New kids on foodie block

The city has become home to new Japanese, Indian and Thai restaurants, which have all proved a hit with residents.

The influx of new restaurants in Wagga is a positive sign for the city, according to Business Chamber business manager Michelle Bray.

“Any business development and increase is of benefit to the community and has broader economic implications for tourism dollars,” she said.

“There are diverse restaurants that are opening and we’re becoming a bit more cosmopolitan.”

One such new restaurant, Tammy’s Thai Kitchen, opened on Lake Albert Road two weeks ago and has since seen a steady stream of customers curious about the latest addition to the city’s restaurant scene.

Robert Baliva opened the restaurant with his wife, Tammy Yota, after seeing a niche for “more modern” Thai food in Wagga.

The couple moved from Kununurra, a remote town in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, to Wagga last year and opened two massage parlours before turning their hand to food.

Mr Baliva admits the journey to opening Tammy’s Thai Kitchen is “kind of a long story”.

“(Tammy’s) brother is a chef and it seemed like a natural progression to give food a try,” he said. “There was an opportunity for more modern Thai cuisine – the techniques being used out there (in Sydney) aren’t really being used here.”

So far the reception to the restaurant’s offering has been overwhelming, according to Mr Baliva.

“We’re amazed by just the support we’ve received,” he said. “That sort of stuff makes you sit back and appreciate what we’re trying to do – you work really hard to make a business and make it successful and when you get that sort of feedback it’s really appreciated.”

The opening of Tammy’s Thai Kitchen has come hot on the heels of a new Indian restaurant, Blu Flame, opening on the corner of Baylis and Edward streets.

Wagga is also set to receive a new Mexican-themed restaurant in the coming months.