Mary M.
Yelp
Zaap. My feelings are hurt.
Hubby and I were in the mood for some Thai food. We have passed by Zaap Kitchen some many times with the phrase, "We need to check them out" always peppering the conversation. So, we finally did. Honestly, my feelings were hurt.
This popular(at least from the revolving door of pick-up and DoorDash orders) spot on Greenville Avenue was clean and open with some really cool decor pieces that made for a pleasant entry. The staff was kind and attentive and very patient.
We started out with the Crab Cream Cheese Eggrolls that were reminiscent of Crab Rangoons, but with less flavor. Crisp and golden brown with the snap of flaky goodness in every bite, that was all it had to offer. The filling was bland(which I'm still trying to figure out where they do that at in Thailand or Lao) with not a nary bit of crabmeat in sight!
Hubby had Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp that was OK? The shrimp was cooked beautifully and the rice was studded with toasted cashews, raisins(which we've never had in Pineapple Fried Rice, but actually worked) and green onions, but that was it. Once again, bland. Not to mention the fact that the price tag did not match the portion size.
I had the Nam Khao, which was the only shining light of this meal. Coconut Fried Rice balls, stir-fried with cured pork, chili peppers, and roasted peanuts, served with cool crisp lettuce cups was a peach!(I know, I know, a Peach? It's Friday, try something new). The cured pork was tangy with a slight sour note that played beautifully with the sweet rice. Before the rice balls are worked into the rest of the dish, there fried! This caramelized the sugars in the coconut milk in the rice that just made the whole dish a flavor BOMB! Wrap all that up in a crisp, cool, cup of lettuce, and you've got Way More than a "Salad".
All in all, what hit, hit, and what missed, missed. Maybe we need to try some some of the more popular dish and see where the rabbit hole goes.
Your thoughts?