5846 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Introduction:
Pittsburgh is a cultural melting pot when it comes to restaurants, but there is only one place to get Laotian cuisine. Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery has brought together Lao and Thai style food into a delicious blend of these south-eastern asian cultures. The similarities are what inspired the name “KIIN,” which carries the idea of “eat together” in both languages. The Owner: Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery is owned by Norraset (Nor) Nareedokmai and his wife Rujira. We had the opportunity to sit and chat with Nor about his experience opening a restaurant in Pittsburgh, and how he’s been able to share his culture. Nor studied at Duquesne University and eventually took over his cousin's restaurant, eventually becoming Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery. He has traveled to Laos to travel with and study under a professional chef to ensure he is bringing authentic cuisine back to his restaurants. He also worked with Michelin Chef Seng of D.C., who is the initiator of the Lao food movement in the U.S., to develop his menu. It is evident he constantly thinks about how he can improve the restaurant. You could tell he loves his business dearly, even referring to it as his “baby”! When asked what is a unique aspect of Thai and Lao culture, Nor told us that it was "Kindness and hospitality. Everyone is treated like family.” He embodied this amazing aspect of his culture by allowing us to try complementary appetizers including spring rolls, crispy rice salad, and fish cake salad! We truly felt like family throughout the whole conversation. The Restaurant:
Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery is a special hole-in-the-wall with much to offer in both flavor and ambiance. The restaurant also has an official seal of authenticity from the Thai Government! Every inch of the space was decorated with a personal touch. The large windows let tons of natural light come in, making the dining area feel open and spacious. One of the walls is lined with photos that Nor took on his trip to Laos. A majority of the walls are decorated with beautiful colorful murals, displaying everything from a map of Thailand and Laos, to a dragon-like creature saying “Sabaidee!” (hello in Lao). They draw your eye around the whole restaurant and make it super vibrant and welcoming. Not only is the art on the wall incredibly well done, but it was created by a Laos graffiti artist that Nor met by chance! He invited the artist into his home for two weeks as he created the beautiful interior we see today. The Food & Member Reviews:
Jackie: To start, Nor brought out spring rolls, crispy rice salad, and a fishcake salad. All of the starters were wonderful and perfect for sharing. My personal favorite was the tofu fried rice. The tofu was fried to perfection, and the flavors worked together perfectly. Of course I had to order the Thai iced coffee. This drink uses sweetened condensed milk as well as a spice blend to give it its unique flavor. This coffee is a sweet tooth’s dream! Not only did it taste delicious, but it was presented beautifully as well. For my entree, I ordered the pork orm at spice level 3. Orm is an herbal stew with lemongrass, dil, eggplant, wood ear mushroom, and green beans. This dish is served with sticky rice. Eating this dish was like enjoying a warm hug. The herbs were the star of the show! They were aromatic and also provided a strong complimentary flavor for the pork and the vegetables. Calla: I ordered the pumpkin curry with tofu at spice level 3, which was absolutely delicious. The tofu was browned to perfection, and was a delightful contrast with the texture of the pumpkin pieces. The spicy curry paste mixed with the rich pumpkin flavoring in the sauce to make a deeply satisfying combination, perfect for fall! I also ordered a Thai iced coffee. The sweetened condensed milk and spices gave the drink a unique yet delicious flavor profile, and was like no other coffee drink I’ve ever had. This sweet beverage is an excellent complement to any savory dish! Daniel: I ordered a jasmine tea with flower blossoms which arrived before my entrée. It came in a larger container than I thought, a good thing since I got more tea than I expected, and as they also left the tea bag in the drink I was able to let it steep until the flavor's strength was to my liking. Then came my entrée, a pineapple curry with pork. I chose the spice level 4 since I like my spicy foods, but have a very low spice tolerance. Level 4 would probably the highest I could enjoy before it became too spicy. I definitely felt the kick without overwhelming the flavor of the curry or myself! The pineapple curry was slightly sweet as it came with pineapple chunks and green peas. When combined with the spice it was very delicious. The pork it came with was fine. I don't think it impacted the dish much, and I would have liked to try other versions of the dish. Overall I would recommend the pineapple curry. The dish also came with a side of rice which I think paired very well with the curry though I definitely could enjoy the curry without it. Emma: One of the complimentary appetizers the owner provided us was the crispy rice salad. I was not expecting flavors like ginger to shine through, but it acted as a spiced start to the meal. I love the texture the rice provided and with the other flavors, it made the salad feel fresh and crunchy. For my main, I got the chicken khao poon (spice level 2), which is a red coconut curry with vermicelli, bean sprouts, cabbage, and cilantro. The beautiful orange colored broth was creamy and flavorful; the spice was prevalent but not overwhelming. The chicken was shredded in bite sized pieces and had soaked up some of the curry so it was juicy and delicious. Notes of lemongrass brightened up the dish and I loved the crunch that the cabbage added. The noodles were a nice base to the broth, and I think it could have been paired with rice nicely as well. I would totally recommend this dish as an intro to the Lao food on the menu! I even heated up some leftovers the next day and it was just as yummy. Haley: I have been wanting to try this place out for so long! The owner was so sweet and he was kind enough to serve us three complimentary appetizers. We were able to try the yaw tawd, crispy rice salad with tofu, and the fishball salad. Out of the three, my favorite hands down was the crispy rice salad. It was such a unique dish, the crispy rice added so much crunch, and it paired along beautifully with the refreshing zing of ginger. For my main dish, I ordered the pad see ew (Level 3 spice), which I shared with one of the other members. Since I like a decent amount of spice in my food, I could have gone up about two levels to help elevate the dish more. I also ordered a Thai iced tea, which is one of my favorite drinks ever. This was one of the best that I’ve had, so if you like sweet drinks, this is for sure a must! I loved my experience dining at Kiin Lao and Thai Eatery. I will definitely be coming back very soon to try more of their dishes! Jarred: The location of the restaurant was great because it is very close to the bus stop in Squirrel Hill, meaning that anyone coming to visit this area in Pittsburgh can easily access it. It's likely to be one of the first restaurants they catch a glimpse of. The atmosphere was amazing and I really enjoyed seeing the paintings on the wall and decorations that hang from the ceiling. One of my favorite parts was that the menu featured a section with words in Lao and a section with facts about Laos. I think this does a good job of getting the customers interested by informing them of some of the basic words in this language. I feel like I was able to get a better understanding of the culture while I was observing the menu and taking in the scenery. The complimentary appetizers that were featured were delicious and I felt they were a great sneak preview into what to expect from the entrée. My favorite appetizer was the crispy rice salad, especially since it was something that I found myself creatively eating in different ways. I ate it by itself, created a lettuce wrap with it, and mixed it with the spring rolls. The entrée in particular that I decided to choose was the Thai style northern noodle with chicken. As someone who’s always favored noodles as their favorite dish, I was pleased to find how delicious this meal turned out to be. The eggs were also a nice added touch that really brought out the flavor of the noodles. This was my first time trying Laos food and I was certainly satisfied with my experience. In the future, I would definitely like to come back here again and try other foods on their menu. Lauren: I ordered the catfish Mok which is a Laotian red curry dish that has been steamed in a banana leaf and is served with a side of sticky rice. I chose to order a spicy level of 4 out of 10 because of my personal spice tolerance but also because in certain dishes, spice does enhance flavor. Because of this I recommend that if you go try ordering the dishes with a little extra kick! The chilis that they add to the curries and other recipes change the flavor and create a new experience. For the catfish itself, it was tender and moist, with no fishy aftertaste. Steaming the dish in banana leaf imbues a unique and subtle flavor into the curry and the sticky rice is the perfect way to soak up the extra curry. The curry itself was smooth and creamy due to the addition of the coconut. The flavors were as colorful as the wall decorations and the meal was only enhanced by the ambiance. If you decide to dine here and are lucky enough to meet the owner, I urge you to listen to his story. There is a rich history to Thai and Laos food and a similarly rich history to the owners journey to owning Kiin. Mariska: This was by no means my first time here, but definitely the most memorable. The complimentary dishes were amazing and I’m so glad we got to try them because I don’t know that I would have ever thought to order them myself. The crispy rice salad was incredible--so unique and fresh. I’ll definitely be ordering that for my family when I inevitably go back with them. For my dish, I ordered the pho Lao with tofu, which I have ordered in the past and loved. Pho is one of my favorite dishes and I love the incorporation of traditional Lao flavors and the addition of the tomato especially. The broth was warm and fragrant, and had a nice kick at a spice level of 7. Another great thing about the menu is that there is an abundance of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free ones. You can truly bring anyone here and they will find something they can eat, which makes it a great place for everything from dining on your own to dining with a group. My best recommendation in regards to this place is to pick something from the Lao side of the menu--their Thai food is really good, but don’t pass up the opportunity to try something new that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in PGH! Peter: As someone without much experience with Thai or Lao food, I didn’t know what to expect upon arriving at Kiin. I was very impressed. From the friendly atmosphere to the authentic artwork covering the walls, the restaurant was not only an amazing representation of Thai and Lao food, but of the culture as a whole. From the moment the server brought us the first appetizer, I knew I was in for a treat. The Lao spring rolls accompanied with a sweet and spicy sauce with nuts was paradise in my mouth. As soon as I tasted the appetizers, I was even more excited for my meal. I looked over the expansive menu again and again, struggling to decide what I wanted as multiple options looked very good. I decided on the pad gra prow with chicken. I opted for the spice level of four to make sure I didn’t overdo it, and that turned out to be the perfect level, adding a nice kick to my dish, but not too much. Additionally, I tried the reiki and berries hot tea, which was a nice flavorful addition to my meal. I was very impressed with my dining experience overall. I feel that this restaurant is perfect for someone looking to try Thai or Lao food for the first time and someone who is seasoned in the flavorful world of Thai and Lao cuisine. Overall, this dining experience provides an exquisite indulgence into a cuisine that is not always available, depending on where you come from. Sapna: I loved the complimentary appetizers that the owner gave us. The yaw tawd was something I’ve never heard about before, let alone tasted, and definitely not something that I would have ordered for myself, so it was amazing to try something directly recommended by the owner. It’s on their summer specials menu, and consists of crispy fried rice paper filled with bean thread noodles, cabbage, and traditionally chicken, but he made it vegetarian for our party. Additionally, it’s served with a side of vermicelli rice noodles, cilantro, lettuce leaves, and a flavorful peanut sauce, and you’re supposed to assemble everything together within a lettuce leaf and eat it together. The combination of textures as well as flavors with the filling mixing with the sauce and the freshness of the lettuce was delectable, and definitely something I’ll have to remember to introduce my friends to when I come with them. Another appetizer he shared with us was a crispy rice salad with tofu, and I loved the fragrant ginger that just enveloped every bite. It was fresh and sharp, and a whole new take on a rice salad. For my entrée, I stayed basic and ordered the Thai classic of pad see ew with vegetables rather than a protein source. I’ve had multiple pad see ew’s in Pittsburgh, let alone outside of college, and I can firmly say that this one is up there in my Top 5. I ordered it with a spice level of 4 (I probably should have gone down one as I had a bit of heartburn after), but I think the spice was integral in making it so delicious. I loved how it wasn’t overly salty, which is my main issue with pad see ew. Additionally, I think that the portion size was definitely worth the price, as I got dinner leftovers out of my lunch as well! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good Thai place in the city, as well as someone who wants to experience more Laos cuisine. I can’t wait to go back and try something more adventurous! Sophia: Prior to even ordering, the owner provided us with complimentary crispy rice salad and fish cake salad which were both unique and absolutely delicious. I could have eaten a whole plate of the crispy rice, it was so fresh tasting with ginger and a bit of coconut shining through, complemented by crispy tofu. The fish cake salad was equally amazing with a bit of spice and a fish taste delightfully unexpected in a salad. I ordered curry puffs (a Laotian starter), mango sticky rice, and coconut juice. The curry puffs were fantastic—gorgeous, crunchy breading on the outside and delicious samosa-esque filling on the inside. The cucumber sauce was my favorite part, I would drink it straight. The sticky rice was a beautiful dish. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the rice was purple and contained sesame seeds. It had an interesting flavor that complimented the mango beautifully and the whole thing was drenched in a sweet milk sauce but was just the right amount of sweetness. It was overall a fantastic dish. The coconut juice was also great and it came with pieces of coconut floating inside which made me very happy. All in all, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique and delicious meal. Rahul: Walking up to the restaurant, I was intrigued by its appearance immediately. Although I missed it at first, I later saw the sign reading Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery and the stairs leading up to the second floor of the building it was located in. I walked in and felt the cozy vibes already. The restaurant was very neatly decorated with art relating to both the cultures of Thailand and Laos. I was already looking forward to trying something new. Because I came slightly later, I didn’t get to try much of the complimentary apptizers that were provided. I did get to try some of the tofu fried rice that was given out and was very impressed by the crunch and flavors that I got from my one spoonful. For my entree, I finally decided on ordering the Thai style northern noodle (Spice level 5), which consisted of stir-fried rice noodles with bean sprouts, egg, scallion, and cabbage with a homemade brown sauce. These rice noodles were different from flat rice noodles in the fact that they were thin and comparable to vermicelli-style noodles. I could tell that the noodles were very thoroughly cooked with the homemade brown sauce because they didn’t taste dry whatsoever. The flavors were well-balanced with each other, allowing for no individual flavor to really overpower the others. I’m a huge fan of the way the chicken was cooked because it was extremely tender and very convenient to eat. From the looks of it, I believe the chicken is tenderized beforehand, which creates a flatter appearance. The bean sprouts, egg, and scallion were all great additions that really elevated the dish into something very flavorful and enjoyable. The portion size of the noodles matched my expectations, and I was quite satisfied with everything afterwards. Looking back, I would definitely like to come back to this restaurant again, especially due to the immense amount of menu items they have. I especially want to look into the Laotian menu items since I haven’t tried it out before unlike Thai food. I would highly recommend this restaurant for anyone that’s interested because it will provide you with excellent food in a comforting environment. |