Thai food is the ultimate delivery food, and Farmhouse Kitchen in San Francisco is the (coconut) cream of the crop. Chef Kasem Saengsawang’s menu is a high dive into modern Thai food: Big on flavor, not too serious, and 100 percent unique.
When developing the menu, Saengsawang looked to his childhood and the techniques and ingredients his grandparents introduced him to. They sourced the freshest produce at the market each morning and taught him about all the herbs and spices integral to the cuisine. He combined these influences with his experiences in restaurants, travel, and personal creativity to find a niche that is truly his own. The menu is dotted with items like the Volcano Cup, an elevated instant ramen. “I was looking to find some late-night food, so I stir-fried instant noodles with spices and amped it up with braised short ribs,” he says.
The extensive menu means you never have to choose between the familiar and the new. You can still get old faithful pad see ew, colorful curries, and crispy glazed chicken wings. But kang kua prawns are a delight, packed with turmeric and coconut, and the Tsunami Lobster is a decadent seafood curry that you won’t find anywhere else.
“We suggest our guests come with an open mind to try and experience our creations,” says Saengsawang. “They might come with a specific dish in mind, but we find that our specials give a ‘wow’ factor that entices guests to branch out.”
Saengsawang knows Thai food is spicy by nature, but he and his team cater to all palates. On one hand, there are the scorchingly hot larb and papaya salads, but you can go mild with Thai fried rice or tofu noodle soup. Everything is clearly labeled to help you find the level that’s right for you.
“A complete Thai meal consists of a great mix of dishes with different flavors: savory, spicy, tangy, and mild to be enjoyed with friends and family,” says Saengsawang. Spicy, sour chicken larb is better tempered by a rich, coconutty yellow curry, and don’t forget to throw in one of those Volcano Cups. These dishes are meant to be shared, and they travel well too.
