Khai Phat Nam (Prik) Pao, Khai Phat (Prik) Khing, these are some of the exotic dishes available at this extraordinary far-eastern restaurant situated on CMH Road, Indiranagar. Ahem! A word of caution before I start the review, take a close look at the names of the dishes again, especially the words in brackets. Sounds naughty right? The translated names of the dishes are Chicken in Roasted Chilli Paste & Chicken in Chilli Ginger Sauce but in Thai these sound a tad wicked. To impress my friends who accompanied me, I repeated the names in chaste Thai to the waiter in my characteristic stereophonic baritone. This had an immediate effect on a gang of bubbly young gals seated besides us; the instant nuclear blast looks from them had me crawling in unwarranted embarrassment. Hence, either point out the dish from the menu or take extreme precaution to murmur the names in the waiter’s ears.
Now coming to brass tacks, the restaurant is set against a background of mixed tones and it creates a warmly inviting mood that is at once traditional and modern, Asian with a subtle nod to the west.
Of all the starters I sampled at Shiok, it’s the Crispy Vegetables in Chillies, Garlic and Basil whose siren call is strongest. I’d gladly drive across town for a reprise of this fiery symphony of crispy vegetables, basil, roasted garlic, and chilli paste. The ubiquitous Tom Yum soup is also superb. The Crispy Fish in Three Flavoured Sauce (Pla Tod Sahm Rod), its fresh fish moist and flaky under a golden sear and the spicy-sweet sauce liberally spangled with basil leaves, rates a return visit. So does a classic rendition of green curry (Indonesian version), chock-a-block with chicken, crisp whole green chillies and other vegetables in an exotically fragrant and incendiary (on request) brew. The Chicken in Roasted Chilli Paste, Chicken in Chilli Ginger Sauce and Chicken Satay reveals of a chef who loves his job.
And above all the service is exceptionally accommodating.
It’s no mystery why those who do discover the restaurant become regulars. I’d return any number of times for the fresh seafood, curries, and the exquisite rice and noodles dishes.