We've been hearing good things about the Bangkok Tokyo Bistro that opened this last December in the former spot Pangea occupied, so Elena, Bella and I decided to check it out. Having spent my late-teens working at a local Thai restaurant, I can't say that I crave Thai on a regular basis anymore due to over-saturation. Bangkok Tokyo, however, might change that for me.
Bangkok Tokyo is a family project. Owners Eric Phothirath and Noy Luangrath are husband and wife, and they've recruited their nephew Jimmy to help with the eatery (and some of the English). The couple recently moved here from Connecticut, where they still own a restaurant. Before that, they lived in Paris, France for 18 years. I asked Eric if he was fluent in French and he replied with a big grin on his face, "Oui, Mademoiselle!"
Eric (left, with Jimmy) has been pleasing people with his food all his life, and it shows in his offerings at Bangkok Tokyo. We started out with spring rolls that came four to an order. They were fresh and good.
Elena and Bella ordered the Mango Chicken Curry, medium hot (top image). After a couple of bites it's seriously spicy, and we all loved it! The curry was not overloaded with coconut milk and it was very flavorful. It was a great consistency and there is a good balance of pineapple, mango, chicken, onions and peppers.
I tried out their sushi menu and ordered the Dragon Roll and a piece of the Unagi Sushi.
The sushi was served with a couple of different types of soy sauce, including my favorite, the wasabi infused soy sauce. The fish was fresh and the balance between the ingredients was great. I must say, however, that the curry trumped everything else! It had a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and heat. Elena thinks it might be the best curry she's had locally, and we were all happy this place is easy to get to.
We got there early for dinner and were out by 7:30, so there wasn't much of a crowd, but people popped in for takeout and a few other tables filled. Eric said that though they're new, they already have some regulars who come in at least twice a week. They also do delivery, and they have daily lunch specials! (View the menu at the link below.)
I think Bangkok Tokyo just took my out of my retirement from Thai food. In terms of the spiciness, I can tell you that I have a pretty good tolerance for heat, and the medium made me suck down my water. I loved every bit of it, but I would say that their medium is slightly spicier than what you would normally expect. Elena has a higher tolerance for spicy-hot and says the curry was just right, only proving that everyone knows their limits.
For dessert, we shared the Coconut Custard with Fried Banana drizzled with honey. The custard had a light texture but it was very flavorful. The dessert wrapped up our spicy meal perfectly!
In a month or so, Eric will be rolling out a larger Pho menu. Being a Pho fanatic, I can't wait to come back and try it out. Our conclusion? Come and grab some curry.
1260 Hertel Avenue
447.0707
I love Thai and Japanese food but...the local market is becoming saturated with both, at least in the city and nearby north towns. I'd love to see more Korean and lesser known Asian quisines around these parts.