Isarn Thai - authentic Thai in Kirkland

The ethnic food that stands out in Seattle is definitely Thai and out of all of the Thai restaurants, my favourite is Isarn Thai right by the water in Kirkland. While growing up in Singapore, Thailand is a very common vacation spot and some of the best childhood memories were in Thailand. There are two categories of Thai food in North America, the ‘American thai’ and the authentic Thai. Isarn is the pinnacle of authentic Thai, using authentic home style recipes but using quality ingredients and the place is very clean. Most authentic thai places are quite dirty but tastes amazing. Isarn thai has the authentic taste and the modern amenities. It is also rumored that a famous Thai actor who calls Seattle second home is one of the owners of the restaurant.

Location

The restaurant is located on the corner of Kirkland waterfront and you can find lots of street side parking near the water. There is also a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor if you are bored while waiting in line. Usually I register our table first, then walk around the Kirkland pier while waiting for our turn.

Decor

There are lots of interesting decor in the restaurant showcasing the traditional life in Thailand. Hand woven baskets that are used to hold produce at markets are hung around the restaurant. Bamboo and wood are used extensively throughout. The main thing that made me feel i am back in Thailand is the metal plates and spoons that food is served on. At local street stalls in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, that’s the way the locals eat.

Drinks

The drink that stand outs the most is the fresh coconut. It is cracked open with a giant hammer and Isarn also offers alcoholic beverages blended with the fresh coconut. Imagine a pina colada with fresh coconut cream. Decadence.

Food

Food is executed well and using great ingredients. It’s not Michelin worthy, but home style cooking is done very well and the flavors are on point. One pet peeve I have with North American Thai food is the basil. In Thailand, a particular type of basil used is called Holy Basil. Most Thai restaurants in North America use the thai basil, which is the cousin of the holy basil. The thai basil has a strong licorice smell but is not as fragrant as holy basil. Isarn Thai’s basil is strong and very fragrant, good enough.

Lemongrass chicken wing

The wing is split in half, then deep fried. There are also strands of fried lemongrass that you can chew on for the fragrance. The dish is garnished with fried basil. Lots of flavor in this dish.

Thai papaya salad

The salad is delicious, almost on par with the famous Portland Pok Pok. The dried shrimp flavor is strong and the lime zest brings it to great balance. Wish the papaya slices were even finer, will help absorb more of the seasoning. You can request for the level of spice.

Thai sausage

The sausage has aromatics from lemongrass but is drier than sausages that most are used to

Sweet and sour cuttlefish soup

Delicious, sweet, sour, creamy and fragrant. The cuttlefish is also added at the end to ensure the tenderness. Most restaurants cook the cuttlefish on high heat and makes it taste like rubber, not the case here.

Mushroom fritters

My favourite dish here is the mushroom fritter. The batter is very crisp and the mushroom may have been dehydrated before frying. Resulting dish is very crisp and flavorful. It is paired with a sweet plum dipping sauce.

Tamarind simmered backribs

The tamarind brings the acidity to this dish. Ribs are falls of the bone though is the inside lacks flavor. The dish relies on the sauce to bring out the taste.

Thai fried chicken

Crispy outside and tender inside, with deep fried shallots sprinkled on top.