Mojdeh S.
Yelp
How I heard of this place: I was invited to a Yelp Elite Gold/Black Badge event here a couple of months ago and haven't stopped thinking about it! When family and friends from out of town were visiting, we made it happen.
Type of cuisine: "Word-by-word translation means "eat and play". At Kin Len, we would love for our guests to eat and enjoy, bring family or just enjoy a cocktail by yourself or hang out with friends, maybe even make some new ones here. We are thrilled to be a part of the Fremont Neighborhood. Come join us for small or larger bites, your choice! Don't pass up on our amazing Regional Thai-inspired crafted cocktails, delicious bites, and a chill vibe all on its own."
The cuisine revolves around authentic Thai Street Food. Amazing quality, fresh and spicy, just like when we were walking around Bangkok's night market.
Ambiance: Enter a space that is filled with colorful Thai-inspired decorations. It looks cozy and sweet, with it's lobby seating for the waiting crowds, and flags strung across and overhead. But don't be fooled by the tiny nook that welcomes you. Inside, the restaurant is expansive, huge and vast. Seating feels intimate, as there are so many spaces for tables/chairs that each "room" feels smallish. Inside, it's dark and loud (music and bustling patrons) and the smell of food glorious. Each menu item is sure to entice all of the taste buds.
What I ordered: On this visit, I deferred to my guests, but offered a few recommendations as well. We started with Kin Len Wings with Sticky Rice - Lightly breaded full jumbo wings, sticky rice, spicy tamarind dipping sauce, and fried squid/calamari. Our main dishes included Battered Chicken Red Curry (khao-mun-kai-tod) - deep fried chicken thighs topped with house red curry, served with fragrant ginger rice; Phad See Eiw - Wide rice noodles stir-fried at the highest ame possible for that smokey flavor, cooked with egg, Chinese broccoli and your choice of chicken, pork or tofu; we selected beef for an additional $1; and a spicy Tom yum goong/soup. Our desserts were the famous and popular Durian Tiramisu and mango sticky rice.
What I loved: The mango from the sticky rice dish was perfectly sweet, perfectly orange and the best burst of sweet flavor after our rich and decadent meal. I especially enjoyed the spicy soup on this visit. My all-time favorite continued to be the Battered Chicken Red Curry.
Why I loved it: The ambiance is fun and lively, the food rich and flavorful, and the vegan/vegetarian options a great addition to serve all dietary needs.
Cost: High