Authentic Thai in Chicago

[jennkmho]

I'm looking for an authentic Thai restaurant in the Chicago city area. Duck Walk and Thai Classic doesn't count... Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Erik M]

Did you try a search here at Chowhound?

Essentially, I provided an answer to this same question quite recently:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/42419...

At any rate, as an addition to that list, I would add Siam's House in Niles.

These restaurants all furnish a separate (and often very distinct) Thai language menu for their Thai patrons, and most--if not all of them--should have copies of my menu translations on hand.

Oh, and you are right: Duck Walk and Thai Classic most assuredly "don't count."

E.M.

[jennkmho]

Thanks! I'll do a search next time. New to Chowhound.

[Erik M]

Well then, welcome to Chowhound!

I hope that you stick around.

E.M.

[jennkmho]

I'm also fairly new to Chicago. I don't suppose you could recommend some Korean places too?

[Erik M]

Well, I hope that others here will chime in, but I'll start with a few suggestions:

For real, do-it-yrself, charcoal-grilled Korean barbecue try San Soo Gap San, Woo Chon, Hae Won Dae, and Kang Nam. I am particulary fond of the atmosphere and the meats at Hae Won Dae, but I give the nod to Kang Nam when it comes to panchan (cold side dishes like kimchi, etc.), soups and stews. [FWIW, I'm crazy about Kang Nam's spicy, raw, marinated crab if that appeals...] And,

NB While San Soo Gap San is quite good, I generally stay away during regular dinner & late dinner hours. During that time, it's mainly a raucous, young Korean and gringo scene.

San Soo Gap San
5247 N. Western Ave.
773.334.1589

Woo Chon
5744 N. California
773.728.8001

Hae Woon Dae
6240 N. California
773.764.8018

Kang Nam
4849 N. Kedzie
773.539.2524

And, speaking of BBQ, Koreans and non-Koreans alike flock to Cho Sun Ok for gas-grilled barbecue cooked in a stone pan, but I've never cared for it myself. I do, however, make regular trips in the summertime for CSO's exceptional spicy beef naeng myun (cold noodles in broth). FWIW, CSO serves the *worst* panchan assortment ever. NO flavour.

Cho Sun Ok
4200 N. Lincoln
773.549.5555

For Soon Du Bu Jigae (tofu stew), the specialist in town is So Gong Dong Tofu House. They've got a wide assortment.

So Gong Dong Tofu House
3307 W. Bryn Mawr
773.539.8377

For Dol Sot dishes and simple fish grills, San Chae Dol Sot is your place:

San Chae Dol Sot
3737 W Lawrence Ave # B
773.588.5223

Lastly, as I mentioned yesterday (2 posts), I highly recommend the Hourglass for late night drinking and snack food:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/42653...

That's a start, at least. Let us know if you are looking for anything in particular.

E.M.

[jennkmho]

Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed Spoon Thai and Hae Woon Dae. I really liked the thin and Sour tamarind-flavoured curry with mudfish at Spoon Thai. It nearly burned a hole through my stomach! Had the BBQ at Hae Woon Dae. So much food! Loved the spicy octopus.

[Erik M]

Thanks so much for taking the time to give the board feedback. It's greatly appreciated. And, of course, I am happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself.

Anyway, I was just at Spoon Thai last night to host an entirely Isaan-style (Northeastern Thailand) meal for ten diners. If you return to Spoon I would highly recommend checking out the following Isaan-style offerings from the Thai language menu:

sai krawk isaan -- Isaan-style "sour" sausage
somtam plaa raa -- papaya salad with unrefined fish sauce
laap pet -- Isaan-style minced duck salad with rice powder
tom khlong -- Isaan-style hot/sour soup with smoked fish

Oh, and here is a link to my translation of the current Thai language menu.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic....

Regards,
E.M.

[jennkmho]

Thanks for the advice! I'll try some of those dishes next time. I saw your translated Thai menu at Spoon Thai. Did you offer to do the translations for the restaurants or did they search you out? Is your career in the food industry? Just curious... Someone should also translate the menus at the Chinese restaurants...

[Erik M]

I have simply offered (or simply done) the translations for the most part, but more recently there have been occasions when I was sought out/asked. Word/reputation spreads pretty fast in the Thai community here in Chicago, especially in the Thai restaurant community.

At any rate, no, I *do not* have a career in the food industry, nor do I want one. ;)

Regards,
E.M.

[cknudsen]

I like Sticky Rice. Western and Irving Park