Citrus Central: Lime Thai Opens in the CBD

Run by the same culinary team as now-defunct Sanlitun spot this vibrant cafe remedies the lack of Thai food at Central Park. Thai chef Mac Boonrit’s menu is dominated by classic Thai dishes, with a few inspired twists such as the spicy tuna salad – toned down, of course, for those with Western taste buds who reside in the nearby apartments.

This resurgence from the Pink Loft team seems an instant success. After only a two-week “soft” opening, Lime Thai is already packed with international diners. Most come for a light and refreshing Thai set lunch (RMB 58) on weekdays. The set includes a two-course meal (Thai salad or soup with a main course) and a drink (green tea, jasmine tea or watermelon juice).

Perhaps a deliberate echo of the restaurant’s name, the flavor of lime juice dominates the crisp green papaya salad (available on the set menu, and RMB 32 if ordered a la carte), and even slightly breaks the balance of the Tom Ka Kai (RMB 26, chicken in coconut milk soup). For the lunch set, portions are not particularly generous, but will surely satisfy slimline ladies. The steamed sea bass, served with a typical sweet and sour chilli sauce, was well-executed. RMB 98 gets you a whole fish on the a la carte menu, but if you order from the set menu, you’re simply served two pieces of fish belly accompanied by steamed jasmine rice and assorted greens (baby corns, green beans, straw mushroom, broccoli and zucchini). If you need a dessert to complete your meal, try the sweet glutinous rice with mango (RMB 20).

Lime Thai Restaurant 青柠泰餐厅

Daily 11.30am-9.30pm. Store 103, Bldg 15, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6597 0887)
朝阳区朝外大街新城国际15号楼103铺