"Though it's been open for over two decades on Melrose, Prael doesn't have quite the same recognition as big-name spots in adjacent Thai Town. But that just makes us love this under-the-radar gem even more. Similar to Jitlada, Prael has a large menu that includes both Thai dishes you'll find everywhere and a bunch of Southern Thai dishes you won't. Among that latter group, go for the gang pah, an herbaceous, clear broth curry packed with bamboo and eggplant, and the kanom jeen num ya, rice noodles topped with a sweet, bright yellow fish curry. We also love the earthy, gelatinous gravy of the lard na, and the crunchy-spongy fried shrimp rolls that pop with each bite. Prael has a well-oiled takeout situation, but eating inside their charming dining room adorned with portraits of Thai royalty and Muay Thai posters is definitely worth your time." - brant cox, arden shore, garrett snyder, sylvio martins
