Maria M.
Yelp
Thaiger Den - Malden's New Must-Visit Thai Spot
Thaiger Den - 157 Pleasant St, Malden, MA 02148
Malden just got a serious upgrade in the Thai food scene with Thaiger Den, a modern and inviting restaurant offering elevated Thai cuisine with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. From sizzling lava stones to beautifully plated classics, the experience here is just as exciting as the food itself.
Starters
Sous Vide Beef Tongue (8/10)
This dish is all about texture--tender, smoky, and perfectly grilled after an 18-hour sous vide process. While the beef tongue itself was excellent, I wasn't as much of a fan of the accompanying Jaew sauce and tomato relish--I wish I had saved some of these pieces to pair with the Wagyu sauces instead. Still, a well-executed dish that's worth trying.
Golden Fried Pork Belly (GF) (9/10)
Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside--this was an easy 9/10. The pork belly was fried to perfection and paired with a sweet chili sauce that complemented it beautifully. A fantastic shareable appetizer that's indulgent yet balanced.
Main Dishes
A5 Wagyu Steak (8/10)
Cooking A5 Miyazaki Wagyu on a sizzling lava stone is an experience in itself! The homemade Thai chimichurri was the standout here--bright, herby, and packed with umami. However, the vegetables were undercooked and felt like an afterthought. The dish could also use more sides to justify the $45 price tag. While the Wagyu was delicious, I've had better, so while this is fun for the experience, I wouldn't say it's the best Wagyu around.
Khao Soi (SS) (GF) (V) (10/10)
This is the dish I would come back for. The creamy coconut curry broth was rich, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. The sous vide chicken was hands down the juiciest chicken I've had. For $21, this is a super filling meal and a must-try for Thai food lovers.
Flat Iron Steak Pad Thai (GF) (9/10)
I actually preferred the flat iron steak over the Wagyu--juicy, well-seasoned, and the perfect pairing for the wok-fried Pad Thai noodles. The balance of tamarind, shrimp tomalley, and palm sugar created a bold yet comforting dish. A well-executed take on a Thai classic!
Dessert
Mango Sticky Rice (V) (GF) (9/10)
A beautiful take on the traditional mango sticky rice! The butterfly pea flower-infused rice made for a stunning presentation, and the coconut milk and ice cream took it to the next level. A perfect way to end the meal!
Final Thoughts
Food: 9/10 - Every dish had something unique to offer, and the flavors were bold, authentic, and well-executed. The Khao Soi and Flat Iron Steak Pad Thai were the biggest standouts.*
Ambiance: 7/10 - The wooden decor and warm, inviting atmosphere made for a great dining experience.
Affordability: 6/10 - On the pricier side, but for certain dishes (like the Khao Soi and Pad Thai), well worth it. The Wagyu felt a bit steep given the portion and undercooked vegetables.
Overall: 9/10 - Thaiger Den is a must-visit for Thai food lovers looking for high-quality, flavorful dishes in Malden. Whether you're here for a fun interactive meal or a comforting bowl of noodles, this spot delivers!