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Last year, we marked the hundred day countdown to Best of Phoenix by sharing some of our favorite food folks' "Personal Best" lists. This year, we're bringing back our list of 100 Favorite Dishes. Have a suggestion for a dish you'd like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email lauren.saria@newtimes.com.
85. Pad Khing from Nunthaporn's Thai Cuisine
See Also: 10 Best Thai Restaurants in Metro Phoenix
It can be tough to find fresh, authentic Thai food in the Valley, but freshness is the name of the game at Nunthaporn's Thai Cuisine. The downtown Mesa restaurant is bland in terms of décor, but don't let the lack of ambiance fool you, as Nunthaporn's sauces burst with flavor, best indicated by the pad khing.
The black fungus and fresh ginger sauce isn't syrupy and thick, as it is at some other places, making it a great dish to eat even in the summer. Onions, scallions, garlic, and ginger add bright flavors to the dish, while soy bean and black fungus contribute a heartier, earthier flavor to the sauce. When combined, the elements result in a well-balanced, delicious, and satisfying treat that tastes like it came straight out of Thailand.
While you have your choice of protein in the dish, the tofu is truly the way to go at Nunthaporn's. Crispy and fried on the outside, pillowy and soft on the inside, the tofu is cooked to perfection. Best of all, its light flavor really lets the pad khing's spices sing.
Miss a dish?
100. Pork Belly Pastrami from Citizen Public House
99. French Onion Soup from Bonjour Vietnam
98. Whiskey Cream Gelato from Marrazo That's Amore
97. Breakfast Croissant from Cartel Coffee Lab
96. Salmon "Yasu Style" at Yasu Sushi Bistro
95. Cannoli from DeFalco's Italian Deli
94. Falafel Sandwich from Al-Hana Restaurant
91. Combo Plate from El Pollo Supremo
90. Brunch Burger from Orange Table
89. Duck Fat Fries from Bourbon Steak
88. Kurobuta Pork Chop from Noca
87. Carne Adovada Enchiladas from Los Dos Molinos