Sri Thai Imbiss – spicy food

Going downstairs into this small basement restaurant/take away is like falling down the Thai equivalent of Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole into a Bangkok street market. Between the slap in the face from the spicy fragrant smells from the open kitchen and the portraits of the Thai royal family covering the walls, it becomes quickly apparent that this place is the real deal.
This is the kind of place that’s everybody’s hidden spot. It’s definitely a pilgrimage for curry-lovers. The décor is no-nonesense but charming in its own way. The cooking here is a one-woman-operation run by Chang-Mai-born, Vangprai. Having begun her cooking career as a street food seller in her hometown, she has fulfilled her dreams by seemingly transplanting that Thai street stall into this tucked away little secret taste sensation of the 3rd district. Time and patience is needed here, as freshness is paramount. Her specialties are her boldly spiced curries, which are hard to beat for their authentic vivid flavours. However, be sure to heed the warning of the baskets of chilies at the front counter – when the menu says extremely hot, what they really mean is – you’re-going-to-cry like-a-baby  kind of hot. Keep in mind, there are a few sacrifices you have make to eat here – 1.) Kissing: Cultural sensitivity demands strictly no kissing at the table. (Who needs to kiss when eating anyway) 2.) Your kids: Because of precautionary measures with the open kitchen and limited space, children under 14 are not allowed. Drooling is allowed, however. These few eccentricities haven’t seemed to deter business however, as the place is packed every night. Reservations are essential.