Sachin Tendulkar in Adelaide

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar dined at a popular Thai Restaurant in Adelaide last night.

I know that because my wife works there and she served him.

He was with some older men she didn’t recognise, possibly team management or local supporters.

India plays Australia in a one-day international tomorrow at Adelaide Oval.

Tendulkar is generally regarded as the best batsman in world cricket since Sir Donald Bradman, and there’s even a case to say he’s the best batsman to have ever played the game.

Bradman’s statistics are awesome, but world cricket didn’t have much depth in his day and he didn’t play as much cricket overseas. I don’t think he toured anywhere except England.

The Tongue Thai’d restaurant is at 50-54 Henley Beach Road, Mile End, close to where we used to live. According to the Your Restaurants guide:

This little Thai joint opened in early 2005 and has been jam-packed ever since. There is no secret behind the success of this venture; the difference between it and its contemporaries is obvious. The timber-floored space is accented with bright red lighting and furniture as fiery as their spicy chilli jam, and both the interior and the outdoor heated courtyard are generally abuzz with lively chatter. Chef and co-owner Pichai Ngoensawang creates authentic Thai dishes from his homeland, stubbornly insisting on only the freshest ingredients, with no MSG or preservatives used. Everything on the menu is made fresh to order, from the spring rolls and fish cakes to the masaman curry. The difference is evident in the taste, which packs a fair punch without relying on heat for impact.

It’s interesting that Indians would visit a Thai restaurant, but not surprising I guess. We’d be unlikely to visit an Australian restaurant while visiting India.

My wife said Sachin obliged with photos and autographs throughout the evening, but she never thought to do so herself!