Baan Thai, Where Have You Been All My Life?

It took me way too long to discover Baan Thai. It's not the trendiest joint or the newest. It doesn't have a up-and-coming or celebrity chef. It's just been hanging out upstairs on 14th Street as I pass it by for Slipstream and Birch & Barley and B Too.

No more.

Baan Thai made my February 2016 restaurant to-do list after I spotted it on Tim Carman's Best of 2015 "cheap eats" list.  (I started a new business this year and am trying to seriously rein in my restaurant line item.)

I climbed the stairs and was seated at a cozy corner table. My server was so nice and helped me navigate the menu. Her smile told me that I made a good choice in the Fishball Green Curry.  I tweeted Tim that I was there and he sent back two words: Thao Soi. So I called my poor server back and arranged a swap. At this point, I didn't even know what came in a Thao Soi. I just trust Tim.

And, he didn't disappoint. What showed was this warm, spicy bowl of comfort. It was chicken that fell off the bone in a spicy red curry noodle broth, topped with fried noodles and lime.

Baan Thai's Thao Soi

This is the dish I want on cold nights.

I'll be back to explore the menu more. My friend Justin says I need to try the Kal Soi (a yellow curry version of this dish) and I still want the Fishball Green Curry.

With a drink and a spicy shrimp salad, the total cost was $27.00 plus tip. And, it could have even been a better deal if I made it in time for the happy hour, which runs from 5-7pm and includes sushi and sashimi.

Baan Thai is located at 1326 14th Street NW in Washington, DC. Reservations are not necessary. It's a bit of a walk from either McPherson Square or Dupont Circle metros. Or, take Uber with this link and get a free ride up to $15.