Kin Khao

Kin Khao is a destination, and not just because it might be your first stop after touching down at SFO (it’s located in the Parc 55 in Union Square). The funk-and-spice-packed dishes at this upscale Thai place leave a lasting impression. So it’s imperative you come here and experience them for yourself, whether the hotel is your home base for the week, or you live seven neighborhoods away. 

Access to this spot (also Nari’s sister restaurant) is through the Parc 55, or up some stairs by the FedEx sign on the corner of Mason and Ellis Streets. It’s not easy to forget you’re in a hotel (yes, you need a key card for the bathroom in the lobby). But you’ll overlook all the rolling suitcases if you focus 100% of your attention on the food. This place is open for lunch, but dinner is more worthwhile. The menu is longer, and the energy more relaxed, which is why you’ll find diners splitting bottles of wine instead of checking their Apple watches during a work break. 

photo credit: Adahlia Cole

Spicy, funky, salty, and sort of sweet—all the flavors are just fantastic. The khao kan jin, a mix of rice, blood sausage, shallots, and garlic chips, steals the show with its deep earthy taste and a ton of texture. Start your meal with the nam tok beans, little spice bombs that are crisp on the outside and creamy within. And know that someone will stall conversation by downing a whole glass of water after consuming the extra hot chilis on the tamarind-heavy chicken wings. Sure, there are a few misses. The previously beloved khao soi (available at lunch only) is somehow slightly bland, and the stir-fried Yaowaraj noodles are one-note. The memorable dishes, though, far exceed the middling ones. 

By now you might ask: what does Kin Khao have over the splashier Nari? Dishes at that Japantown spot are overall more impressive, and it’s where to go when everyone says f*ck it and is down to drop over $100 a head. Kin Khao’s bread and butter, on the other hand, is that it reigns supreme for any nice (but not too nice) occasion. This place is less expensive, and prices won't make you want to throw your wallet in a fire. But the food is also impressive enough for meals with your boss, or dates with someone who spends 15 hours a day in a downtown office building. Brave the Union Square chaos for this place any day. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Adahlia Cole

Pretty Hot Wings

As advertised, pretty hot. The tamarind glaze is sticky and delightful. Start with these and you’ll be off to a great start.

photo credit: Adahlia Cole

Caramelized Pork Belly

These glistening slices of pork belly are described on the menu as “voluptuous,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It’s one of the best dishes here, and should absolutely be on your table.

photo credit: Adahlia Cole

Khao Kan Jin

Pork, rice, and blood sausage are mixed with shallots, garlic chips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Kin Khao knocks this one out of the park.

photo credit: Adahlia Cole

Plah Pla Muek

If manners didn’t exist, we’d lick this plate of charred squid over a tangy sauce clean. The squid is so tender you could cut it with a butter knife.

photo credit: Adahlia Cole

Khao Soi

Not the creamy and flavorful broth we remember (and used to love). The northern Thai noodle soup surprisingly falls a bit flat. It’s still solid, but not what we’re texting all of our friends about.