My Favorite Restaurants: Baan Kanitha

Thai food is everywhere in Thailand, but good Thai food is only where you find it. Baan Kanitha serves outstanding Thai food that has never disappointed. If dinner were scored like a baseball game, then Baan Kanitha is batting 1000.

There are now two locations: the original location on Sukhumvit Soi 23 and the new location on Soi Ruam Rudee. The old location has more atmosphere but the food and service are identically excellent.

Try everything. From my experience, where everything I have tried was either excellent or "best of breed", I think you will enjoy whatever you have.

Menu Favorites

Oh dear, where to start. So many dishes, so little space. As I think about it, what a problem to have!

OK, one uncommon dish that it absolutely excellent is the Yam Som O or Pomelo Salad. Since I was first introduced to it (thank you, Joe Feinstein), it has been a staple of all subsequent meals at Baan Kanitha. If you have never tried this salad, do yourself a great favor and do it soon; for those who know this delight, I recommend you rush to Baan Kanitha for some of the best.

There are a dozen or so appetizers on the menu, all of the favorites, but each one is very good. I especially like the Gai Hor Bai Toey (Chicken in Pandanus Leaf) and the Tod Man Kung (Deep Fried Shrimp Cakes), and the Mee Grob and ... and ... Joe says "try the Gai TaKrai (Chicken with Lemon Grass) and of course he right!

Of course the Tom Yam Kung (Spicy Shrimp Soup) is excellent, but I particularly like and order the Tom Gkha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup). In fact, everyone has commented on the excellent quality of the Tom Gkha Gai.

Some very common dishes become uncommon treats at Baan Kanitha, such as the Gaeng Mussaman (Indian-style curry) and the Gai Phad Med Mamuang (Stir-fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts). Yes, you can find them everywhere, but quality makes the difference.

If you like soft shell crabs, by all means try the Gaeng Phed Poo Nim: a spicy but wonderful way to enjoy this crustacean delight. In fact, there is a veritable plethora of crustaceans to be had, including shrimp large and small, Andaman lobster, and crabs. Steamed and fried fish complete the sea food offerings.

You know, writing a restaurant review is just like grocery shopping: never do it when you are hungry. After writing the above, I want to jump in a airplane, fly to Bangkok, and rush to Soi 23 for one more meal at Baan Kanitha.

How to Get There

Two locations in Bangkok: double your locations, double your pleasure!