San Antonio’s Thai Curry: A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
Hey there, food lovers! If you’ve been wandering the vibrant streets of San Antonio, you might’ve noticed that our culinary scene is bursting with options — from artisan pizza joints to the rich flavors of South Indian stews. But how often do we find ourselves exploring something a little different? Recently, I had a bit of a culinary epiphany: I realized I had totally neglected Thai cuisine. There was no go-to Thai restaurant in my life, and quite frankly, that felt like a crime against flavor!
So, when a friend mentioned a little Thai spot nestled on Broadway, I knew I had to dive back into the world of vibrant curries and refreshing salads. That’s how I found myself at Thai Curry, a place I must admit had slipped under my radar for over two years. Upon stepping inside, I noticed that the décor is pretty neutral and easy to forget. Yet, sometimes it’s what’s inside that counts, right?
A Duck Salad That Steals the Show
To kick off our culinary adventure, my dining companion and I decided to skip the familiar crispy calamari and go for something more enticing: the duck salad! Priced at $30, it seemed a bit of a splurge, but wow, it was worth every penny. The duck was cooked to perfection, boasting a crispy skin that encased succulent meat. Paired with toasty cashews for that added crunch and a zesty hit of lime to balance the heat, it was a delightful start. We ordered it with a heat level of three, but I must say we could have handled a bit more intensity!
Curries That Make You Come Back for More
Now, let’s talk curry! We all know that Thai curries have their own unique vibe; they’re a bit soupier compared to their Indian counterparts. The menu offered six different curries, one of which was a tempting kabocha squash version that’s calling my name for a later visit. We settled on the green curry, choosing chicken as our protein. Here’s where it gets interesting: the green curry isn’t exactly green! Its coconut milk base pleasantly took center stage, beautifully mingling with perfectly cut vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
Sipping through the creamy concoction, we realized we could have cranked up the spice level just a notch more, but it was undeniably comforting, just like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The red curry made an appearance during lunch, and while I ordered it with shrimp, the generous portion left me smiling. An unexpected hint of sweet pineapple surprised my palate — talk about a delightful twist!
Tamarind Sauce? Yes, Please!
No trip to a Thai restaurant is complete without exploring some unique dishes. One such option was the tamarind sauce offering from the entrée section, which piqued my curiosity. The fruity yet tangy tamarind paired with crispy, fried pork turned out to be a fantastic combination, elevating it far above any generic sweet-and-sour dish I’ve encountered. And on the side? Simple steamed vegetables that highlighted the dish rather than competing for attention.
Time to Repent with Green Papaya Salad
Of course, no visit would be complete without the ultimate palate-cleaner: green papaya salad! Thai Curry also offers something called the E-San version from Northern Thailand. I steeled myself against the legend of its “stinky” reputation and decided to try it, a decision I wholeheartedly endorse. While the anchovy-based fish sauce adds a distinct aroma, the fresh flavors of lime and fiery chilies teamed with crunchy green papaya made an explosion of tastes that can’t be missed. I can assure you, even if you’re not in the mood for penance, this salad is worth every bite!
So, if your food journey has somehow left Thai cuisine in the dust like mine did, take a detour to Thai Curry on Broadway. It’s a charming little spot that just might become your new favorite hangout for those intense flavor cravings. Happy dining!
