I will say upfront that I have resisted going to Kai Asian because of the paper bowls and plates. There is just something so basically unappetizing about shoveling food into your mouth out of paper, but I thought, Put aside your preconceptions and focus solely on the food. I had the steamed Pork Bao as an appetizer and they were great! A good way to launch into a culinary adventure. They were served with Sriracha and Soy sauce, But nothing to put the sauces in... Just a small peeve. I used the plastic top from my water, but I was determined to not withhold stars for petty utensil issues. I would have liked a little sweet sauce, perhaps Hoisin, but the Boa was good, hot, and satisfying. The Tom Kha was exceptional, even is the Kafir lime leaf appeared to be dried instead of fresh. But then like a pestering ghost, the problem of utensils comes back into my sensibilities. The spoon is a tiny plastic number that regiments you into a delicate sipping that was distracting and made me feel like a kid in a school lunch room, but worse... It was a cheap flimsy spoon with sharp edges that repeatedly cut the inside of my lip. I looked down at the spoon and thought, What is that red color? Some wonderful crimson spice? No, It was blood and not just one side, both sides. As much as I hate to do it, the feeling of cheapness keeps edging in. I know, it's a small place and they probably don't have room for a dishwasher, but they need to figure out some answer for their spoons and forks at least. I am not interested in wrapping my big arthritic hands around a tiny light weight piece of sharp plastic, like a bear trying to grasp a toothbrush. So why, if I am so annoyed have I unbent enough to bestow the full 5 stars, and I'll tell you. I got the Sesame Balls to go for my wife, which I did with some trepidation, as she is extraordinarily picky about her Sesame Balls. The Princess and the Sesame Balls instead of the Princess and the Pea. I delivered these little orbs of chewy dough and Red Bean Paste, and her eyes lit up! And as her eyes lit up, Kai's Asian Street Food went up in my esteem. What makes the wife happy, makes me happy. I hope it will not be too weird if I bring my own utensils with me next time I visit. If I could bring my own plates and bowls, I would. It's a tiny neighborhood offering jammed into a fast food space that is not big enough to play with the local big boy. Perfect for to-go orders and the folks in the area who want to gas up and catch a quick bite, but I'll never take someone there who I want to impress.
I got the pad kee Mao with chicken. I have never had it before anywhere but was feeling brave to try something new. It was fantastic! Definitely a new favorite spot! We will be back! We also got chicken gyoza which I have a hard time finding, most places have pork. Very crispy and delicious. My husband got the beef teriyaki extra spicy and he was happy that spicy means SPICY here. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
