Panang Curry @ Thai Spice
Penang is a city and an area of Malaysia. When its name is attached to a dish in a Thai restaurant, it swaps an "a" for the initial "e" and describes one of the most complex dishes in the Thai cuisine. The ginger-like flavors of galangal are almost always in there, among other things. The pepper level tends to be lower than those of green or red curry, but you can order it to any degree of hotness you love. An admixture of coconut milk completes the profile. It's best with pork or shrimp, but at Thai Spice they'll make it with almost anything you ask for. The vegetarian version is excellent, too. Tell them you like it in the very soupy Thai style, with a big spoon to get it all up.
Thai Spice. Covington: 1531 US 190. 985-809-6483.
This is among the 500 best dishes in New Orleans area restaurants. Click here for a list of the other 499.
