When I posted my TAC QUICK review, many suggested I try out Spoon Thai. I didn't want to believe that there was a better Thai restaurant in the City of Chicago. And I found out, there isn't. Well, maybe Thai Avenue comes pretty close. But, that's for another review some day.

 

If you haven't ever had Mieng Kum, try it. First time my husband ate it in Thailand, my mom told him they were "Thai Potato Chips" (way to con a 'Farang' to eating something weird... just tell them it's potato chips and they'll eat it). No, there's nothing potato-y about this traditional Thai snack. But, what she meant was back in the day (before junk food), this is what they ate as snacks.

 

In the United States, the leafy greens are substituted for bathal leaves. A potent, medicine-tasting leaf commonly found in tropical climate (very popular in Indian cooking). Here in the states, we just use collard greens. It's then filled with pan-fried coconut shavings, topped with tiny pieces of: lime (with skin on), peanuts, thai bird chili, red onions, and ginger. Finally, it's drizzled with a sweet honey-based sauce that has a shrimp paste aftertaste. Sadly, you can only find Mieng Kum at select Thai restaurants. They've got it at Spoon Thai and Thai Pastry.

 

So overall, would I go back to Spoon Thai? Yes, only if in the area. Yes, only for the Mieng Kum. Yes, for the Bamee Hang (egg noodles as pictured). And yes, for the homemade fermented pork balls. Aside from the "Thai Potato Chips", everything was on the bland side. I tried Spoon Thai 2 additional times after my initial visit and TQ still has a piece of my heart (or tummy).