Even the biggest flood in Lismore’s recorded history couldn’t stop Chris Knight and his wife Pa from bringing the delicious smell of Thai food back to the Lismore CBD.

The couple reopened their Keen Street takeaway food shop Thai Satay Hut just in time for the Lismore Lantern Parade – and have been busy since then.

On their Facebook page, there’s pictures of the shop under water – and one of the couple in a boat coming into the Lismore CBD.

"We were the second shop owners in town after the flood,” Chris said,.

“We got a non-motorised dinghy to bring us in, so there is no disturbance to any buildings.

“It’s vitally important we get back here soon after the flood water recedes so we can get the mud off the walls and floors before it dries, or it’s too hard to get off.”

Inside the shop, there’s a 2022 flood height marker, high up near the roof.

Chris said after the flood, they, found one of their dining tables on top of the shelf above the front door.

“We have been through ten floods in Lismore, but never one like this,” he said.

“The ceiling had fallen in too and now there is a waterproof ceiling.

“We had a good landlord who paid for it – he came in to see it after the flood and was happy to pay for it.”

With so many Lismore CBD shop owners still waiting on tradespeople to complete work on their buildings, how did the couple manage to open so quickly?

“We annoyed our tradies to get them here to get the job done,” Chris laughed.

“Everything had to be done and it was a big job to coordinate all of the workers - from electricians to builders and painters.

“I was recovering from an operation after the flood and Pa was here coordinating everything.”

Pa said she has gotten her energy back now after the stress of overseeing the repairs and is happy to be back cooking her Thai food for the Lismore community.

“I love Lismore – It’s the best place. I only ever want to live here.

“We will always reopen - even after the biggest flood we’ve ever had.”

The shop is open 6 days a week – Monday to Saturday, from 11am.