Abhay D.
Yelp
Having spent a week in Poland, my Indian/American tongue was craving for some spicy foods. Indeed the last evening in Poland, but I wanted to explore what is "spicy" by polish standards.
On google I found San Thai, about 1km from the main train station (central). Although it is windy and damn cold, I decided to venture to San Thai. Google rates it 4.5 stars. That made me more curious.
On a quite street away from the buzz of the train station, it was already rather full when I arrived 7:45pm. Getting a Place was not a problem, for one person. I ordered Tom Yum soup which was rated high spice level of 2 chilies, followed that with a king prawn dish, also with 2 chilies. The waitress offered a taste of an Italian Merlot which was not on the menu. It was fine, and ordered it. (It happens to be more expensive than any of the ones available on the menu by the glass: surprised? ... you should let be.)
The soup was excellent. Spicy, hot and the chicken init was just perfectly cooked. The right level of sourness, and lemon grass. I was very encouraged by the spice level, and waited eagerly for the main course. The king prawns were somewhat of a disappointment. Great Big prawns where grilled, and the "shown" a mild coconut based Thai curry sauce, over boiled vegetables, and stir fried onions. Only because I asked for super spicy I think the chef added a few moderately hot fresh chilies on the top. Not enough for an Indian born American! Each component was good, but they were not a single dish: the mild curry, the grilled shrimp and the vegetables were as if mixed on the plate. They were only acquainted with each other, were not best friends or family yet. Not the best of experiences.
The waitress then suggested a tapioca pudding. She promised it was great with a baked sesame seeds, mango and pomegranate seeds. The pudding arrived warm. Delicious! Never had a tapioca pudding that well done and nicely flavored.
On the wine front, I switched to an Austrian Riesling in the middle of the meal. That was nice, refreshing.
Waiters were nice, polite and attentive. The bill arrived had some taxes which could not be figured out, but were rather hefty. 23% and 7%. The waitress assured me that the service charge was not included. Is there a service charge on Europe? Not sure what was going on? Any way, since it's my last evening, I left an additional 10%. My polish friends perhaps are going to laugh at me, but that is ok.
This place has potential. I give it 3 only because of the mediocre main dish (irony?) but the soups and the dessert were first rate.
Would I come here again? Yes, to give the chefs to fix the main course. Until next time, Warsaw...