Bisi Bengaluru: House that for Thai yearnings

A tiny Thai nook in Brigade Road, a coveted  secret spot for lovers of Asian food, ran for years in the Fifth Avenue courtyard, where it did brisk business. Owned by a Thai couple, this small, nondescript eatery was a well-kept secret , the perfect place for a sumptuous Thai meal. That was a long time ago though and the couple have since sold the original Thai House to an aficionado, Santosh.  Now, Santosh and his friend and partner, Ravi Kanakamedala, have  set down roots in Indiranagar too. Thai House in Indiranagar has Ravi Kanakamedala at its helm, while his partner sees to the Brigade Road outlet. The essence hasn’t c hanged: It’s a simple, basic spot for delicious Thai cuisine and a menu that features authentic, o ut of the ordinary fare.

The ambience is basic, it has a chic canteen restaurant feel to it, and the food does some serious Thai-chilli talking. The enterprising Bengalurean has brought in chefs from Thailand to ensure authenticity, and it’s an apt place for a quick meal, lunch or dinner. Business is good here too, people amble in all the time with Thai morsels on their mind and the assurance that here, it will be good. It is.
We started with the tempura prawns, a drizzle of the lightest tempura, golden-fried to perfection and paired with a nice, sweet chilli sauce.

The basil beef was cooked in stock and came with the delicious notes of Thai basil, although the meat was somewhat chewy and could have had a more inherent taste of basil. We also ordered a chicken and sprouts dish, a recommendation by a regular, even though the ‘sprouts’ part didn’t sound like much fun. Well, it was. Juicy bits of chicken in a simple stalk with sprouts and slivers of veggies: simple and delicious. It also came with a fried egg on top, a chopsuey without the flour! It’s perfect for dieters avoiding carbs.

We then tried the spicy seafood soup bowl, which came filled with flat noodles, tender bits of squid and prawn in a light coconut soup that delicious, tangy and spicy all at the same time. We liked that the coconut didn’t overpower the other ingredients. You must also try the Green Papaya salad, with peanuts, beans and birds eye chilli, along with a mingling of flavours. Ravi is always at the counter and is happy to offer you suggestions. “Our tom yum prawn soup and the green papaya salad are best sellers. For dessert, we offer a mango sticky rice which is a must-try,” says Ravi. We also spotted the red and green curries, which we hear are good.

The shy Thai chef to whom we spoke is fondly known as ‘doughbut’ and serves some interesting dishes like mince omelette, soft boiled rice with mince prawn, garlic pepper prawns, black chilli paste with beef, and a nice mix of soups, curries and salads. They also have Thai drinks like the Ice Lonhan, iced coffee etc. Prices are very easy on the pocket, the place has a small neighbourhood eatery vibe to it. Simple and wholesome fare without any frills, a Thai meal here is for those rainy days when Thai yearnings on a small budget, and a quick meal are what you want. Or order it at home. Perfecto!

Thai House
Indiranagar, Bangalore
There is also a branch on Brigade Road
08048658489
Meal for Two: Rs 750
Must haves: Papaya salad, tempura prawns, chicken and sprouts and the seafood soup bowl