Thai Joint Selling $7 Changs Actually Cheaper Than Most Happy Hours In Town

KEITH T. DENNETT | New South | CONTACT

A local Thai restaurant has taken home its first-ever gold trophy at the Betoota Chamber of Commerce Awards this week, recognised for its continued commitment to hospitality excellence.

Wok This Way, a beloved Thai joint located in the Old Quarter, has been awarded a Golden Fork for “Best Value Dining Experience”, mainly thanks to the fact it offers $7 Changs, all day, every day.

And while the restaurant is probably more famous for its roaring lunch trade and $12.90 ‘Pick a Stir-Fry and Add Rice’ deal, judges on this year’s Chamber of Commerce panel praised the establishment for its exceptional pricing in the face of skyrocketing inflation.

“We looked at pubs across town and no one could match the Wok This Way drinks menu,” said one judge.

“$7 Changs! I mean, sure, they’re not from a keg, but you can’t walk past a $10 beer in this economy. It’s the kind of price that raises an eyebrow… and in a good way.”

Speaking to restaurant owner Thanin “Tom” Suriyapong, a second-generation Thai man who’s well known at Betoota Golf Course for his impressive short game, this week’s award is simply a recognition of his ability to do pretty simple maths.

“People think my $7 Changs are some form of charity. You’ve got it all wrong, I’m making a killing off them,” Tom explained.

“A case at Aldi sets me back $55. I then sell 24 beers and I’m making north of $110 every lunchtime.”

“You’d be surprised how easy it is to sell them when office workers realise they can snag a beer and a pad thai for $20. Cheaper than lunch at the pub next door, you can’t even get a middy and a packet of bar nuts for under $20 these days.”