The closure of the beloved Nol-Si restaurant in Mount Hawthorn left a significant void in the local dining scene. Chef and owner Amit, known for his cheerful demeanour and impressive modern Australian cuisine, had built a loyal following at the Scarborough Beach Road spot. When he departed, the suburb felt a collective sense of loss.
A Phoenix Rises on Scarborough Beach Road
Now, from the ashes of Nol-Si, a new culinary prospect has emerged. Ceasun has taken over the compact space at 144 Scarborough Beach Road, transforming it into a destination for elevated Thai cuisine. The interior remains largely unchanged, but the energy is new, with two chefs now working in the once solo-run kitchen.
The buzz around Ceasun was palpable even before our visit. A chance encounter at a local bottle shop saw an attendee spontaneously declare it the best Thai food he'd tasted, as we picked up Asian lagers for the restaurant's BYO offering.
Flavourful Dishes That Impress and Delight
The menu ventures beyond standard Thai takeaway classics, offering a refined selection. Our table sampled three main dishes, starting with the massaman beef stew ($27.90). This rich, sweet curry, balanced with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and cashews, sparked a bold declaration from my husband: it rivalled, and possibly surpassed, a legendary massaman he'd enjoyed years ago in Phuket.
The grilled king snapper on Thai homok coconut cream ($30.90) featured a sauce that was nothing short of divine—creamy, punchy, and fragrant with lemongrass. Topped with red chilli, fried lime, and Thai basil, it delivered incredible depth. While the fish itself was slightly overcooked and dry, the sauce's excellence was a major redeeming factor.
Even the seemingly simple pad Thai with chicken ($20.90) was executed with skill. It was sweet and spicy without being greasy, packed with fresh beanshoots and perfectly cooked noodles, proving Ceasun's capability across the board.
A Sweet Ending and a Promising Future
We finished with the summer special, mango sticky rice ($15). The dessert, featuring a scored mango cheek, coconut-infused sticky rice, sesame seeds, and a side of coconut ice-cream, was a refreshing and ideal conclusion. It even managed to create a new favourite for my daughter, who was previously devoted to Amit's famed crème caramel.
The verdict: Ceasun delivers refined, flavour-packed Thai cuisine in a relaxed, inner-suburban setting. With a score of 17 out of 20, it has successfully turned the page, offering Mount Hawthorn a vibrant new chapter in dining. Its BYO policy and well-executed menu make it a compelling destination for locals and visitors alike.
Ceasun is located at 144 Scarborough Beach Rd, Mt Hawthorn. It is open Tuesday 5-9pm; Wednesday-Thursday 12-9pm; and Friday-Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling 0403 419 392.
