Oriental Enchantment: Savoring Authentic Thai Food in Frankfurt

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Frankfurt is a local Thai eatery – Phuket Thai Imbiss. Despite its unassuming appearance, this place holds the key to an authentic Thai dining experience. Run by Thai locals, it exudes an air of familiarity akin to the small restaurants and street food stalls dotting the vibrant alleys of Thailand.

It has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with simple tables and chairs neatly arranged, some extending onto the sidewalk. Despite its modest size, it offers a wide selection of authentic Thai classics, from Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Green Curry to various rice and noodle dishes, all at very reasonable prices! So join us as we unravel our top picks to appease your longings for the exotic flavors from this coastal oasis.

For an appetizer, we highly recommend the Spare Ribs, a tantalizing Thai-inspired version. Marinated in a blend of Thai spices and sauces including soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic and ginger, the ribs boast a sea-food-infused richness. It’s as garlicky, salty, and savory as it’s addictive. Fried to a firm crispy texture, each bite offers a satisfying crunch. With its golden glistening skin and deeply flavorful profile, these spare ribs are a real delight that will keep you craving for more.

Kuay Jub (ก๋วยจั๊บ or rice noodles with pork, tofu and eggs) is a classic popular street food in Thailand. It consists of wide, flat rice noodles that are cut into squares or rectangles and then curled into a roll, giving them a unique appearance. Made from pork bones and simmered with aromatic herbs and spices such as garlic, star anise, and coriander root, the broth has a nice mix of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors.

Nestled in the luscious broth are fried tofu, boiled eggs, and succulent pork of various cuts such as pork belly, minced pork, and pork offal, creating an enticing array of tastes and textures. The satisfying combination of tender pork, chewy noodles, crunchy fried shallots and celery makes for a very comforting spoonful. It’s got you covered, whether you’re seeking a quick snack or a hearty meal.

The Rice Noodle Soup with Seafood, Fish Balls and Peanuts (กว๋ ยเตยี วทะเลตม้ ยาํ มะนาว) is a beloved traditional dish that captures the tantalizing world of Thai flavors in a single bowl. The fragrant broth, infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, has a very aromatic and refreshing base. The tender shrimp, springy squid, and plump mussels, all poached in the flavorful broth, deliver a burst of fresh savoriness with every spoonful.

Enhanced with red curry paste, the soup has an enticing red hue. Reminiscent of the famed laksa of Malaysia and Singapore, it offers a rich spicy, and slightly nutty flavor. Amid the dazzling ensemble are umami fish balls, boiled eggs, crisp spring sprouts, and a medley of crunchy garnishes like roasted peanuts, fresh celery, fried shallots, and coriander. It all comes together to create a vibrant taste profile – fresh, earthy, bold and savory with herbal, citrusy notes. And let’s not forget the silky strands of rice noodles, which add a comforting element and make it overall a very satisfying dish.

In our previous post, we explored the heartwarming simplicity of garlic-stirred water spinach, a beloved staple in Chinese households. Now, let’s delve into a popular Thai dish known as “ผัดผักบุ้ง” (Pad Pak Boong) in Thai, which translates to “Stir-fried Water Spinach“. It’s one of my personal comfort favorites – Pad Pak Boong with minced chicken. This dish encompasses all my favorite comforting elements: tender chicken, crisp water spinach, fragrant rice, and chili for a little extra kick.

It’s a dish where meat plays a supporting role, enriching the flavors while keeping the spotlight on the vibrant veggies. Across Asia, it’s common to add just a modest portion of meat, for additional protein and a hint of savory depth. Yet, despite the addition of meat, the overall taste remains light, allowing the freshness of the vegetables to shine through.

Infused with the savory notes of soy sauce and bean paste, Pad Pak Boong boasts a delightful umami saltiness that pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of rice. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish widely enjoyed in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

Service at this place is usually efficient and quick, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick and convenient meal. But beyond just the prompt service, this restaurant offers a unique and authentic dining experience, reminiscent of the bustling streets of Thailand:

Strolling in flip-flops through the lively local stalls, smoke swirls around, the vibrant energy and enticing aromas tickle your senses. Despite beach sand clinging everywhere, you don’t bother to care. Just let the lazy serenity fill the subtropical air, while a restless breeze, carrying a scent of sea salt, cools your sweat-drenched brow with a blissful chill.

It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the authentic Thai flavors, feeling your thoughts and tastes drifting across the seas, on a fragrant breeze, to lands afar.