PlanetRockwall.com

Koung Thai Serves Up Asian Comfort Food

Chilly winter days often set off a craving for comfort food - you know, the kind that warms from within. Chili and chicken soup come to mind as perennial favorites, but a recent visit to Rockwall's Koung Thai Restaurant suggests that alternatives abound in unexpected places.

Situated in the Rockwall Central Shopping Center near I-30 E and South Goliad Street, Koung Thai has been serving up traditional Laotian/Thai cuisine since 2008.


Tom Yum Soup

The menu offers plenty of choices, from the familiar pad Thai noodles to at least eight different styles of curry. On our visit, the server offered us sample servings of four of them, red, yellow, green and Panang. Each had its own distinct personality, surprisingly different yet similar, offering satisfying and rich blends of ingredients. The Panang was particularly flavorful, providing a zest that could take the chill off the harshest winter day. If more warmth is needed, Chef Noy and his staff can make each dish as mild or spicy as desired.


Pad Thai

Originally from Laos, chef and co-owner Noy Chanhmisay told Planet Rockwall that the cuisine of that country and neighboring Thailand is very similar. There are subtle differences, however, and he incorporates them into his presentation. One example is the use of purple sweet rice from Laos in place of the more familiar sticky white rice in their unique desserts like Thai Custard over sweet rice. Delicious.


Thai Custard dessert made with purple rice

So, if it's comfort food you're after, and the usual fare just isn't calling out to you, a plate of Panang Curry Chicken over rice may be just the ticket.

Koung Thai is open Monday thru Saturday.
Lunch: 11 to 2:30 pm - Dinner: 5 to 9:30 P.M.

Koung Thai Rockwall offers sushi as well. Check out the restaurant's Sushi menu online.

Bob Lewis - Planet Rockwall