Getting Cozy at Krua Thai Cuisine in Phoenix

Have an image of a cozy Thai cafe? It probably looks a lot like Krua.

The little eatery on the city's north side is a pleasant space, small and tidy, with a handful of tables and booths frequently occupied by guests who tuck into bowls of steaming, fragrant curries, spicy salads kissed with lemon, and stir-fried dishes laden with crunchy vegetables with the familiarity of having had them here before.

And given its nearly 80 menu items -- a listing of traditional dishes of the country as well as around 20 specialties -- the kitchen, or krua in Thai, is a busy place.

See also: The Blind Pig in Scottsdale Is All About the Meat

Here's an excerpt from this week's review:

There are satisfying standard Thai dishes if you want them -- red curry, Thai-style fried rice, and pad se iew, flat, wide rice noodles stir-fried with garlic broccoli, egg, and black soy sauce. If you're feeling more adventurous, you could do worse than nam prik phao, Krua's earthy and spicy housemade chile paste heavy with tender pieces of pork. Or, for seafood lovers, there is very good fried fish. Better than the steamed version (which comes with a 30-minute wait time), the fillets are generously mixed with fresh sautéed garlic, chiles, onions, jalapeños, bell peppers, carrots, and Thai basil for crisp and crunchy bites with a spicy kick.

Hungry for more? Read my full review of Krua Thai Cuisine.

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