Sawadee – Thai Seafood Restaurant

By Lena Gidwani, April 17, 2015

While eating halal can be a challenge in some parts of China, the only problem Islamic believers have in Guangzhou is choosing between a myriad of delightful options. Halal food, or food which follows Islamic doctrine, is widely available in the city, thanks to its diverse population. Often, however, it is confined to Middle Eastern, Uyghur, Malaysian or Indonesian cuisine.

sawadee thai

Enter Sawadee – Thai Seafood Restaurant, catering to adherents hankering for a spice fix from the Land of Smiles. With two Thai chefs on board to cook up a storm with traditionally sourced ingredients, this new eatery certainly has its vibe down pat with simple, home-style decor; it has the funk and flavor of a backstreet in Bangkok, minus those sticky people clamoring for your patronage.

The pork-free, alcohol-free menu is surprisingly extensive and rather adventurous. The barbecued scallops (RMB58) are zesty and fresh, and enough for a hungry party of two. If you’re game, the tom yam in shrimp chili paste (RMB42) is as hot as it gets, although the abundant assortment of seafood and herbs like lemongrass, sliced galangal and kaffir leaves ensure your senses are impressed, rather than obliterated.

Touchstone favorites like fried rice with pineapple and plump shrimps (RMB69) exceed expectations. The rice, served in the open fruit, is fragrant and fluffy. Mains like the fried crab in yellow curry (RMB88) and steamed pomfret in lime sauce (RMB88) are a must-try, the latter in particular. Submerged in a robust blend of lemony chili soup with a splattering host of Thai garnish like cilantro, garlic cloves and lime, the pomfret arrives at the table above a flame to keep the dish piping hot.

pineapple rice If you have trouble finding Sawadee, it’s cushioned right next to its sister restaurant, Saba, which serves up Arabic and other Middle Eastern dishes, also available to order at Sawadee if you’re craving some grilled kebabs or shawarma.