A few weeks back, when Vienna was being dumped on by snow, some pictures popped up from a childhood friend’s vacation in Thailand. While I was here with my boots, ice scraper, and a bunch of frozen fingers, my friend was soaking up sun and surrounded by smiling faces. Hmph. She was also posting some serious food pictures. You know, the best of the exotic vacation type. Mystery fruits, overloaded plates, and colorful spices at markets. Though unfortunately I couldn’t leave the tundra of Wien to join her, (this would have necessitated scoring cheap tickets and um, not working full-time) one thing was certain– finding some good Thai food here in town was necessary. Hello, Bangkok!
Located in the heart of the 7th on the same street as one of my favorite sushi restaurants, The Bangkok is in a lovely location in town and easy to get to if doing, say, a boutique crawl (future plan) or simply meeting friends on a Monday after work, as was the case for this visit. Step inside and Toto, we aren’t in Vienna anymore.
While the dark wood interior, the hues of red, and the smells wafting in every direction definitely contributed to the far-away flair this places has, it was really the service that made this restaurant downright exotic. The entire staff was so unbelievably friendly, welcoming, and kind. Just the trick to ease the chill of these lingering winter months.
And the food? Who needs to board an airplane for tastes like these? I started out with a steaming bowl of my beloved Tom Kha Gai, spicy coconut soup with chicken. Nothing like breathing clearly to start a meal.
Also on our table was a plate of Po Pia Tod, crispy vegetarian spring-rolls. I find the danger with ordering these anywhere is that they end up being extremely greasy. Not so at this restaurant. Delightfully crispy and the perfect pair to the sweet spicy chili sauce.
To drink, my own green teapot beautifully presented on a tray. My girlfriends and I agreed that the tray presentation made us very happy. It’s the little things.
And for the main, some Pad Thai. I know I need to deepen my understanding of Thai cuisine, but I somehow always find my way back to this dish. The sprouts, the egg, the marriage of crunchy peanuts and soft noodles. I just can’t quit it.
Spring may be a ways off, but beautiful, delicious, and friendly places are blooming nonetheless.
The Bangkok
Neustiftgasse 15
1070 Vienna
We need to go there next time I’m in Vienna!
This is our local, neighborhood favorite! So glad you visited and enjoyed! I always get the spring rolls, tea, and pad thai! Great minds think alike!
twins!
haven’t been there in a few years, but loved it for all the same reasons as you! Is it non-smoking? These days we have a toddler in tow!
Non-smoking as far as I can remember!!!
I think your blog’s great, by the way! A friend told me about it and I am loving discovering new places to eat and drink coffee (two of my favourite things!)
Thanks! Have fun with it:)