Hello, we are Yao + John
We are Yao and John O'Donoghue—owners, chef, waiters, and everything in between. After many years of running a family restaurant in Shepparton, we decided on a tree change and relocated to Avenel (with the plans to retire). The plans fell through but what remained is our love of sharing Thai food and culture.
Our building has been designed as if you’re entering our home. An open kitchen showcases the honesty of our food. Scenic views of local bushland, and the historic stone bridge encourages a slower, more relaxed pace. Here, we hope you’ll find the time and enjoy the moment.
Chāar Long [ช้าลง] translates to slowing down, and this is the essence of our restaurant—both for us and for you as our guest. We invite you to join us for a meal, but please note: this is not a typical dining experience. Our service is slower, our menu is free-style, and there’s a bit of organised chaos in the air. But that’s part of the charm.
We look forward to meeting you.
Yao, John and family