Craving a genuine taste of Thailand right here in Chicago? Look no further than Jj Thai Street Food, nestled on the vibrant Chicago Avenue in West Town. This gem, a personal favorite in the city’s foodie scene, offers a delightful escape into the world of authentic Thai street and market cuisine. Unlike many Thai restaurants that blend in Chinese influences, JJ Thai Street Food, under the guidance of Chef and owner Jiranya Thosatheppitak, is committed to serving traditional Thai recipes.
My quest for the perfect neighborhood Thai spot led me straight to JJ Thai Street Food. After asking for recommendations from my Instagram followers, JJ’s was overwhelmingly the top choice. Despite not being in my immediate neighborhood, the passionate endorsements convinced me it was a must-try. And I’m so glad I listened! One visit was all it took to make me a loyal customer, happily traveling across town for their incredible dishes time and time again.
Must-Try Dishes at JJ Thai Street Food
JJ Thai Street Food boasts a menu full of flavorful and authentic options, but here are a few dishes that have become personal favorites and represent the best of what they offer:
Peek Gai Tod: Irresistible Thai Fried Chicken Wings
Peek Gai Tod is a standout appetizer. These aren’t just any chicken wings; they are marinated and fried to golden perfection, served with JJ’s signature spicy house sauce. My partner, Mario, declares these his favorite Thai chicken wings in the city! While not overwhelmingly spicy, they deliver an intense flavor explosion. Expect a light, crispy texture with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes. They’re so flavorful, you might even find yourself enjoying them without the dipping sauce.
Pla Muk Yang: Perfectly Grilled Squid with Thai Seafood Sauce
Speaking of must-orders, Pla Muk Yang, JJ’s grilled squid, is an absolute personal favorite. The squid is expertly grilled, achieving a delightful smoky char while maintaining a soft, tender, and non-chewy texture. The accompanying Thai spicy seafood sauce is a zesty and salty complement, with a pleasant kick from red chilies and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for grilled squid aficionados and an excellent introduction for those new to this Thai street food delight.
Look Shin Gai Ping: Addictive Grilled Chicken Meatballs on Skewers
Look Shin Gai Ping, homemade grilled chicken meatballs on skewers, are famously Chef Jina’s favorite and a consistent crowd-pleaser at local Thai food festivals. These meatballs are incredibly juicy, flavorful, and utterly addictive! Beyond the fun of eating meat on a stick, the signature sweet, tart, and tangy tamarind sauce elevates this dish to another level of deliciousness.
Khao Panaeng Neua: Comforting Panang Beef Curry
Don’t let the simple appearance of Khao Panaeng Neua fool you; this traditional stewed Panang beef curry is packed with flavor. While it may not be the most visually striking dish, its taste is undeniably captivating. This rich and aromatic red curry is a comforting blend of salty and sweet, with a delightful nutty undertone, a subtle warmth, and the perfect balance of herbs. It’s the kind of dish that’s pure comfort food and incredibly hard to stop eating.
Khao Lard Ka Praw Gai: Classic and Perfectly Balanced Basil Chicken
Khao Lard Ka Praw Gai, stir-fried ground chicken with basil, is a staple at Thai restaurants, and JJ Thai Street Food’s version stands out. They achieve an exceptional balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors without any greasiness. Since every dish is made to order, you can customize the spice level to your preference. I usually opt for the regular spice, but be warned – their “extra spicy” is truly extra spicy!
Experience these delicious dishes and more at JJ’s Thai Street Food, located at 1715 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL.
Authenticity Certified: JJ’s Thai Street Food is proud to be Thai SELECT Certified, a designation from the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand. This certification recognizes restaurants that serve at least 60% authentic Thai dishes, utilize traditional Thai cooking methods, and often import ingredients directly from Thailand. With over 500 Thai SELECT certified restaurants in the U.S., JJ’s is in esteemed company, guaranteeing an authentic Thai culinary experience. For more information, visit Thai SELECT.
