The restaurant on Old Northern Road feels like it could well be in the heart of Bangkok.

As soon as you walk into the establishment you are greeted by friendly staff members and surrounded by oriental designs on all the walls and tablecloths.

Catering for a broad range of tastes and fancies, Money Bag Thai offers a diverse menu with plenty of options from sizzling mildly-spiced curries to tasty noodles and soups, while also offering a truly mouth-watering seafood section.

During my visit, I was spoilt for choice and treated to two entree dishes: the hoy joh ($8.90) and the duck herbs ($9.90), while my main meals were recommended to me as the very popular chef's specials including the hor mok ($19.90) and crispy basil chicken ($16.90).

My two entrees were distinctly different in flavour and gave me a great introduction of what was to come.

The hoy joh was a delicate prawn flavoured dish which was infused with traditional Thai ingredients, while the duck herb was drizzled with lime sauce and chilli on top of a fresh green lettuce leaf.

The mains were both very generous in size and were expertly presented with no cost spared.

My favourite, the hor mok, was a mildly spicy mixed seafood dish topped with vegetables and with egg mixed in.

This was a one-of-a-kind dish and was served inside a hollowed coconut.

The crispy basil chicken was my final meal and one not to be missed.

This was fused with yum sauce on the inside and a secret outer layer coating.

Owner Larry Ng Loi Chuen said he and his team strive to create quality food, in a warm atmosphere, with friendly customer service.

Money Bag Thai Restaurant has also recently opened its doors for lunch sittings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am-2.30pm.

Reporter Steven Spierings ate courtesy of the Money Bag Thai.