Tucked away in the heart of Midtown, just an eight-minute walk from CVHS, lies a hidden neighborhood gem: Khun Kay Thai Cafe. Recently, my friends and I stopped by for a long-overdue lunch, and the experience did not disappoint.
Immediately upon walking in, Khun Kay’s atmosphere is cozy and casual. The large windows bring in plenty of natural light and offer a view of the outdoor seating area. The soft lighting from colorful hanging lamps and small potted plants along the counter add a warm, welcoming vibe to the cafe.
The friendly staff were quick to accommodate us, and our food arrived within the blink of an eye!
We started with pork pan-fried dumplings and spring rolls as appetizers. The dumplings arrived hot and crispy, which paired perfectly with the dipping sauces.
“The pork filling was super juicy, and it had a good garlic flavor. The dipping sauce was kind of sweet, so it was really good with the saltiness of the pork filling,” Sarah Ramos, a CVHS student, added.
The spring rolls were light and fresh, with the rice paper-wrapped rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables.
“The spring rolls were a refreshing alternative to the typically dense, rich curries and noodles Khun Kay serves,” Sophia Emery, a CVHS senior and regular Khun Kay customer, said.
For my entrée, I chose the yellow curry with mock duck and white rice on the side. Khun Kay offers a variety of proteins with their curry, including chicken, beef, tofu, and surprisingly, mock duck! As a vegetarian, finding restaurants that offer delicious meat substitutes for curries is rare, so having this option was much appreciated.
The mock duck was surprisingly tender and chewy. It absorbed the curry’s rich, coconut-infused broth. You can choose your spice level from mild to fiery hot, so I went with a medium heat that provided just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming the dish. The curry itself was aromatic, and the chunks of potato and carrot added a hearty touch. You also have the option of white or brown rice, which is a thoughtful addition for those looking to make healthier choices.
To drink, we ordered Thai tea, a must for any Thai food experience. The creamy beverage was the perfect balance of sweet and milky, with the earthy flavor of black tea still strong. It was a rich treat that paired beautifully with our spicier dishes.
“While my go-to is pad-see-ew, another amazing dish, Khun Kay’s shrimp spring rolls with a Thai tea are perfect for a hot summer day,” Emery said.
We couldn’t leave without trying the sweet sticky rice with mango for dessert. It arrived beautifully plated, with warm, sticky rice topped with creamy coconut sauce and slices of ripe, juicy mango.
“The rice was super soft and flavorful. The mango added a nice sour and tropical flavor to the coconut and rice,” Ramos said.
The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are very reasonable; especially for CVHS seniors looking to have off-campus lunch without breaking the bank. Between the excellent service and delicious food, Khun Kay is the kind of place that you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you are looking for a nice meal, a study break or a quick snack, Khun Kay will deliver every time.
