Sometimes, it is worthwhile to think about what locations have a special meaning for us and why. Perhaps it’s a playground where we spent time with our childhood friends or a particular spot that’s come to represent a major transition in our lives.
For me, one such location is Siam Thai, a Thai restaurant located on West Union Street just up the sidewalk from Cat’s Corner and the Smiling Skull Saloon. Thai food has always been a staple of my family, with my parents having taken me to many Thai restaurants over the years when I was a child.
As such, it’s no surprise that when me and my family first arrived in Athens in 2015, we decided the first restaurant we’d visit would be a Thai restaurant. Back then, Siam Thai was known as Thai Paradise, but while the name has changed, I am pleased to say that the food remains the same excellent quality as ever.
To avoid the crowds, I decided to go for lunch at Siam Thai on an overcast Saturday afternoon. The booths at Siam Thai are spacious, but if you want a window seat, you’ll have to sit at a table.
The portion of the restaurant facing the Athens B&O Train Depot is a great place to sit in the evening when the sun is going down. However, if you would prefer a bit more privacy, there are also tables and booths available that are located away from prying eyes on West Union Street.
I decided to go for a simple meal made up of two appetizers, a Thai iced tea and curry served with white rice. For my appetizers, I went with vegetable spring rolls served with a side of sweet chili sauce and potstickers served with sweet and sour sauce.
While I typically order a soft drink with my meals at Siam Thai, I chose to order a Thai iced tea because I had forgotten my morning coffee. Thai iced tea is a fairly straightforward beverage, being made using black Ceylon tea, condensed milk and sugar, then topped off with a dash of whole milk. As such, it is not only crisp and refreshing on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a spicy Thai meal.
My appetizers were next to arrive. Much to my delight, the fried wontons used to make my vegetable spring rolls were crispy and brown, while the vegetables inside were crisp and fresh. There is nothing more disappointing than receiving a spring roll with a wonton that is underdone or has vegetables that have been cooked to the point of becoming an indeterminable mush.
The exterior of my potstickers was equally well cooked, being crisp and warm with a flaky pastry layer that contained a fabulous filling made from minced pork seasoned with scallions, ginger and other flavors. The sweet and sour sauce was equally delicious, though it was not as thick as the sweet chili sauce that was served with my spring rolls, so it had some trouble sticking to my potstickers.
The highlight of my meal was my chicken panang curry. I’ve had this dish countless times at both Siam Thai and other Thai restaurants across the country, but at those other restaurants, I always find myself craving a chicken panang curry the way Siam Thai does it.
For a start, Siam Thai always manages to cook the chicken so it’s tender and has a pleasant mouthfeel. I have never had the misfortune to have experienced rubbery chicken at Siam Thai. I am often reluctant to order chicken at restaurants, because many restaurants will overcook their chicken in an effort to avoid potential food safety issues.
Likewise, the curry had a pleasant flavor with just a hint of creaminess from the coconut milk and a slight citrus flavor from the kaffir lime leaf. I ordered mine medium, which was enough to ensure it had a pleasant kick without making me break a sweat. The rice that came with my curry was firm and slightly sticky, the way Thai rice should be.
Some Thai restaurants will either make their panang curry excessively milky, which masks the spices, or will go in the opposite direction and put in only a few drops of coconut milk resulting in a watery curry that lacks balance. As with all good things in life, Siam Thai has managed to find the perfect balance between spiciness and creaminess.
Of course, a good chicken panang curry requires more than just chicken, panang curry paste and coconut milk. I found the medley of vegetables that came with my chicken panang curry — red and green bell peppers, bamboo shoots and zucchini — to be as crisp and fresh as the ones in my spring rolls.
Not including the tip, my meal cost $23.59. As far as I’m concerned, it was money well-spent. Not only did I get to enjoy a sumptuous Thai meal on a quiet Saturday afternoon, but I got to make some brand-new memories at a place that holds a special place in both my heart and my stomach.
Siam Thai is located at 102 W. Union St. and is open for lunch from Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and for dinner Monday-Friday from 4-9 p.m. Siam Thai is open for lunch and dinner on Saturday from 12-10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12-9 p.m. To contact Siam Thai or to place a pick-up order, call 740-818-1169.