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Welcome To Ghin Khao Eat Rice
Ghin Khao Eat Rice is a vibrant gem located in Chicago’s Little Village, specializing in authentic Thai cuisine that focuses on grilled marinated meats and flavorful starters. The brainchild of Chef Sasi, the menu is rich with family recipes highlighting fresh herbs and spices. Diners rave about standout dishes like crispy fish cakes, crab fried rice, and the unforgettable Grandma's Pork Belly. With its cozy atmosphere and a BYOB policy, Ghin Khao offers a genuine taste experience that transports you straight to Thailand. Each visit promises a warm welcome and consistently phenomenal flavors, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.
About
Ghin Khao Eat Rice
Welcome to Ghin Khao Eat Rice, a hidden gem nestled at 2128 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL. This vibrant eatery isn’t just a restaurant; it's an experience. With a philosophy that shines through every dish, Ghin Khao breaks away from the conventional Thai offerings, inviting you to explore a menu steeped in authenticity and rich family recipes.
At Ghin Khao, the focus is on grilled marinated meats, flavorful starters, and salads bursting with fresh herbs and spices, all crafted with care by Chef Sasi. Customers rave about the rich, aromatic flavors that transport you straight to Chiang Mai. From mouthwatering fish cakes to the unforgettable crab fried rice, each dish is a celebration of Thailand's culinary heritage.
Reviewers, like Nik-nik Achanzar, emphasize the unique offerings and a cozy ambiance. The absence of standard fare like Pad Thai only highlights Ghin Khao's commitment to authenticity. Instead, you'll find dishes that cater to the adventurous palate, with a recommendation to not miss the papaya salad and fish cakes—truly a must-try!
James D. proclaims Ghin Khao as “arguably the best I've had outside of Chiang Mai,” highlighting the fresh and flavorful dishes that keep locals coming back for more. Their Grandma's Pork Belly has reached legendary status among patrons, consistently receiving high praise.
On a bustling Friday evening, even if the service is slightly slower due to a single chef on duty, the dedication to quality takes precedence. Christina Huynh describes the som tum as refreshingly tart and calls the larb gai “excellent with all the flavors very well-balanced.” For those hungry for the unique essence of Thai cuisine, the khao soi special is a standout dish that encapsulates the heart of the menu.
The air is thick with spices, a sensory reminder of the robust dishes being prepared. As Howard Lin mentions, even if you find the spice strong, the craftsmanship behind the food is undeniable. His fondness for the curry fried rice showcases the restaurant’s attention to flavor—as he notes, “so much flavor in every bite.”
Overall, Ghin Khao Eat Rice is not just another stop for Thai food; it’s a culinary journey that beckons you to indulge your senses in dishes that resonate with authenticity and passion. Don’t forget, it's a BYOB, so bring your favorite drink and enjoy a delightful night out. Run, don't walk, to this cozy spot—you won't regret it!
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“ True to it’s name, don’t expect to be ordering traditional dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry. The focus is on grilled marinated meats, flavorful starters, and salads loaded with fresh herbs and spices. Chef Sasi knows his food and cooks it to perfection. Authentic menu with family recipes, vibrant neighborhood, and last but not least, it’s BYOB! Don’t leave without trying the fish cakes, crab fried rice, and papaya salad. Sooo good!! ”
“ My favorite Thai food in Chicago and arguably the best I've had outside of Chiang Mai. Fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious. Their Grandma's Pork Belly is on another level, 10 out of 10. If you're ever in the neighborhood, run, don't walk to this cozy spot! ”
“ We went for a Friday dinner and there was only chef working so everything was a bit slow. However, the food was phenomenal. The som tum was authentic: not too sweet like other spots I have tried. It was refreshingly tart and fragrant from the kumquat. The larb gai was also excellent with all the flavors very well-balanced. Pad kee mao had a great char and the delectable smoky wok hei. The texture of the noodles definitely elevated this dish: thin yet possessing such a satisfying chew. Definitely get their khao soi special if they have it! It's one of the best that the city has to offer. ”
“ Best Thai food in Chicago. Authentic, home-cooked style dishes. Everything is so flavorful and thoughtfully made. Thank you Gin Khao! Pictured: yellow curry fried rice, pad kee mow, som tum, pork belly. Not pictured: nam tok. So good! ”
“ This place is amazing - it's cozy and small but we did not wait long to be seated and get served. Be warned, there's a heavy aura of spices in the air - my GF was crying half the time we were here because there's so much pepper in the air. However, the food was good. Their Pork Belly was good but in my opinion a little overrated - I didn't feel like it was the star of the show, their fried rice on the other hand was amazing. Their curry fried rice had so much flavor in every bite and the next time I come back I will be getting that. The lady that served and seated us was very kind too, we had a good time here. Would come back ”
“ Food was hands down delicious. Menu was short which was nice. Got the papaya salad, pork belly, curry fried rice and pad siew. All were very flavorful and satisfying. We all highly enjoyed the pork belly - very crispy and delicious. It is a bit of a hole in the wall. The ambiance feels like Asian street food style- hand made signs, murals, self serve water and utensils. We bussed our own table after the meal in the gray bins like some cafes. It's just one server/cashier and one chef so depending on how busy things are you may have to wait a bit. It was BYOB (we noticed from another table). ”
“ It's a hybrid service restaurant, which is awesome. You grab your own utensils and cups and water. Later, the server comes to take your order. It's dope, I didn't think I would like this set up but I did. The food is beyond delicious, it's incredibly fresh and seasoned so well. I highly recommend you check it out. ”
“ Before I went here I already knew that I liked Thai food quite a bit, but it wasn't quite my favorite cuisine. Going here made me change my mind and fall in love with thai cuisine in general. The papaya salad is a great combo of fresh veggies with a great kick of spice and umami at the end. The larb gai is my benchmark for other Thai restaurants, and so far none have come close. The pad kee mao has the best noodles in terms of chew and char. I seriously can't get enough of this place and it's always a treat to get it when I'm in the area. God bless the chef that's in the back especially since each time I've been here they were running solo. 5 stars please never close down. ”