What's the story, morning glory?
This tiny eatery makes like a Bangkok café, replete with Thai music videos on the flatscreen, blackboard specials chalked in Thai script, and an absence of spoken English, except when my waitress came by. With few exceptions, the descriptions of the dishes are matter-of-fact, but the overall effect suggests a skilled kitchen that knows its clientele.
I don't know that this morning glory ($7.95, plus $1 for rice) is identical, or merely related to, the Vietnamese rau muong and the Malaysian kang kung — all are customarily translated as "water spinach" — and I certainly couldn't pin down the seasonings. Clearly, repeat visits will be required.
Chao Thai
85-03 Whitney Ave., Elmhurst, Queens
718-424-4999
Dave, You might want to put Ploy Thai, which is on the corner of 81st and Broadway, on your radar. Similarities to Chao's menu will beg, and allow for, comparison. I had an excellent Larb there the other night, and I'm definitely going back.
P.
Posted by: Polecat | February 19, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Oops. Sorry. I think it's on the corner of 82nd, not 81st. Anyhow, it's right off the park, near Britton Street.
P.
Posted by: Polecat | February 19, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Visited Chao Thai last Wednesday, the food wasn't as good as before. Perhaps they changed the cook... miss the old crispy pork & basil sauce :(
Posted by: Elika | July 30, 2010 at 02:10 AM