February 28, 2009

All Thaied Up - Andaman Thai

If you were looking for lecherous tales of Thai lovlies, you're at the wrong site.
If you are looking for details on the excellence that Denton, Texas has to offer, read on my dear...

I’ve mentioned that there is currently no good Chinese food to be had in Denton, and you know how much that pains me. Happily, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Thai food, and today we’ll be discussing Andaman Thai.

Located on the east end of Hickory Street, in the gentrifying Industrial Street area (near Fuzzy's Taco Shop), the newly renovated exterior (and interior!) should prepare you for the lovely dining experience that awaits you.

Your first clue might be the unusual persimmon and cinnamon colored interior. This combination would never work in your living room, but somehow works beautifully in this restaurant. It simultaneously lets you know you’re not in Kansas anymore, and prepares you - subconsciously - for a taste adventure that may also be unusual, but will work deliciously.

What do I mean? Well the steamed (and slightly sticky) chive dumplings may sound and look a little weird, but they are delectable. Equally delectable? The pork dumplings, offered fried or steamed. Equally weird seeming? The poached banana dessert. Consisting of sliced bananas cooked in coconut cream, this dish sounds like nothing, right? Tastes like Shangri-La. Believe me.

The crab cake appetizers were phenomenal, but lack of demand caused them to be removed from the menu. Intrigued? Ask the chef about them. Perhaps interest will cause him to reconsider. Until then, the shrimp and chive dumplings might suffice.

Happily, Thai iced-tea is still offered. What’s that? Imagine the strongest, blackest tea you can, into which sweetened, condensed milk has been added, but not blended. The tea is so stout that it doesn’t automatically mix with the milk, but instead causes it to form a sort of cumulus layer. Sounds weird; looks weird; is divine. Divine rocket fuel – this drink will start you up. The curries: red; green; and yellow are all equally fine, and I honestly can’t tell you which is my favorite. And, of course, most of the the mains can be vegetarian friendly, made with tofu. I tend to think the whole fishes are a little overcooked, but they are flavored and dressed so deliciously that they are completely worth ordering.

Lastly, and liquidly, if you’d like something other than the Thai iced-tea, which can also double as a nice dessert, wine and beer – including Thai beers – are available. Perfecto.
Check it out.


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your blog and all the dishes you describe locally. I have been to a few places you suggest and really liked them! Love Thai food.Thanks, Jen

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Dentonista said...

Oh Jen, thank you so much for letting me know! Comments really invigorate me and help me to keep writing. Stop back by anytime and feel free to comment again.
YFND

Anonymous said...

I'm not a fan of Andaman, Thai Ocha is way better in the areas of taste, service and price.

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Dentonista said...

Another party heard from! I can't say Thai Ocha is better...but I will say it's excellent. I eat there (or take out from there) very often. I must say, I've never had bad service at either place, and I DO like the random musical choices at Andaman. Give it another try.

LewisvilleHounder said...

I will say that I am the camp that loves Andaman. Although I admit I have yet to go to Thai Ocha in Denton, the one in Lewisville is not on the same level it seems. I would have loved to invite you to the dinner at Andaman I arranged with Achava. Here is the post I believe you have already commented on:

http://www.madewithair.com/?p=431

I am also a fan of your website and even when I was UNT I noticed that Denton had a lot of small gems that I really didn't want to get out to the masses. They were the pizza oven at the UNT Union. It was the first place I know of in DFW using a wood fired oven for pizza, before the craze happened. Ravelin Bakery is another with probably the best croissant I have ever had. The butter, ham and cheese, chocolate almond all are worth the trip from Lewisville. Taqueria El Sabrosita hasn't been around for that long but they do great corn tortillas and the chivo is pretty special. Keiichi is better than most places in Dallas but the prices are up there too. Metzlers was an old haunt back in my UNT days. I went for craft and German beers to have with my brat plate. They also have the Bayer's Kolonialwaren Bakery strudels from Muenster, TX. The brats are from Fishers in Muenster and well worth the trip up to Muenster alone. These are just some of my favorite places. I will have to get back for some more.

http://fischersmeatmarket.com/

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Dentonista said...

LH,

Thank you so much for your reminiscences and recommendations. Did anyone else know about a pizza oven in the UNT Union? Kids, you might want to check that out. I might need to see what else is going on there... I definitely ant to hear what else y'all are liking!

PS - Andaman Thai can do up their meals Gluten Free! I know! They even have GF soy sauce. If that's your issue, check them out.

LewisvilleHounder said...

No website persay but the pizza oven is in the "Campus Chat"

http://www.unt.edu/union/services/food_dining.html

I would call over to the Associate Director of Dining Services at (940) 565-3839 to verify they still have it. A lot has changed at UNT since I graduated in '02.