The Chicago Traveler

Thai Pastry

by Matt B on June 2nd, 2007

Located in “New Chinatown,” Thai Pastry is surrounded by a number of Vietnamese and Thai markets and restaurants, one of the dozens of ethnic neighborhoods that Chicago is famous for. Just walking through the surrounding area is an experience by itself. When Aumphai Kusub first opened her business in this lively part of town, she obviously had intended on focusing on her sweet Thai desserts. However, nowadays she finds herself serving just as many entrees as sweets.

Kusub guarantees the food to be authentic and true to her home country. Decorated with several Thai paintings and filled with the aroma of Asian spices, this busy restaurant creates an atmosphere that’s just as good as visiting the real thing.

Popular appetizers on the menu include the tod-mun (fish cake appetizer served with cucumber), kang liang (vegetable soup with shrimp), and pla koong (salad with shrimp, mushroom, onion, and lemon). There are nearly 50 different noodle dishes, rice dishes, entrees, curry dishes, and seafood & house specialties, so it may take you a little while to decide what you want. Perhaps you’d like to try the whole red snapper, steamed mussels, or steamed catfish with curry? The pad prik chicken with its adjustable degree of spiciness and tom-kha-kai (soup with hot and sour chicken and milk) are also popular favorites. If you’re fortunate enough to be there for lunch, the restaurant offers a weekday lunch special (11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.), wherein for only $5.75, you can choose from 12 noodle and rice dishes, an appetizer, and the soup of the day.

But remember this is “Thai Pastry,” so you don’t want to miss out on the top-notch desserts. As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll be tempted by an impressive display case of various pastries. Try the sticky rice with mango or Thai custard. You won’t be disappointed.

Good food at great prices in an authentic neighborhood; what more could you ask for?

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) _e.t

Thai Pastry ($): 4925 N Broadway Ave, Unit E; 773-784-5399
Sun - Thurs: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult on weekends, free lot
Public Trans: Bus # 36, 81, 92 or Red Line train (Argyle)
http://www.thaipastry.com/

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POSTED IN: Restaurants