For more than two decades Thai Puka has infused the heart of Albury with the rich aromas and flavours of Northern Thailand. But the traditional cuisine of the family-run business was threatened by a recent change in circumstances.

When the lease ended

After 22 years in their original premises, the Kongsasana family, led by matriarch Pongphan ‘Linda’ Kongsasana and joined by her son Mon and daughter-in-law Jang, faced an unexpected challenge. Their lease was ended due to plans for apartments on the site. But what could have been a setback instead became an opportunity.

“We knew we had to act quickly,” says Mon Kongsasana. “An old hospitality venue became available in a central spot and we saw the potential to create something really special.”

To bring the vision to life, the family engaged Pollock Architecture and interior designer Kendall Young Design. Their design, in “celebrating the layers the building has had over its life”, echoed the tradition within the menu and the warmth within the food.

Bringing a second home with them

The transition has been emotional. The old Thai Puka was not just a restaurant but a second home.

“Our babies grew up in that restaurant while we worked hard to establish Thai Puka. Saying goodbye was tough. But this new space gives us room to grow and honour the story we’ve built,” says Mon Kongsasana.

Many elements of the original restaurant have followed them to the new venue. Handpicked artefacts and artwork from Nan in Northern Thailand, which Linda shipped over in a container back in 2002, now sit proudly alongside oversized paper lanterns and an exposed Thai pantry.

A kitchen built to keep pace

The refreshed brand identity and expanded cocktail list provide the space with a contemporary edge, while the kitchen’s upgrade ensures the team can keep pace with increasing demand.

“Thai cooking is all about balance, heat, timing, and freshness,” explains Jang. “Moffat’s equipment gives us the consistency and power we need, service after service.” While there’s new technology, the team at the heart of the restaurant remains the same.

In the kitchen

The high-performance kitchen at Thai Puka is fitted with the latest Moffat equipment, including a Convotherm 10 tray combi oven with condensate hood, which has proven invaluable for its precision and versatility.

“We can bake, steam and roast – it’s incredibly efficient,” says Jang Kongsasana. “We’ve maintained all our crowd favourites on the menu, but we’re also exploring new specials that the combi oven allows us to execute beautifully.”

Also from Moffat are a Blue Seal 8 burner cooktop, a single pan deep fryer and a robust 3 burner Cobra commercial wok station.

“The Cobra wok station in particular has been a such a great addition,” she says. “It handles high-flame stir-frying effortlessly, giving our Pad See Ew that signature sear.”

Behind the pass, the deep fryer delivers the crisp golden crunch that Thai Puka’s spring rolls and curry puffs are known for, while the commercial gas cooktop ensures soups and curries simmer to spicy, mouth-watering perfection. The new Washtech ALC Passthrough Dishwasher with heat recovery unit ensures all dishes are served on a clean and sparkling stage.

“Moffat’s build quality is excellent,” says Jang. “When you run a busy kitchen, you need reliability. It (the equipment) handles the pressure without skipping a beat.”

At a glance

• Venue: Thai Puka, Albury, a family-run Northern Thai restaurant
• Time in original premises: 22 years
• Reason for move: the lease ended due to plans for apartments on the site
• Family: Pongphan ‘Linda’ Kongsasana (matriarch), son Mon Kongsasana, daughter-in-law Jang Kongsasana
• Design: Pollock Architecture and interior designer Kendall Young Design
• Artefacts and artwork from Nan in Northern Thailand, shipped in a container in 2002
• Key equipment: Convotherm 10 tray combi oven with condensate hood, Blue Seal 8 burner cooktop, single pan deep fryer, 3 burner Cobra wok station, Washtech ALC Passthrough Dishwasher with heat recovery unit

Building a kitchen that keeps peace with demand? Contact Us to talk to the Moffat team about the right equipment for your menu.