UPDATE (25JUN23): Eats Payao is no longer operating in Bangkok. As of this date they have moved their restaurant business to Chiang Mai.
Eats Payao has always held a special place in my heart (and stomach) because it was their first restaurant on Nanglinchee Road where the Chow Traveller blog began and because they still serve up one of “The Best Khao Soi Noodles in Bangkok”. For over 5 years, the hardworking couple Gav and Khae have developed the Eats Payao brand from selling their home style northern Thai cuisine out of a cooler at various Farmer’s Market events to its current venture a 60 seater restaurant KIN by Eats Payao (official Facebook page) which continues to serve their signature northern Thai dishes along with a casual fine dining experience.
I recently visited KIN by Eats Payao to test out their new menu. If you’re a fan of creamy khao soi noodles and northern Thai dishes rarely found in Bangkok, this place is for you.
An inventive new menu…
When Eats Payao was located on Yen Akat Road their menu was a balance of northern Thai and Singaporean dishes. The menu at KIN by Eats Payao currently focuses only on northern Thai cuisine. Of course there’s the ever popular khao soi noodles. But also included are some unusual northern Thai dishes most may not be familiar with.
These dishes are pretty easy to spot.
Thai Head Cheese?
Gaeng Kadang Thai Head Cheese (170 baht)
I had no idea that Thailand even had a version of head cheese. Gaeng Kadang is a pork curry ‘jelly’ set with sago-sago popular in northern Thailand. This Gaeng Kadang Thai Head Cheese (170 baht) is served chilled as an appetizer. The meat texture is identical to its European counterpart, though the jelly “skin” with beetroot and chili oil is more silky. What makes this head cheese completely different is the fiery orange chili and vinegar sauce that it’s served with. The vinegar cuts right through the fattiness of the meat.
Salads gone wild…
Wild Vegetable Salad with Fermented Fish Dressing (170 baht)
One of the most popular dishes is the Wild Vegetable Salad with Fermented Fish Dressing (170 baht). Made with seasonal veggies and greens, this salad also has some unique ingredients that pack a lot of flavor such as marinated dok niew (dried red cotton tree flower). But what really ties it all together is the salty fermented fish dressing.
Ultra tender beef stew…
Gaeng Om Northern Thai Beef Stew (250 baht)
Gaeng Om is a medicinal herbal curry soup from northeastern Thailand. This Gaeng Om Northern Thai Beef Stew (250 baht) is made with slices of beef shank so tender you can cut it with your spoon. I did. The slightly peppery broth contains slivers of young galangal root. I highly recommend this dish. This is one of those soups that will have you scraping the bottom of the bowl for the last drop.
Still got it!
Khao Soi Beef (220 baht)
My go to dish from Eats Payao has always been their khao soi noodles. I was pretty relieved to learn that KIN by Eats Payao has it on their menu. They offer 3 varieties: chicken (160 baht), beef (220 baht), and prawns (250 baht). I always get the beef. Many who have never tried their khao soi may feel a little turned off by the price tag. I get it. There are tons of places in the city where you can get decent khao soi noodles in the 40-70 baht range. Why pay such a premium?
The answer’s simple, you’re paying for the premium ingredients. In this case it’s the big chunks of tender beef shank. But it’s also the sauce, too. Most cheaper versions that I’ve had often have a sauce that’s nearly watery. The khao soi sauce at KIN by Eats Payao is more like a gravy. It’s thick, rich, and super creamy. If that’s the way (uh-huh uh-huh) you like it, you’re going to love this khao soi.
A chat with the owners…
Khae and Gav
KIN by Eats Payao recently opened September 1, 2019 as the first large scale restaurant by Gav and Khae. Khae, along with her brother, Chef Boss, cook the dishes according to family recipes that have been passed down through generations using fresh ingredients (many of which are grown on their farm in Payao).
The reason they chose “KIN” was its English meaning of one’s family and relations and how it also sounds closely like the word for “eat” in Thai. Both Gav and Khae have big dreams for their restaurant and envision it to be a place where families and friends can enjoy delicious northern Thai cuisine that’s been meticulously prepared and fabulously plated at a reasonable price. After following this couple for 3 years now, I believe this is a story that is far from over.
You can read their full story from their humble beginnings in my original article of Eats Payao…
I’m hungry. Where is it?
KIN by Eats Payao is located on Soi Si Bamphen in The Tivoli Hotel. Closed on Mondays, they open for lunch the rest of week from 12:00pm to 3:30pm and for dinner 6:00pm to 12:00am (kitchen closing at 10:30pm). Their seating is extremely flexible and they’re able to accommodate groups of any size large or small.
If you’re a fan of creamy khao soi noodles or want to try some unique northern Thai dishes KIN by Eats Payao should be on your radar!
I want to hear from you!
Should you decide to visit KIN by Eats Payao I’d love to hear your feedback in the comment section below, directly to me, or via message on either the Chow Traveller Facebook page or Chow Traveller Instagram. However you choose, I’d love to hear from you!
