Charoen Krung Thai is a Thai restaurant in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan. On Sunday, July 14, this journalist had the chance to dine at Charoen Krung Thai for lunch. In Thai, “Charoen Krung” is an international food hub in Bangkok as the top by world travels.
It has also become a favorite neighborhood hangout in the city center of Bangkokians. As an appetizer, one cannot go wrong with their “Crispy Pork Belly” slices, which are served with chili garlic seafood dipping sauce and sweet soy dip. Their “Summer Rolls” (pork and shrimp) are made up of shrimp, minced pork, Shiitake mushrooms and mixed greens as they are wrapped in rice noodle.
Their chili garlic seafood sauce on the side was quite savory. Their “Basil Thai Style” Wok-fried rice was mild spicy featuring sautéed Thai basil, long hots, Bell pepper, along with onion. It can come either with a choice of either vegetable, tofu, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, squid, salmon or roasted duck.
The highlight entrée is “Ghang Phed Duck,” which had crispy roasted duck that was twice-cooked with their special curry sauce, lychees, pineapples, tomatoes, heart of palms, and basil leaves. This dish alone is worthy of a visit to Charoen Krung. Their “Duck Paloh” was yet another eclectic meal featuring slow-cooked duck, cinnamon, coriander seeds, pickled ginger, spices, and bok choy.
Fans of ice cream should try their “Ice Cream Thai Style,” which is gluten-free. It is comprised of coconut ice.