Talard Thai Asian Market

"Grocery store hot bars are mainly appealing for one reason: convenience. Except at Talard Thai in Edgewater. Hidden in the back of this market, just past aisles of curry paste and stacks of produce, is a fantastic cash-only food stall. Served cafeteria-style, there’s all sorts of ready-to-eat food like sweet stewed pork and boiled eggs, pad prik khing, and harder-to-find dishes like kang hung lay, a tart, Northern Thai curry. Dishes rotate regularly, and it’s all very affordable—three dishes and a side of rice only costs $10.50. Most people are just stopping by for take-out, but their convenient foldable plastic tables are perfect for a quick bite." - john ringor, veda kilaru, adrian kane

"At the back of this Asian market, you'll find a couple of plastic tables and a cash-only food stall with fantastic Thai food. Everything is served cafeteria-style, and you get two or three entree combos with a side of steamed rice for around $10. From sweet stewed pork with hard-boiled eggs, to pad prik with crispy pork and green beans, to creamy massaman curry, there are always plenty of choices. Just don't get too clingy—dishes rotate daily." - adrian kane, john ringor

"This Asian specialty grocer sports a food counter in the back where the cooks serve what is possibly Chicago’s best papaya salad — totally customizable (that includes the heat level). For those who underestimate this delicacy, Talard shows the dish in a new light forcing tongues to use buds diners never knew existed. The hot bar has other dishes worth sampling, but the papaya salads are truly magical. Check out the market’s Facebook page for daily offerings including noodle soups, eggplant, and more." - Ashok Selvam

"The back of this Edgewater grocery store has a cash-only food stall with delicious Thai food. Served cafeteria style, everything stays warm in steam baths, and you get an entree and rice for just $9.50. From sweet stewed pork with hard-boiled eggs, to prad prik with crispy pork and green beans, to creamy massaman curry, there are always plenty of choices. Just know that entrees rotate daily, so—unlike our credit card bill—certain dishes might end up disappearing." - john ringor, veda kilaru

"Talard Thai in Edgewater is the perfect solution to never shopping on an empty stomach. In the back of this grocery store, past bunches of basil, jars of spices, and the freezer aisle, lies a fantastic cash-only food stall. Served cafeteria style, metal trays of dishes like pad prik king, massaman curry, or stewed sweet pork, stay nice and toasty in a steam bath. Options rotate regularly, and it’s all incredibly affordable: three dishes and a side of rice only costs $8.75. " - john ringor