Eat & Run: Thai Esaan Settles into its New Home on Portland Street
In its new location on Portland Street, Thai Esaan has revamped the space previously occupied by Back Bay Grill. The popular Thai restaurant had to look for a new home after its original location on outer Forest Avenue was damaged due to a fire. Now, Thai Esaan has settled into its new spot, providing a casual and relaxed atmosphere for diners to enjoy their favorite Thai dishes.
Thai Esaan’s new dining room offers ample space with plenty of seating options, a far cry from its previous location that could accommodate only a few tables. Customers can now savor their meals in a comfortable setting, surrounded by sports memorabilia and the warm ambiance created by vibrant decorations. Thai Esaan has successfully created a casual dining experience while maintaining its reputation for serving authentic Thai cuisine.
The menu at Thai Esaan remains true to its roots, featuring a range of classic Thai dishes. The selection includes favorites such as spring rolls, dumplings, green papaya salad, tom yum soup, and popular noodle dishes like pad Thai and drunken noodles. The menu also offers a variety of protein options, allowing diners to customize their meals to their liking. From chicken and pork to tofu, vegetables, beef, duck, shrimp, or crispy chicken, customers can choose their preferred protein for a truly personalized dining experience.
In addition to the traditional Thai cuisine, Thai Esaan’s menu also features several signature dishes that have garnered high praise. One standout dish is the khao mun gai, a steamed chicken and rice dish that has been described as extraordinary by the acclaimed Press Herald restaurant critic. The dish exemplifies the homestyle cooking that Thai Esaan is known for, consistently delivering delicious and comforting meals in a humble setting.
On a recent visit, I opted for the red curry with shrimp, a classic Thai dish known for its flavorful and aromatic profile. The dish did not disappoint. The plump and tender shrimp were cooked to perfection, swimming in a rich red curry broth with a delightful kick of medium heat. The colorful medley of bell peppers, bamboo shoots, fragrant basil leaves, and fresh green beans added depth and texture to the dish, elevating it to a satisfying and satisfyingly hearty meal.
To complement my curry, I couldn’t resist adding the pan-fried pork dumplings to my order. Served with a sweet soy-based dipping sauce, the dumplings were a delectable treat. The combination of the crispy exterior and the savory filling made for a delightful burst of flavors with each bite.
As I savored my takeout meal from Thai Esaan, I couldn’t help but appreciate the cheerful and friendly service provided by the staff. The warm and welcoming environment, coupled with the delicious food, made for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
While I may reminisce about the elegance and sophistication of Back Bay Grill, Thai Esaan has successfully carved out its own niche in the Portland dining scene. With its new location on Portland Street, Thai Esaan continues to deliver on its promise of providing high-quality Thai cuisine in a relaxed and casual setting. So, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner or a convenient takeout option, Thai Esaan is certainly worth a visit.
Thai Esaan can be found at 65 Portland St. in Portland. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for lunch, dinner, and happy hour.
