On sleepy street 209 lies a little kitchen where Thai chefs lovingly create food reminiscent of Thailand.

Baitong Thai Cuisine, managed by NichaNatthanichaPhongmani, offers home-made pan-Thai dishes that are staggeringly authentic. The varied menu includes Thai curries, salads, soups, noodles, and creative appetizers. All of the dishes I tried were both beautifully presented and delicious. The dishes reflect their great attention to detail, excelling in texture, colour, and taste.

 

As Nicha informed me, Thai cuisine emphasises lightly prepared dishes with potent aromatic flavours and a spicy edge. Blending flavours such as ginger, lemongrass, coconut, and chilli, the dishes I tried were simultaneously sweet, sour, spicy, and fragrant. Nicha further discussed how, in Thai cuisine, ingredients are used for medicinal purposes as well as for flavour for the nourishment of the body and mind. She explained that she respects this tradition and refuses to use preservatives or additives, opting for fresh ingredients and herbs. Nicha sources her ingredients in Egypt. Some are home-made, with a few special pastes and sauces from Thailand.

 

In a sea of slightly inauthentic Asian cuisine, Baitong Thai is a hidden gem. Nicha told me that the Thai-born chefs prepare the food with great love and passion. Whilst she didn’t divulge any of their culinary secrets, such sentiments flowed through the food, which I found to be as delicious as anything I have eaten in Thailand itself.

 

It was uplifting talking to Nicha as she displayed such an affection for her nation’s cuisine. She spoke of the importance of food to Thai people, tales of cooks who worked for the King in his magnificent Grand Palace, the special rose like dumpling served at the palace (which by the way is one of Baitong’sexquisite delicacies) and her personal favourite dish, the papaya salad. Out of all of the dishes I tried at Baitong Thai, I would especially recommend the Tom Kha Kai soup, Pad Thai, and Chormoung (Thai dumplings).

 

For vegetarians or vegans ordering at Baitong Thai, the world is your oyster. Every dish can be made vegan or vegetarian as meat or fish items can be substituted with tofu, and Thai cuisine uses little dairy, preferring coconut milk instead.

 

Baitong Thai offers a delivery-only service and asks that customers order two hours in advance so dishes can be freshly prepared. For larger orders, please give seven days’ notice. Baitong Thai can cater for large events, such as birthdays, conferences, and weddings. They are open Monday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm and deliver in Maadi and surrounding areas.