washingtonpost.com: Sala Thai

 

2016 P St. NW (202) 872-1144 Hours of Operation and Prices Lunch: M-F 11:30-2:30; Entrees: $6-$8 Dinner: M-Th 5-10:30, F 5-11, Sat noon-11, Sun noon-10:30; Entrees: $7.25-$13 Other Information • Credit Cards: All major • Reservations: Accepted • Dress: Casual • Parking: Street • Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle

Downtown Thai restaurants are a treasure, many of them serving elegant food in casual surroundings at easygoing prices. And Sala Thai was the first to venture to Dupont Circle. This downstairs cafe is brightly furnished with laminated tables and spiffy folding chairs. Its menu is extensive, and the waiters warn you if you are ordering dishes that are similar.

There is no stinting on the chilies in this kitchen. If the waiter tells you a dish is hot, watch out. But under the heat is a frenzy of intriguing flavors - this is invigorating food. The hot-and-sour chicken-coconut soup tingles with peppery and cool flavors. Among the most familiar entrees are a faintly sweet and homey pad thai that is as good as any you'll find. The curry of the day is intricate and aromatic, though its sauce has sometimes been too thin to cling well to the meat or seafood.

If you are inclined to splurge a bit, the shrimp fried in eggroll wrappers - Pinky in the Blanket - is enough to share as an appetizer or even to serve one as an entree. Above all, however, check out the list of daily specials outside the door (the seafood dishes are meant to compete with Pesce next door). That's where you'll find the newest, the freshest, and often the best buys.

© Copyright 1998 The Washington Post Company

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