Soi 38 offers fantastic Thai cuisine in a somewhat obscure downtown location (21st and L). I’d never heard of it until  I started working nearby. I always thought I was spoiled for Thai food, living in the same neighborhood as Thai Square and Bangkok 54, and not too far from Rabieng and Duangrat’s. But Soi 38‘s creative, unique Thai food is amazing and a cut above the usual.

I visit fairly often, and so far, have had a variety of dishes, almost excellent. The focus seems to be a bit more northern Thai, with staples such as Nam Prik Ong, Khao Soi, and Kha Moo. I’ve tried the Kha Moo, Ped Roti, Yum Ped Yang, Pad See Eew, Ped Krob, Khao Soi, and Kanom Jeen.

The Ped Roti (duck roll) and and Yum Ped Yang (duck salad) were probably the dishes I would not order again. Something seemed to be lacking in both of them. The duck was excellent though. My favorites are definitely the Kha Moo (stewed pork leg with pickled mustard greens and Chinese broccoli), the Ped Krob (crispy duck with basil), and the Khao Soi (noodle curry with chicken). The Kha Moo is a new dish for me, but it is delicious; the meat is tender with a flavorful sauce and unique vegetables. Ped Krob is always a favorite of mine, and both the basil and duck are super crisp in this version. Khao Soi (egg noodles, chicken, curry) is pure comfort food and the curry is on point. Pad See Eew (wide rice noodles, vegetables) is another comfort dish and the vegetables and noddles were perfectly cooked. Kanom Jeen (noodles, green curry, bamboo), another new-to-me dish, included my Thai favorites: eggplant, noodles, and bamboo in a tasty green curry.

I still need to try dessert, along with their happy hour, which I hear has some great offering. Service can be a bit brusque; no one is all that friendly, save the hostess, but everyone is polite. If you’re ready to stop ordering Pad Thai, I’d head to Soi 38.

-LEM