Sunflower Thai Restaurant started a decade ago as a Thai eatery that served dishes with plenty of vegetables.
But when the original owner Kevin Cometouis retired during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nina Nartnue bought over the restaurant, realizing the potential for the restaurant in a fast-expanding vegan culinary market.
Whether it’s for health, religious or environmental reasons, plant-based dishes are now a meal of choice - even for those who normally love their meat dishes.
Step into Sunflower Thai, and Nina’s new menu has offerings with vegan meat that you won’t believe is not meat.
“Many people who enjoy the taste of meat choose to go vegetarian for ethical or health reasons, our menu aims to make sure they don’t miss out on the taste,” said Nina.
“Sunflower Thai focuses on Thai flavours, and although everything is vegan, it’s designed for everyone to enjoy.”
Vegetarians who do not eat alliums like garlic, onion, shallot and leek can also rest assured that none of these are used at the eatery.
Nina moved to New Zealand about 10 years ago, and has always loved cooking.
“Growing up as a kid with my grandmother in Thailand, she always had me in the kitchen,” Nina said.
“It made me dream of owning my own restaurant.”
Three years ago when the pandemic struck, Nina said it threw her life “all over the place”.
“Covid hit us hard, and I had an emergency back home and had to quit my job and never thought I’d return to New Zealand,” she said.
But then the opportunity of taking over Sunflower Thai came along and she decided to jump into it.
“I’ve always known I love cooking and my dream is always to own a restaurant, so even though I didn’t have any experience, I had a great team backing me - friends and business partners who have been in hospitality for a long time,” Nina said.
“My goal was to create a restaurant that caters to vegans while staying delicious and authentic.”
Nina launched a new, more exciting menu, and keeping with the philosophy of having things as fresh as possible.
At Sunflower Thai, expect to indulge in authentic Thai flavours without it being diluted to suit Kiwi taste.
“We make sure our taste is not being compromised or customised to suit local taste, but truly represent the flavours of Thailand,” she said.
For starters, try the plant-based mutton skewers and somtum salad, a Thai spicy sour salad with carrot, swede, tomato, green beans, peanuts, chili and tofu accompanied with a slight spicy sauce with plenty of kick.
Have the tom yum goong - spicy and sour Thai soup with plant-based prawns, mushroom, tomato, lime juice, Thai herbs, mixed vegetables and chili.
Then try the plant-based fried “chicken” - go for the half crispy and half spicy option - for a bit of variety, and the Thai sweet chilli “fish”. Choose a dish also with the “pork belly” and “duck” - both of which are truly realistic from taste to texture.
Not to be missed also is the massamun curry, made with housemade curry paste with plant based beef, coconut milk, peanuts, potato.
The restaurant even offers a vegan Thai hot pot, where you get to cook fresh at the table with a variety of vegan protein, dumplings and a tower of fresh vegetables.
Oh, and yes there’s Thai beer, vegan wine and cocktails too. Perfect to go with your meals are the lychee-tee nee and the matchatini.
“We’re a laid-back and fun spot where people can come and enjoy our food.”
Nina said she decided to keep the name of Sunflower Thai when she took over the business because “it’s a legend in its own right”.
“Plus I really like sunflowers. Sunflower Thai is a bright, friendly and casual place for everyone,” she said.
“We focus on ourselves and keeping our customers happy.”
Nina said the economic changes and City Rail Link construction had been challenging.
“But we’re grateful for our awesome regular customers. We’re hoping that once the construction and economic craziness settles down, we’ll be able to expand our Thai vegan food across New Zealand,” she said.
After three years, Nina said one of the best part about being a restaurant owner is chatting and building friendships with her regular customers.
Sunflower Thai
6/50 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
This article is brought to you in partnership with Sunflower Thai.
