You can find almost anything in New York City — this little island is full of surprises & adventures. One of my favorite things to do is explore it’s eatery — anything from a hole in the wall to the more popular establishments. The cultural authenticity found here is remarkable — sometimes after I leave a place, part of me feels like I just left that town. My experience at Kiin Thai Eatery did just that.

Over the weekend, I was invited to Kiin, on 8th street near Washington Square Park and the NYU campuses, where Nadia Uvarova and I got to experience dishes we’ve never tasted before. We sat down with owner Supanee Kitmahawong who explained the need and importance of bringing Northern authentic Thai dishes to NYC.

Kiin, meaning “eat” in Thai, focuses on authentic central and northern Thai cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients to create balanced dishes that are deliciously smooth. Many of the recipes and preparations at Kiin date back centuries ago to early Thai history, and are still used by Bangkok locals today. Kiin will offer several specialty dishes that even the most experienced diners will consider rare to find outside of Thailand.

— Kiin

Papaya Salad with Crispy Salmon

Seafood “Po-Pia” with their homemade mayo dipping sauce

Here’s the thing about Thai — it leaves me with a taste close to home. As a Middle Eastern away from my mom & aunties cooking — the spices and combination of Thai cuisine brings me comfort with all the added nutrition I need. I love vegetables and protein — rice is in my blood!

 

I’ve been running restaurants (Thai) for 10 years now — most places tone down the authenticity of Thai food the way it’s served in Thailand — I wanted to do the opposite. It’s time for New Yorkers, they’re adventurous and they love as well as appreciate authenticity. I was inspired to bring street food into the mix because my husband and I miss it so much when we’re away from Thailand — the first thing we do when we arrive at the airport is head straight to the vendors for real authentic Thai street food. I asked my chef if he could do recreate these dishes and he said of course!!

— Supanee Kitmahawong

 

Tom Yum Noodles with River Prawns

Fried Pineapple Rice with Shrimp

 

Next time you’re feeling adventurous or just really craving Thai food — I highly recommend trying Kiin in NYC. My doosts know my love for Thai and can vouch when I say — I have it at least 3 times a week — my go to dish is usually the Chicken Pad Thai with extra hot sauce (spicey’a!) and with all this food I still had to request it at Kiin. I was really impressed — especially since the Pad Thai came wrapped in a thin layer of egg crépe — really adding that extra touch of authenticity.