Paradise at Paa Dee
Each day we wake up and have the luxury of having a good meal is a win. So many go without food daily, so to write about my enjoyment of a great meal (something I do often), I always feel guilty those that don't get to enjoy. And not to brush that aside, whatsoever, but today I’m focusing in on a meal I’ve had now three times, exactly the same. Why? If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Sure that makes me sound un-adventurous, but I literally dream about the two dishes I’ve been enjoying at Paa Dee, one of the best Thai restaurants I’ve ever come across.
Directly off of Paa Dee’s website is the definition of the restaurant’s name: “The Thai phrase “paa dee” literally means “to bring good things”. The concept is simple – to provide good things is to walk the path of happiness. PaaDee aspires to bring to Portland our favorite Thai dishes and to bring the spotlight to Thai comfort food.” Well, I can concur that they’ve accomplished their mission at Paa Dee. You can’t help feeling happy and satisfied when dining there, and the sense of authentic Thai culture that is being imparted to you is real. Chef Earl Ninsom, of Langbaan and Eem fame, cranks out the goodness here.
Now that we’ve got a tiny bit of history on Paa Dee, let’s talk about my favorite dish there….the TEMPURA ASPARAGUS SALAD. Featuring tempura asparagus, ground pork, grilled prawns, coconut-lime-chili dressing, crushed peanuts, fried shallot, and cilantro, this is the dish that invades my dreams. Each element that composes this savory plate is critical in its part and serves to create something I’d argue onto my top ten dishes if stuck on a deserted island. And while this dish is listed technically as a, “salad,” don’t let the term fool you. This dish is both hearty and filling, and possibly too small to even share. Sure there’s plenty on the plate to pass around, but do you want to? Whenever this hits the table I feel far less in the sharing mood; I want it all to myself.
The Tempura Asparagus Salad is quite simply my favorite Thai dish in Portland (perhaps anywhere). So good. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Such an amazing Green Curry at Paa Dee. This dish is on the medium-spicy side, so not too hot. This dish is great to share. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Next up is the best darn green curry dish I’ve come across, titled, you guessed it, GREEN CURRY and featuring chicken breast, thai eggplant, makrut lime and basil. So simple, yet so delectable and satisfying. A great thing about this dish is that there is plenty of protein and copious green curry sauce, making for a nice extra flavor to add to any rice you have on-hand. Can’t wait to have this again.
The KANANG PAD KHAI Brussels sprouts dish at Paa Dee has converted me. I now clamor for this little green cabbage-like veggies, particularly at Paa Dee. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Finally I have to share a conversion of sorts. Lifelong I’ve not been a fan of Brussel Sprouts. However, my recent experience at Paa Dee has changed that aforementioned distaste to one of desire. Indeed, the Brussels sprouts dish at Paa Dee, titled KANANG PAD KHAI, is so good it can turn a hater into a lover. Featuring sautéed fried brussel sprouts with egg and garlic, I particularly liked mixing bites of this fried vegetable with bites of the GREEN CURRY dish above. The combination was stupendous. I now have a third, must-have dish when visiting this powerful Thai restaurant.
Details
Paa Dee is somewhat approachable in that you can find a table there just showing up on occasion. More than likely, however, you’re in for a bit of a wait. Paa Dee’s nice outside seating area has helped to expand the restaurant’s capacity however, and this time of year that’s a great place to sit. See below for links to important details about Paa Dee and enjoy!
Paa Dee Website
Menu
Contact and Location / Directions
Order Online