Thai Restaurants in Madrid: Bangkok

One of the joys of being in the cosmopolitan city of Madrid is that the gastronomy is permeated with international influence. From Indian to Italian, Mexican to Japanese, the city offers many diverse restaurants with delectable cuisine from around the globe. One such international jewel is located in the heart of the city, above street-level on the vivacious Calle de Arenal. This Thai restaurant, Bangkok, refines dining with flavorful dishes, attentive service, and a tranquil, southeast Asian ambience.

Upon entering the restaurant and climbing the steps to the second level, the space opens into a soothing haven; sapphire and lemon walls, muted candlelight, stone statues of Buddha, and elegant, long-stemmed orchids. A fine-crafted pergola swathed in colorful drapery envelopes the central booths, while tables along the exterior receive spectacular views of bustling Arenal from enormous picture windows. Once settled near one of these windows or by a trickling fountain, the attentive staff will be quick to serve you, with almost no wait period even during busier hours.

Reasonably priced, the menu presents all of the classic recipes needed to satisfy Thai cravings. The spring rolls are crisp and fresh, while the egg noodles of the Pad Thai are fully infused with the rich flavor of chopped peanuts. One reliable and tasty plate, Khao Pad or fried rice, combines long-grained jasmine rice indigenous to Thailand with slices of beef.  A more zesty option, Red Curry Chicken, features tender cuts of chicken and peppers soaked in a piquant red chili curry sauce, accompanied by sticky rice. Other savory dishes on the menu include chicken coconut soup, pineapple pork, green mango salad, and a crab legs in yellow curry sauce. The dessert menu also boasts Thailand’s popular Kao niao ma muang, sticky rice with ripe mango.

A word of warning to zesty-food lovers: although the dishes are full of flavor, don’t expect to thrill your taste buds with fire.  The spices in the cuisine are palpable, but relatively moderate by Thai food standards.

PRICES:
Menú del Día (two plates, drink, dessert)-11.50 euros

Regular Menu
Appetizers- 3.50-9 euros
Soups and Vegetables- 6.50-8.90 euros
Rice- 2.50-8.50 euros
Noodles- 7.50-12.50 euros
Curry- 8.90-12.50 euros
Meat- 8.50-10.90 euros
Fish- 9.90-14.40 euros

Bangkok
Calle Los Bordadores, 15
Metro: Sol, Opera
Telephone: 91 559 1696
Hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

By Jane Caffrey