New Restaurant: Thai Chi

By Rose Symotiuk, July 24, 2015

Myriad Thai restaurants inhabit Shenzhen, with old standards like fish cakes and pad Thai at each. Trying to really differentiate them can be a chore.

The first thing we notice inside Thai Chi is the decor: high ceilings emphasize the rich colors of the Thai-inspired plates on the wall. Ideally situated in the CBD for business lunch, it’s an obvious choice you young professionals in the afternoons. For those after a bit of whimsy, two tables with swing seats perch by the window.

We began our meal with the Vietnamese rice rolls (RMB28), an unusual version of a common Southeast Asian favorite that has among its contents vinegary cabbage. More typical are the Malaysian supreme curry and the green curry (both RMB78), hearty dishes best split with a friend.

Southeast Asian food.

Thai Chi is serious about fresh ingredients. Instead of green papaya with our stewed fish (RMB68) – as advertised on the menu – the kitchen substituted green mango, because it was fresher and in season. The waiters steered us away from the pomelo salad for the same reason. Many of the foodstuffs are imported straight from Thailand, and the restaurant even sends staff there to learn how to create authentic flavors.

One of the best dishes on the menu is the minced meat with Thai basil in lettuce wraps (RMB58). Basically a kind of larb, it’s kept simple: the kitchen slowly caramelize the meat with a little onion and lots of chopped green beans. It’s subtle, yet definitely worth a visit here.

To finish up, the Thai dessert [latter (RMB38) is a no brainer if you're eating with friends. Depending on your affinity for durian, some offerings are better than others. Alternatively, or as an accompaniment, try something from the robust drink menu. Fun drinks like banana aloe shakes and tropical fruit teas (RMB28) go down smooth and cool.

For those the area, Thai Chi is a solid choice for simple and fresh – really fresh – Thai food, but is that enough to set it apart from the pack?

Price: RMB250 for dinner and drinks for two

Who’s going: Young professionals, people who like to swing while eating

Good for: Fresh food, tropical flavors, business lunch

// For address, see listing.

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