Financial District Lunch Options: Sultan's Kitchen and Rock Sugar Thai Cafe

[rlh]

Just moved back downtown (happily) and tried an old standby in a new location (Sultan's Kitchen) and a new spot (Rock Sugar). Results were mixed but positive:

Falafel sandwich from SK was HUGE and fresh, EXCEPT that the falafel itself was extremely dry and overspiced with something unappealing to me. I do, however, think they have the freshest pita bread I've had in the area. It was $6-7 and could have feed two easily.

The side ($4) of a green bean meze dish that was on display on the counter, however, was just as delicious as it looked and as I remembered the place being -- what are other favorites there (that are NOT the falafel)? I'll be back to try other options.

Rock Sugar takeout Pad Thai with chicken ($7.50) and Beef Satay ($5) was fresh and not too oily (common Pad Thai problem in my opinion), but both dishes needed more seasoning, heat, and spice -- the Pad Thai was almost white like the few chicken pieces in it.

Also, a vermicelli salad was also really fresh, but needed some (more?) fresh lime juice/cilantro added for flavor.

Maybe it's time to sample their soups and curries next time -- perhaps that's where they're putting all the flavor?

[9lives]

I'd been meaning to trythis place for a while..and the comments on the board jogged my memory.

Lunch today of hot and sour soup and chili, basil duck were both excellent..properly spiced..pet/pet.

At $14 for lunch, it's not cheap; but I could (should) have made it into 2 meals easily.

Best;only? Thai in the area..owned by Chili Duck people.

I'm referrring to Rock Sugar...been a long time fan of Sultan's too..:)

[Rubee]

I like that Rock Sugar has free delivery at lunch - their duck pad thai hits the spot when I have a craving.

[coookie]

Rock Sugar is very satisfying. It's affiliated with (owned by?) Chilli Duck on Boylston, which is itself pretty good.

[hungryone]

Sultan's Kitchen is very good. Never been disappointed.
I am not a fan of Al's next door even though it's always packed.

[GaryK]

Where is Rock Sugar located?

[rlh]

It's on Batterymarch St. near Milk St. and the Hilton (used to be Wyndham) Hotel -- in the heart of downtown, a couple of blocks from Post Office Square. It's not a destination in my opinion, but an OK option to have if you happen to be in the area.

[finlero]

Rock Sugar is quite decent, but I'm still going to append the "for the Financial District" clause to anything I have to say about it.

The tom yum soup is pretty good...
The massaman curry is pretty good...
The [insert other dish here] is pretty good...

...for the Financial District.

I'm thrilled to have it around as a f.d. lunch option, and have not once gone wrong with a menu choice, but insofar as I can tell, there aren't any definitive signature dishes either.