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| - Hello, my name is Anhdao and I am a Thai food-addict. The habit started nine years ago, when I lived in Los Angeles and a drive to Thai town was only 10 minutes. I cannot go more than a couple of days without getting Thai. Any longer than that and symptoms such as sleeplessness, lack in work diligence, and even unnecessary irritation will begin.
Lotus of Siam is the Holy Grail for any Thai food addict. It is the only Thai place outside of the native country and accepts credit cards that claims legions of Thai foodie fans, myself included. I don't know if the legends are true about the former chef who cooked for Thai royalty. Legends in this town often spread like wild fire, without true origins. But Lotus of Siam is not a lie, because the food does not lie.
If you are a undiscriminating Thai food-eater, I don't recommend this place, especially if you've heard too much of its reputation. Lotus of Siam's pad thai or curries do not taste that differently from Archi's or Pin Kaow, and you're guaranteed to pay more here. But if you are missing those Bangkok street vendors and want a taste of Thailand in North America, this is where you go.
Here are some adventurous (but not risky) authentic Thai dishes to try at Lotus:
1. Yum Tale (combination seafood salad): the seafood tastes as if Vegas was a beach town; for the price, I venture to say they don't fly in the seafood daily. But the marinade and dressing highlight the best in what they have.
2. Plar Dook O Cha (whole deep-fried cat fish): a traditional Thai classic that is a must-try here. Although the whole fish (fins, head, eyes and all) may look foreign at first to non-Thai eaters; the crispy-on-the-outside and buttery-soft-on-the-inside is something catfish filets will never entirely own. Lotus's lime juice & peanut/cashew topping is as good as it gets.
3. A Nua Dad Deaw (Beef Jerky Issan Style): deep-fried jerky that is salty and savory, perfect to pair with sticky rice and any of their salad. Many restaurants outside of Thailand don't offer this, including all other Thai restaurants in Vegas.
4. Khao Soi Braised Short Rib: Khao Soi is a type of Burmese-influenced Northern Thai egg noodles served in curry sauce and coconut cream. You can order it with chicken or pork also. But the short ribs are divine. A very authentic dish that doesn't taste too foreign.
There are restaurants that are one-time affairs, restaurants that are seasonal flings, and restaurants that are long-term relationships. Lotus of Siam is a relationship for me. And one that I plan to document on Yelp as I write more updates about this favorite.
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