Hidden Gems Thailana

In a country full of deserts and rocky mountains,

where greenery happens upon parts of the country only once a year, and the predominant diet consists of ful (beans) and salta, one can’t help but yearn once in a while for an exotic escape of food and flavors.

Thankfully, there’s Thailana Restaurant, a small tropical refuge from the monotony of Yemeni bufias.

Thailana is tucked away off Hadda St., a little after Beirut Circle. The only hint of its presence is a small illuminated sign with “Thailana Restaurant” printed in Old English script, looking more like it might house a rustic British lodge than an Asian eatery. Once inside, the atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and pleasant, and reminded me of cozy Thai and Chinese joints I used to frequent back in the U.S.  The tables were beautifully set with oriental bowls and bamboo placemats neatly arranged around carved candleholders. The walls were adorned with colorful posters of Thailand and traditional artwork, which struck a strange yet comforting contrast with the qamariyaas and Yemeni plasterwork. A smiling waitress wearing a traditional Thai dress showed us to our table and presented us with bamboo covered menus.

The menu itself was enough to take us out of Yemen and into a world of colorful spices and herbs.  Boasting a whole host of flavors from the Far East, with spring rolls, papaya salads, coconut soups, red and green curries, stir fries, seafood, rice, and noodles, it held great possibility for what the evening had in store. Most items came with the option of vegetables, beef, chicken, or shrimp. It was enough to make our mouths water just gazing at the names.

The waitress started us off with some cold Thai iced teas and a bowl of crispy shrimp chips. As we sipped on the spicy sweet beverages, we fantasized about the exotic fruits displayed on the poster above our table. Then, she came back with the first course. Light spring rolls and Tom Yam Kaung soup. The soup was served in a large elegant clay pot with a space on the bottom for heat and a small lid that sealed in flavor.  Upon opening the lid, our senses were assaulted with the rich smells of coconut and lemongrass wafting out from the bubbling hot soup.  The shrimp in the soup was cooked to perfection, and melded nicely with the vegetables.  Though it was a bit heavy on the lime, the soup reinvigorated our palettes and definitely won my vote for best presentation.

The curries arrived next, accompanied by a large bowl of jasmine white rice.  Once again, coconut milk and the uniquely Thai blend of spices transported us to a world of pristine island beaches and golden temples. Classic green curry was a hit at the table, with tender vegetables, flavorful pieces of beef, and a spiciness that could knock your socks off. The Pha Naeng (peanut sauce) curry was a sweet twist on the typical dish, both subtle and flavorful.

Thai fried noodles, also known as Pad Thai, were recommended to us by the manager as a restaurant favorite. And when they came to the table, it wasn’t difficult to see why. The rice noodles sautéed with egg and chicken were seasoned with a tangy tamarind-soy sauce mixture, topped in heaping spoonfuls of cilantro and crushed peanuts. The different textures and blend of sour and salty easily made it a favorite of mine as well. Thailana does not have the diverse array of Thai sweets usually present at a Thai restaurant. However, we were all so full by the time we had finished that we didn’t even notice.

The restaurant opened in December 2001, and is managed by a family of Thai expats. For one reason or another, it has remained a relative unknown in the city, despite its unique menu. The prices are a bit steeper than your usual local joint, making it more of a once-a-month treat than a daily splurge. Nevertheless, the experience of exotic smells and tastes makes it worthwhile, if only to escape to a more tropical destination, even for just a few hours.

Phone number: 01419249
Location: When traveling South on Hadda street, take the first right after Beirut Circle, and the restaurant will be on your right.