The air, tinged with the delicate perfume of lemongrass, ginger, and a whisper of chili heat, beckons you into a culinary experience that might surprise you: Keene, New Hampshire, while known for its classic New England charm, boasts a surprisingly delightful Thai food scene. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a student at Keene State College, or a visitor passing through, the craving for authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine can be easily satisfied. This guide explores the hidden gems and local favorites that bring the taste of Thailand to southwestern New Hampshire. So, put away those cooking pans and come explore with us.
Keene’s Culinary Landscape: A Taste of Diversity
Keene, New Hampshire, nestled amongst rolling hills and historic architecture, might not immediately spring to mind as a global culinary hotspot. The dining scene traditionally leans towards classic American fare: hearty burgers, comforting pub food, and traditional New England seafood. However, beneath the surface of traditional eateries lies a growing appreciation for diverse culinary experiences. This is where the vibrancy of Thai cuisine truly shines. Thai food has carved a niche for itself, offering a welcome alternative to the usual suspects and appealing to a growing number of adventurous palates seeking bold flavors and aromatic spices. The popularity is growing and locals are embracing the addition of Thai restaurants.
Journey to Thailand: Your Taste of Thai Options
Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter: the restaurants themselves. Each establishment offers a unique interpretation of Thai cuisine, with its own distinct atmosphere, menu specialties, and commitment to quality. So, let’s get right to it.
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant
Located conveniently in the heart of downtown Keene, Sawasdee Thai Restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel instantly welcome. The address is Central Square, Keene, NH, and you can reach them by phone. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by traditional Thai décor, comfortable seating, and the friendly smiles of the staff. Sawasdee Thai has been a Keene staple for years, and many locals consider it the original Thai restaurant in town.
The menu at Sawasdee Thai Restaurant is extensive, featuring all the classic Thai dishes you know and love, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Of course, the Pad Thai is a crowd favorite, available with your choice of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables. The noodles are perfectly cooked, coated in a tangy tamarind sauce, and topped with crunchy peanuts and bean sprouts. The curries are another standout, with options ranging from the mild and creamy Massaman curry to the fiery and flavorful Green curry. Don’t miss their Tom Kha soup, a coconut milk-based soup infused with galangal, lemongrass, and mushrooms. A real burst of flavors in your mouth.
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant prides itself on its authentic recipes and its commitment to using fresh ingredients. They source their herbs and spices locally whenever possible, ensuring that each dish is bursting with flavor. What sets Sawasdee Thai Restaurant apart is its consistent quality and its friendly, attentive service. It’s a reliable choice for a delicious and satisfying Thai meal, whether you’re dining in or taking out. Pricing falls in the moderate range, making it accessible for regular visits.
Thai Garden
Just a short drive from downtown Keene, Thai Garden presents a slightly different dining experience, with a focus on fresh, contemporary cuisine. Find them located on the highway and check out their website for the address. The restaurant itself is bright and airy, with a modern decor that creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Thai Garden is known for its inventive menu and its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
While they offer all the traditional Thai dishes, Thai Garden also features a number of unique creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Their Pineapple Fried Rice, served in a hollowed-out pineapple, is a visual and culinary delight. The rice is perfectly cooked, infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple, and mixed with chicken, shrimp, cashews, and vegetables. The drunken noodles are another must-try, prepared with wide rice noodles, chili peppers, basil, and your choice of protein. The Panang curry is a standout, with a rich and creamy coconut milk base, infused with red curry paste, peanuts, and lime leaves.
What distinguishes Thai Garden is their creative approach to Thai cuisine and their emphasis on presentation. Each dish is carefully plated and garnished, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. The prices are slightly higher than Sawasdee Thai Restaurant, reflecting the higher quality ingredients and the more sophisticated dining experience. However, the quality of food makes it well worth the cost. Thai Garden is the perfect choice for a special occasion or a memorable dining experience.
Little Bangkok
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Little Bangkok offers a more intimate and authentic Thai dining experience. Located near Keene State College, Little Bangkok is a favorite among students and locals alike. The restaurant is small and cozy, with a simple decor that focuses on the food.
Little Bangkok is known for its authentic Thai recipes and its use of traditional cooking methods. The menu is extensive, featuring a wide variety of soups, salads, noodle dishes, curries, and stir-fries. Start with the fresh spring rolls, filled with vegetables, herbs, and rice noodles, served with a peanut dipping sauce. The Tom Yum soup is a must-try, a spicy and sour soup infused with lemongrass, galangal, and chili peppers. For a main course, try the Pad See Ew, stir-fried wide rice noodles with egg, broccoli, and your choice of protein. The Red curry is another standout, with a rich and flavorful coconut milk base, infused with red curry paste, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers.
What sets Little Bangkok apart is its commitment to authenticity and its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The prices are very reasonable, making it an affordable option for a quick and delicious Thai meal. Little Bangkok is the perfect choice for a casual and authentic Thai dining experience. It also has outdoor seating during the warmer months.
Other Thai Gems
If you find yourself with the chance to explore beyond Keene, you’ll find even more great options, although they may require a bit of a drive. Be sure to explore surrounding towns like Marlborough and Peterborough.
Tips for Enjoying Thai Food in Keene, NH
One of the unique elements of Thai food is its inherent customizability. Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you enjoy the Thai culinary scene in Keene.
Navigating the Spice Levels
Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant and bold flavors, including a generous use of chili peppers. When ordering, be sure to inquire about the spice levels and choose accordingly. Most restaurants offer options ranging from mild to hot, so you can customize your dish to your preferred level of heat. If you’re unsure, start with mild or medium and ask for extra chili flakes on the side so you can control the spice yourself.
Dietary Considerations
Thai food is naturally adaptable to a variety of dietary restrictions. Many dishes can be easily modified to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Be sure to inform your server of any dietary restrictions you have, and they will be happy to make recommendations and modifications. Tofu is a popular substitute for meat, and many dishes can be prepared without fish sauce or other animal products.
Beyond Pad Thai
While Pad Thai is undoubtedly a delicious and popular dish, Thai cuisine offers a world of flavors and textures to explore. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar and try some of the lesser-known dishes. The curries are a great place to start, with options ranging from the creamy and mild Massaman curry to the spicy and aromatic Green curry. Noodle dishes like Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew are also worth trying, as are soups like Tom Yum and Tom Kha.
Conclusion: Savoring the Flavors of Thailand in Keene
Keene, New Hampshire, may be a small town, but its Thai food scene is surprisingly vibrant and diverse. From the authentic flavors of Sawasdee Thai Restaurant and Little Bangkok to the creative creations of Thai Garden, there’s something for every palate. So, next time you’re craving the exotic aromas and bold flavors of Thailand, forget about the cooking pans and explore the delightful options right here in Keene. The dishes and the flavors that the chefs can bring to your palate are waiting. The Thai food options in Keene are only growing. From the fragrant curries to the savory noodle dishes, Keene’s Thai restaurants offer a culinary adventure that will transport you to the heart of Southeast Asia. Enjoy, and Sawasdee!
