies, we didn’t think we’d meet any more restaurants that knocked our socks off. How wrong we were.

Meet Chubby Cheeks, the new modern-Thai restaurant that’s opened in Paddington. This sneaky little devil not only knocked our socks off, but has us already looking for an excuse to go back.

Chubby Cheeks has taken up residence in the old Paddington Max Brenner venue on Oxford St, or for the non-chocoholics, next door to Paddington Markets; and while the pain of losing the chocolatier hotspot burns on, the new Paddo addition does well to dull the pain.

Diners are welcomed by an Asian-inspired rustic setting, consisting of bare concrete walls, exposed wires and metals, combined with bright tapestry and designer ergonomic chairs. The overall effect of the restaurants aesthetics is enough to excite even the non-design-centred diners.

By the time we’d made our minds up over the menu, the restaurant was full – full capacity, no more entranto, muchos fullos (we obviously didn’t do Spanish during High School). Opting for the tasting menu ($49pp) and a bottle of a well deserved Pinot Noir was a good move, and one we’ll likely be repeating.

The first entree arrived and we knew we’d done it, or rather Chubby Cheeks had done it. They’d hit a winner – Seared Scallop in Betel Leaves, and Crackling Pork Bao; closely followed by a Fresh Tea-Smoked Duck Breast and Banana Blossom Salad. Our pick of the entrees however, would have to be the Tiger Prawn and Sweet Potato Fritter – a combination we’d never dreamt of, but one we are so glad someone had.

Mains came with a bang and we couldn’t have been happier; Crispy Skin Chicken in Chubby Cheeks special Satay Sauce, Barramundi with a Green Rice Flake Batter and Chilli Lime Dressing, and because we’re good and love our greens – Wok-Tossed Water Spinach and Soy Bean in Oyster Sauce. Needless to say by this stage we were in a state of blissful food-happiness, a place one can only reach after eating food of such quality and mastery.

Oh, we also had dessert, because we can. If you’re a rice pudding person, we recommend the Black Sticky Rice ($12), and if you’re an ice cream fan with a sweet tooth to boot, you simply can’t go past the Deep Fried Salted Caramel Ice Cream, lovingly paired with Popcorn, Strawberries and Salted Caramel Sauce ($11).

If you’re after a date night with mind-blowing food, a meal with friends, a family dinner or work dinner with a side of guaranteed enjoyment, we can’t recommend Chubby Cheeks highly enough. An added bonus worth noting is the staff. Attentive, knowledgeable and friendly staff can make or break a dining experience, and while the food stands on it’s own at Chubby Cheeks, the genuinely lovely staff we’re the cherry on top, the peanut to the butter, straw to the berry.

Check out their menu here and if you’re already sold, you can book online now.
Paddington, you were always good, it now seems you’re great.