Takeout from Koon Thai

Koon Thai was a pretty easy pick since it's in the same strip mall as Nijiya. At the time of my takeout visits (Mid-End May), they were actually open at 1030, so I could quickly pop in, place my order with the very pleasant young man working, shop at Nijiya, head back to Koon Thai, grab my order and go.

Sadly, on both visits, Koon Thai was out of my favorite dish, the Khao Karr Moo. But hey, this just gave me a chance to try out some other dishes....I just hoped it wasn't as bad as Khao Nar Ped I had there a while back.

On my first visit; I went with the Pad Cha Pork Wing. What's a "pork wing" you ask? No, it's not a from a new breed of flying pig. It's actually the fibula from a rear shank of said swine. It really kinda looks like a rib, it ain't cheap at $16.50 either. And when I opened things up; it didn't look like much.

But once I plated it....well, there was enough for the Missus to have when She got home from work in the evening.

Medium heat gave this a decent spice; I was worried about this version of pad cha (basically translated as "stir fry" if I recall) being over sweet but it wasn't. The basil added some nice anise-vegetal-peppery tones, there was a mild salty-sweet component, good savory touches....the green peppercorns added a nice bit of variety in terms of "spice" if you will and was probably the Missus's favorite item in the dish....other than the pork which was prepared nicely.... think of a pork rib in texture with a really nice porky finish.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The following weekend; I decided on the Kha Na Moo Krob ($13).

Whereas this was not on the level of the version at Soi 30th, the gailan undercooked, quite bitter, and too hard and the sauce a bit too salty; the pork belly was nicely done....a bit crisp on the exterior, giving way to a nice soft and mildly creamy interior. At medium heat, it was way too mild for me and like I mentioned earlier was a bit on the salty side....though not terrible.

Again the portion size was quite generous as there were leftovers for the Missus.

I'm looking forward to Khao Karr Moo once they have it back in stock....probably again on one of my future trips to Nijiya; or maybe the Missus will want me to order the "Pork Wings"....or heck; maybe both?

Koon Thai Kitchen
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 514-8111
Currently open daily 11am - 9pm

Comments

[Som Tommy]

Yes. Another menu item to try at Koon.

[kat]

hope they bring your favorite dish back.

[Kirk]

Enjoy ST!

I hope so too Kat. Though those "Pork Wings" aren't bad!