Thai For The Soul

Thai food is much repeated, but often just badly executed. Since my first bowl of Tom Yum, or my discovery of sticky rice in Laos, my blood has often been comprised maybe 50% red curry paste. But since moving to Boston, it’s been a struggle.

Too many times I’ve been told by excited friends to try a certain place - been charmed by the space and menu - and after one bite, felt the familiar sadness roll over me. ‘Excuse me, why is this so sweet’? I asked in one restaurant. ‘Oh the chef likes to add brown sugar to our dishes’, was the reply. ‘Is it possible to not have sugar’? ‘Sorry no, it’s how we like to cook it’….

But the good news is, for those on the North Shore, is that Portsmouth, NH has a charming restaurant called Five Thai Bistro that nails it every time. Like many Thai restaurants it feels comforting rather than extravagant - a fairly simple dining space with cheery bar and efficient service. The food however, oh my. What a place. The menu doesn’t stray too far off the expected - but the execution is authentic, tasty and exactly what it’s suppose to be. Food that makes you happy. And even better, it’s one of the many pandemic resisting places in Portsmouth that continues to make this one of our favorite destinations.

Beef Basil Curry (5/5 spice), with Sticky Rice