After unwinding over a few drinks and a table of foreign foods with my friend Paolo at Grandpa Thai in Greenwich Village, I promptly decided to have my graduation lunch at the modern and chic establishment. Once the takeout boxes were packed, I reserved two tables for my famished family of ten. Grandpa Thai, a restaurant recently opened just around the corner from New York University, was an immediate standout during my frenzy of food reviews. Surrounded by bleak, uniform chains and fast food joints, the Asian-owned business’ unassuming front opens into a buzzing sit-down restaurant with thoughtfully designed interior, showcasing vibrantly-colored decor against neutral-toned furniture. It was the epitome of a visually aesthetic and polished eatery for friends and family alike.
Although Grandpa Thai’s iced coffee and mango mocktail are the most popular picks for drinks, I selected their guava margarita. Each mixed drink can be made with or without alcohol, depending on the customers’ preference. We were suggested to try the Thai-based beer with the charcoal grilled pork, as the drink was described to be unlike beer found in most convenience stores. Paolo sipped the sweet beverage, mind-blown at the unique twist on a seemingly American drink.
“The Thai beer was very sweet and flavorful, which pairs perfectly with the signature charcoal pork. This appetizer had a smokey flavor and was very juicy. It was undoubtedly one of the best pork items on the menu,” Paolo raved after finishing the plate.
The pork bites were served with a small salad and sour dressing, composed of broccoli, corn, and tomato. My only complaint was the lack of salad, as the meaty dish could be complemented with steamed vegetables or a side of rice.
Unsure what to select next, our waitress informed us of the favorites among patrons: the sizzling chicken pot, the Thai style spicy chicken, the Hong Kong curry, the spicy red curry rice, the popular pad see ew, the laka style seafood noodle soup, the cheese-baked rice spaghetti, and the deep fried chicken wings. My family, upon visiting, spent ten minutes simply selecting their singular entrees. There was a plethora of choices for all individuals. Considering the afternoon was young and lunch just began, we opted for the safest option.
“The classic fried chicken wings was another top tier menu item. The skin was crispy, juicy, and flavorful,” Paolo happily commented. “They were seasoned all the way to the bone. I only wished we placed another order. I could’ve eaten so many of these.”
To share, we placed an order for the mini seafood hotpot with spice. The soup was served in a small, rustic bowl with beautiful side plates. The Thai red curry fried rice arrived shortly after for our quick consumption.
“I loved the seafood hotpot. Its broth was steaming-hot and sour, similar to a tom yom soup or spicy sinigang. I noticed a very wide variety of seafood in the broth,” my friend reviewed. “I thought the red curry fried rice was seasoned perfectly. It had lots of shrimp and mussels. It was a perfect staple in the overall meal.”
I often have difficulty leaving a meal with savory seasonings lingering on my palate, which almost inevitably leads to enjoying several pastries or sweet treats. Our choices for the evening were banana roti with condensed milk and baked pineapple bun.
“The pineapple bun was pretty soft and fluffy. The pineapple crumble on top was perfectly sweet,” he commented. “I like how special the desert roti was, since it’s normally served with seasoned curry. The roti was very crumbly and filled with a smooth banana paste, which paired nicely with the sweetened condensed milk drizzled on top.”
Southeast Asians tend to love mangoes and coconut flavors, which were not uncommon at Grandpa Thai. The well-beloved mango sticky rice was the last platter for lunch before my rush to catch a bus to work at the United Nations.
“The rice had a very tame coconut flavor that was not too overpowering. The mango slices were so fresh and perfectly sweet,” were Paolo’s final notes.
I emphasize that Grandpa Thai is on my top three favorite casual sit-down eateries for students, young professionals, and friends, especially when they’re in need of a savory meal and speciality drinks. Partnered with the Campus Clipper, the Asian-owned business is offering a student discounts to patrons that present the coupon below with their valid student ID.
