/ Reviews / Thai
Simply Thai Turns Ten
by Tom Lee
on Friday, October 02, 2009 12:00 AM
This year, Simply Thai celebrates its tenth anniversary in Shanghai. Since becoming Shanghai's first modern Thai restaurant when it opened its doors in 1999 on Dongping Lu, the Singaporean-run company has expanded to three other locations, in Xintiandi, Pudong and Gubei.
At its original location, the décor is still very simple, with a smattering of imported Thai artwork and sculptures adorning the walls. Although a similar style runs through all the restaurants, they also reflect their individual locations; the French Concession branch has the homely feeling of a friendly neighborhood restaurant, distinct from the cosmopolitan chic of the Xintiandi outlet and the family-oriented Hongmei Lu and Pudong branches.
In conjunction with their tenth anniversary, Simply Thai has compiled a list of its customers' top 10 favorite dishes. Amongst these are the sometimes chewy but ever tasty Chicken in Pandan Leaves (RMB55) and the Thai Fried Noodles with Shrimps (RMB60), a classic interpretation of this ubiquitous Thai dish. The mild Green Curry (RMB60), available with either chicken or pork, contains a little surprise in its Thai eggplant, which explodes into thousands of seeds when you bite into the skin - a most unusual but pleasant sensation.
Easily the most delectable dish is the Tom Yum Seafood Soup (RMB48). Raising the chili factor, the soup's orange depths conceal juicy shrimp, textured squid and tender fish, all permeated with sweet, sour and spicy flavors that make it both scrumptious and satisfying. The fishy aromas are perfectly balanced with the combination of herbs and spices, which are imported from Thailand.
Straying from Simply Thai's recommendations, the Claypot Rice with Roast Duck (RMB60) adeptly creates the balance of tastes desirable in Thai food, combining an array of textures into the flavorful rice - the sweet chunks of pineapple offset the mild spiciness of the tender duck, while the peanuts add a crunchy texture to the otherwise soft ingredients.
For something packing more punch, the Steamed Mandarin Fish with Thai Fresh Lime (RMB138) will almost literally blow your mind and leave the tastebuds numb, after which the sweet, cooling Lime Delight (RMB35) or Thai Iced Tea (RMB30) with its overtones of chocolate are refreshing saviors for the ailing tongue.
A small selection of sweet dishes conclude the meal, including the Sago and Coconut Pudding (RMB38), a blessing for fans of coconut as it dominates this dessert, the sago and water chestnuts largely contributing to the texture rather than the flavor.
It isn't easy staying in business in notoriously fickle Shanghai. So with a decade at the top of their game - Simply Thai, we salute you.
Bottom Line: This ten-year-old Shanghai veteran continues to delight with its traditionally crafted dishes and comfortable surrounds.
