“Kiin” means “eat” in Thai, and Kiin Thai Eatery, which opened in the East Village recently, lends new meaning to the simple word. Kiin offers a variety of sumptious dishes, all based in traditional and home-style Thai cooking. The owners, Phakphoom Sirisuwat and Supanee Kitmahawong, seek to bring authentic recipes to NYC locals. Many of the dishes are inspired from century’s old central and northern Thai cuisine.
At Kiin, I enjoyed the pineapple fried rice lunch special.
All lunch specials come with sliced veggies and an option of either sweet and spicy papaya salad or cucumber soup. The rice was very sweet and flavorful. It was cooked with curry flavoring, slices of ham, shrimp, pineapple, and raisins. The dish also came topped with sweet dried pork, which had a very intriguing texture and flavor. This lunch special is a variation of their popular entree, in which the fried rice is served in the shell of an actual pineapple. Yum!
Other popular entrees include: Pad Thai with Shrimp wrapped with Egg Crepe ($15) and Pad Kee Mao with Tender Pork ($13). They also offer a number of vegetarian options.The food at Kiin Thai Eatery is filling, but leaves you with a light, clean feeling. Many of the dishes come laden with fresh vegetables. The prices are also very affordable for students! The lunch special prices range from $9-$11, but the food is filling and the portions are pretty generous. Entrees range from $11-$16.
They also offer a full bar, offering classic and modern cocktails, wine, and beer. They also offer non-alcoholic beverages, including thai iced tea of course!
Last but not least, the ambiance at Kiin is very clean and inviting. The walls, tables, and chairs are all white, and the wide windows offer plenty of natural lighting. There’s a sense of relaxation and open space when you enter the restaurant.
There is also a Zen element to the decoration. There are plenty of fresh plants situated around the restaurant, and fresh white flowers on each table. There are also several contemplative Buddha statues.
So remember stop by Kiin for some authentic and affordable Thai dishes! They are open everyday from 11:30am-10:30pm.
Kiin Thai Eatery
36 E 8th St.
212-529-2363
kiinthaieatery.com
~ By Megan Soyars
