In search of the best curry

My husband and I are new to Chicago and are looking for great curry. We love Thai curry (Panang, Masaman, red, green) and the rich curry sauces used in Indian cooking. I would love to get your recommendations.

Michele

THAI CURRIES

SPOON

kaeng matsaman
kaeng phanaeng
kaeng lao : [Special Request] // spicy Lao-style curry with ground meat, vegetables, unrefined fish sauce, etc. // Spoon's best curry, IMO. [no coconut milk]
kaeng liang phak ruam kung sot: spicy peppercorn curry with assorted vegetables (usu. squash, mushrooms and baby corn), basil, shrimp paste and fresh shrimp [no coconut milk]

AROY

kaeng som plaa thawt : thin, "sour" tamarind curry with crisply-fried fish [no coconut milk]

SIAM'S HOUSE

kaeng phanaeng

YUM THAI

kaeng matsaman
kaeng khiaw-waan kai maphrao awn : green curry with chicken and young coconut
kaeng khua sapparot kung : rich, mellow curry with roasted pineapple and shrimp
kaeng liang kung sot : spicy peppercorn curry with squash, baby corn, straw mushrooms and shrimp // served in a firepot [no coconut milk]
kaeng khua hawy khom : mild, red curry with Thai eggplants, basil, cha-om (Acacia leaf), and Thai snails (w/o shells)
kaeng som plaa duk thawt : thin, "sour" curry with crisply-fried Catfish [no coconut milk]
chuu chii plaa neua awn : Sheatfish filet in a thick, red curry sauce, topped with shredded lime leaves and red bell pepper

TAC

kaeng khiaw-waan khai jiaw : green curry served over a Thai-style omelette
kaeng som cha-om thawt : "sour" tamarind curry with sliced green papaya and an Acacia leaf omelette [no coconut milk]
kaeng muu tay poh : [Sometime Special] // water spinach and pork loin in a mellow orange curry
kaeng khiaw-waan luuk chin plaa : [Sometime Special] // green curry with housemade fish balls
roti kaeng karii neau

STICKY RICE

kaeng awm : a rich beef and beef offal curry [no coconut milk]
kaeng hangleh : Burmese-style curry // pork, pickled garlic, ginger and red chile in a pungent oily and complex curry sauce [no coconut milk]
kaeng som tuun: slightly "sour" curry with Catfish and taro shoots [no coconut milk[/i]
kaeng muu tay poh : [Sometime Special] // water spinach and pork loin in a mellow orange curry

Spoon Thai
4608 N Western
773.769.1173

AroyThai
4656 N Damen
773.275.8360

Siam's House
7742 N Milwaukee
Niles
847.967.2390

Yum Thai
7748 Madison St
Forest Park
708.366.8888

TAC Quick
3930 N Sheridan
773.327.5253

Sticky Rice
4018 N Western
773.588.0120



Regards,
Erik M.


Do your own due diligence, press rat bizzles. And, yo, stop bitin' on my rhymes.

All I can say is WOW!!! THank you so much Erik for giving me the "scoop" on Thai curries. I look forward to trying them all!

The Chicken Red Curry at Spoon Thai is still my favorate thai red curry from any restaurant ive tried. Dont know what they do different in the ingredients but I can tell the difference and Spoon is still my favorite.

I have to give ann enthusiastic thumbs up to the orange curry at TAC. I once told Erik that I thought I could eat it every day.

Orange curry? Don't think I've tried that yet. Will have to add it to my "must try" list. THanks

The Curries at Khyber Pass in Oak Park are the best I have had. Do not go to the buffet section, thre regular menu items are better by far.