signature dish siam crispy chicken
Sala Thai’s Siam Crispy Chicken A “Sala” or a “Sala Thai” is an open but sheltered
pavilion used for meeting places, meant to protect people from sun and rain during conversation. Looking around the inside of Sala Thai, in Airway Heights, I saw clearly that the restaurant lived up to its name. At 5:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, the restaurant was packed, with more diners continually coming through the chiming door. Nearly every table was full with a variety of people – families, men from the Air Force Base, couples on dates and groups of friends had all gathered mid-week to share a meal together. The restaurant provided an airconditioned, comfortable place to build community and family. Scanning the menu for a dish that would best represent Sala Thai, the words “exclusive recipe” caught my eye. When I saw that the words “Siam Crispy Chicken” ($15.50) followed, I knew I had to have it. When the waiter took my order, he asked what level of spice I wanted. He cautioned that Sala Thai is known for being one of the spiciest Thai places around. I’m not one to set my mouth ablaze on purpose, so I ordered the Siam Crispy Chicken with minimal heat. It arrived several minutes later with a burst of color and a blast of flavor. The presentation of the meal was noticeable in itself. Served on an ovular white plate, the food stood out against the plain background. A perfect scoop of white rice complimented the main dish. A pine-
apple cut in half and hollowed out served as a meat carrier. Strips and bites of glazed chicken marinated inside, dripping with sauce. Slices of green bell pepper and pineapple chunks were mixed in with the meat. Onion and basil flavors contrasted with the sweetness of the pineapple and with the sweet and sour chicken. Presentation aside, the food was absolutely delicious. It’s no wonder that the Siam Crispy Chicken is one of Sala Thai’s most popular dishes! By far my favorite part of the meal was the chef ’s special sauce. I poured it over my rice after devouring the sauce-glazed chicken, and would have tossed back a cup of it had one been available! The chicken was indeed crispy, but also soft inside, and the rice was cooked well. I would recommend this dish to any who enter through Sala Thai’s chiming door. — Hanna Martin Sala Thai is located at 12914 West Sunset Highway #104, Airway Heights, and is open Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, closed. (509) 244-4800
photo by Hanna Martin
spokanecda.com • october • 2015
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