Lung Yai is starting to feel like a Miami classic - Review - Miami - The Infatuation

"The hype around Lung Yai has never fully died down since it opened in 2015. People still refer to the little spot at the heart of Calle Ocho as a “hidden gem” or “the best Thai restaurant in Miami.” Neither is true. But their consistent khao soi, crispy chicken wings, and spicy beef salad have helped Lung Yai settle into its role as the Miami classic it was always destined to be. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Everyone has a story of their first time at Lung Yai. (If you don’t, this is your sign to go.) Grazing elbows with strangers at the communal picnic table is Miami’s equivalent of rubbing the bronze balls of Wall Street’s charging bull. Their walk-in only policy has remained unchanged, so you might have to wait on the weekends to snag a seat. Along with Sanguich and Cafe La Trova, it’s the hottest table on Calle Ocho. Since they’ve stopped seating people at the indoor counter, it’s best to come when Miami isn’t an atmospheric oven. 98% of the tables are for two, so bring someone who loves sharing and disco lights. We wouldn’t have believed this in 2015, but Lung Yai has also morphed into an excellent takeout spot over the years. Keep it in mind the next time you want reliable Thai without leaving your couch. Food Rundown Som Tam This tart, sour papaya salad makes you purse your lips like the War Heads mascot. Keep it on the table throughout your meal because it acts like a cooling system between hot bites of dumplings and wings. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Shrimp Steamed Dumplings Each one is about the size of those compressed towel tablets that expand with hot water. They’re packed with hot, juicy shrimp and should be given a swirly in the sweet, tangy soy dip. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Khao Soi Get this noodle soup with beef. The mild version is not spicy at all. You mostly get a sweet, coconut flavor. We also appreciate the dual textures from the crispy and soft noodles. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Chicken Wings Drumstick or wing? That’s the only internal dialogue that should be happening when these land on your table. The wings are so crunchy, they can block out your high-pitched cousin with each bite. photo credit: Karli Evans Neua Nam Tok It’s a carnivore’s idea of a salad. The thin slices of beef soak up every bit of the spicy and sour dressing that’s spread all over. The pieces of lettuce on the side are a friendly reminder that it is, indeed, a salad. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc" - Mariana Trabanino