Nestled in the quieter area of 272 Claremont Boulevard, a new Thai Restaurant, Khao Tiew–which translates to “flat rice noodle” in English—opened in March 2024 and has quickly become one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after dining spots. So popular, in fact, that securing a table required us to plan weeks in advance — as it was booked solid until May. After failing to get a reservation, my family and I opted for takeout instead to at least try out their menu.

From the restaurant, we ordered four dishes: Pad Thai Bolan, Gangster chicken, Beef Massaman curry, and Duck Breast Panang.

The Pad Thai Bolan offered a refreshing departure from the typical Pad Thai with an umami and salty flavor, rather than the citrusy flavor I was used to, and had silky noodles that paired well with the optional fried chicken.

The Gangster chicken was a hit or miss dish-It had excellent crispy fried chicken and flavorful sauces, but also bland and rubbery boiled chicken with a tasteless broth on the other side. 

The beef massaman curry, while thick and carrying a delayed warming spice that lingered pleasantly on the palate, contained too much fat and not enough meat on the beef.

And finally, the duck breast panang surprised with well-cooked tender meat that was complimented by a tangy curry and subtle spice. 

Khao Tiew presents a mixed experience. While certain elements shine brilliantly—particularly the fried chicken and the duck breast panang—others need refinement. It’s worth a visit if you like Asian food—especially for the pad Thai Bolan, fried chicken elements, and the duck panang—but keep expectations low for certain other menu items. I would give it a solid 3.5/5 stars.