A new Thai restaurant with a tropical resort vibe has opened right in front of Mochimune Port. The chef personally traveled to Thailand, learning authentic flavors from popular local restaurants. While it's a Thai cuisine restaurant, not all the dishes are spicy, making it a place where the whole family, including children, can enjoy a meal together.Pets are welcome on the terrace.
"Khao Yai" inherits the flavors of the popular Thai restaurant "Big Mountain."
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, "Khao Yai" opened right in front of Mochimune Port, about a 15-minute drive from the center of Shizuoka City. "Khao Yai" is the named of the resort town located in the mountains, 200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, Thailand, and the restaurant takes its name directly from this location.
The owner of "Khao Yai" is a huge fan of Thailand, traveling there frequently. Through a fortunate connection with the popular local restaurant "Big Mountain," the owner decided to open "Khao Yai" in Japan with the desire to share the authentic flavors of Thailand.
As you step into the restaurant, you'll be greeted by a friendly elephant parent and child duo. In Thailand, elephants are considered sacred animals, and here, they peek out from the walls to welcome guests. The whimsical interior design enhances the Southeast Asian resort ambiance.
The spacious interior, with around 40 seats, makes it ideal for families or large group gatherings. At the same time, it offers a welcoming atmosphere where individuals and couples can comfortably enjoy their meals.
The chef traveled to Thailand to learn the authentic flavors firsthand! New menu items are also planned for the future.
Before the opening of "Khao Yai," the chef traveled to Thailand alone and mastered 40 recipes in just three weeks. Currently, the restaurant offers about 35 carefully selected dishes, including the classic Thai favorite, Gapao Rice. However, the menu will continue to evolve with further refinement, and more items will be added in the future. Tom Yam Kung, a well-known Thai dish, is a must-try.
From classic Thai dishes to original menus that reflect the essence of Mochimune.
Currently, Khao Yai offers a lunch set that includes a main dish, soup, a mini dessert, and a drink. You can choose from 5 main selected options, such as classic Thai dishes including green curry, Massaman curry, and popular street food like Pad Thai and Gapao Rice, as well as the Khao Yai original Mochimune fried rice featuring shirasu (whitebait fish).
This is the classic Thai dish, green curry. The sharp spiciness of green chili peppers combined with the creamy richness of coconut milk creates an addictive flavor. It's highly recommended for spicy food lovers!
Kao Yai's original Mochimune fried rice is a luxurious dish, made with the local specialty, boiled shirasu. With a mild and gentle flavor, this dish is recommended for a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly.
Crispy-fried shrimp paired with a uniquely Asian sweet and sour sauce is exceptional! The shrimp are topped with tamarind sauce, making it a must-try dish for Asian cuisine lovers. For those who enjoy drinks, it pairs perfectly with Thai beer!
Find the flavor that suits your taste!
This time, we spoke with Mr. Iwasaki, the chief manager of "Nihoniro," a lodging facility in Mochimune.
"Thai cuisine is all about discovering your preferred flavors by uniquely adjusting the table seasonings. When you visit a restaurant in Thailand, you'll always find four types of condiments on the table: 'nam pla' (fish sauce), sugar, vinegar, and chili. Thai people use these four condiments to customize their dishes to their taste. At Khao Yai, we also provide these condiments at each table, so please feel free to explore your ideal flavor as if you were on a trip to Thailand. The interior is bright and full of resort vibes, creating a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages, so we encourage families to come together."
In the future, we plan to introduce course meals geared toward "Girls Night Out". You can also enjoy Thai beer and cocktails during the day, and the terrace seating allows you to dine with your beloved pets. Please come and enjoy the experience as if you were on a trip to Thailand!
Text/Photos: Yore-chan
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