If you’re craving authentic Thai food in Singapore, Kinnari Thai in Joo Chiat is a name that is increasingly mentioned—especially for the quality of food. But does it live up to the buzz? I visited to find out.
Located along Joo Chiat Road, Kinnari Thai has a cozy, no-frills vibe with traditional Thai decor. The place wasn’t packed but had both locals and expats dining there. The menu is extensive, but today, we were here for one thing on their lunch set meals—their Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry).
We went with the classic minced pork version, which is our favourite.. The dishes arrived sizzling, with a generous heap of fragrant Thai holy basil and a side of jasmine rice. The difference was that we ordered different versions of egg, one came with a sunny side up egg and the other with creamy scrambled eggs.
Flavour & Spice Level
Sauce Balance: Not too sweet, not too salty – just the right umami punch from fish sauce and oyster sauce.
Aroma: The smell alone was intoxicating – garlicky, spicy, and deeply savoury.
Wok Hei: The stir-fry had that smoky char you’d expect from a good Thai street vendor.
The Eggs
A perfect touch – the yolk of the sunny side up egg was runny, and the edges were golden and crispy, adding texture to each bite. The creamy scrambled eggs on the other hand was a first for us in Pad Kra Pao, and it really paired well with the savouriness of the dish.
Kinnari Thai Cusine serves a mean Pad Kra Pao at wallet-friendly prices and we will definitely return to try out their other dishes.
Rating: 4 / 5
Kinnari Thai Cuisine
201 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427472
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YosrMgK5U8Xz3tSy7
