Amphawa Thai

We won’t sugar coat it: the 21-page menu at Amphawa is so long it should come with its own SparkNotes guide. Yet quantity does equal quality at this homestyle Richmond spot with a trickling fountain and flowers on every table. From the classic soups and curries to the specials like house beef jerky and deep-fried sausage, flavors are amped up to the max. Exhibit A: the kao kana moo krob, or crispy, salty-sweet pork belly served over Chinese broccoli, and the ultra-tender pork leg stew (kao ka moo) with its star anise aroma we want to turn into an essential oil. We also adore this spot because it’s laidback, easy to walk into, and perfect for catching a game on their TVs over dinner.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Kao Ka Moo

This pork leg stew makes an appearance on most tables, which makes sense, because it’s fantastic. You can order it a la carte or over rice. We prefer a la carte so the meat has more time to soak in the fragrant juices it’s sitting in.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Kao Kana Moo Krob

The crust on the chunks of sautéed pork belly are so crisp they stick to your teeth (in the best way). Saltiness is balanced out nicely by the glistening pile of Chinese broccoli.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Kao Soy Soup

Unlike a lot of versions in town, the noodles within this coconutty dish maintain their chew even while bathing in the creamy soup. Onions, pickled mustard greens, and crispy noodles lend a great crunch to every bite.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Tom Kha Pak Soup

Like a personal space heater, but edible. The warming soup is loaded with chunky mushrooms and onions, and has a hint of lemongrass that brightens the whole thing up.